After a first album composed by Calogero, she returns with “Fil rouge”, on tour since February. Maëlle will perform for the first time in Aix-en-Provence this November 22 at 6Mic, promising an electric break rich in emotions. Interview.
How would you describe your musical universe?
I see it as a mix of electronic music, with a lot of synths and technological modifications, but also a great acoustic dimension. I have always composed my songs on the piano, an instrument that I have always played. My style is a mix between modernity and inspiration from the classics of French song.
What are your inspirations?
I was influenced by what I listened to with my parents, like Michel Berger and France Gall. Today, artists like London Grammar or Christophe have been added to my palette of inspirations. I borrowed certain sounds that I like from their songs to adapt them to my own universe.
Do you write your songs in collaboration with other artists?
I worked with different authors and composers, like Nour Awad or Adrien Gallo for a song. For “Fil rouge”, I collaborated with Adrien Castel and Stanislas Snef, but the team remained small, with me at the center of creation. I want to remain in control of my project. I can surround myself, but it will always be with people who listen, who want to contribute to my vision.
Also read : Maëlle, first woman to win The Voice
The public knew you young, at 17, via “The Voice”. Since your first album, what has changed?
Lots of things! At 17, I was propelled out of anonymity. Everything happened very quickly: “The Voice”, a first album with Calogero, the baccalaureate at the same time… It was intense. Since then, I took the time to define what I wanted to do and to surround myself with the right people. I worked a lot on my music and my compositions. I grew up, gained maturity and independence. Now I manage my projects myself. I also learned to say no.
What do you want to convey through your album “Fil rouge”?
The album explores the theme of first times and experimentation, topics that I find quite universal. I started writing it when I was 20, at the beginning of my construction. It is therefore imbued with innocence. I was at the beginning of my love life, of my first heartbreaks. It was also at this time that I left my family to grow up alone.
I’m talking about changes in the body, the exploration of one’s sensuality, one’s sexuality and emancipation in one’s femininity. This journey can be difficult as a woman, especially in the still very sexist and misogynistic music world, where it is often difficult to be heard. What I’m trying to show is that, even if the path may be strewn with obstacles, we have plenty to experience!
Being young, we can do stupid things and face a lot of failures, but looking back, we tell ourselves that these are all small victories. Building yourself as a woman, growing up, learning not to let yourself get carried away, it’s a long mountain to climb, but it’s worth it.
Also read: Video: when Gulaan and Maëlle crack up the jury of The Voice
What should the public expect?
It’s very dynamic, we go through a lot of emotions: it moves, but there are also very moving piano-voice moments. I like people to dance, move, participate. We worked a lot to achieve this result, so we’re really happy to share it with people. The concert is well-established, but each time it is different, because each audience is unique.
How do you view your concert on November 22 at 6Mic?
I hope that people will be warm and that there will be interaction, above all that they will have a good time! What I want is for the audience to let go and have fun. During a concert, you forget everything. That’s what I feel when I go see artists, and I hope to offer that to the people who come to see me.
Friday November 22, at 8:30 p.m. at 6Mic, from €22. Reservations on www.6mic-aix.fr/evenements/maelle/
