CANADIAN CHAT WITH DANIEL LAVOIE

20th February 2004

Moderator: Hello everyone!

Anne-Marie_L: Hello Daniel.

DL: I'm ready!

Lyne_Archambault: Initially, hello Daniel, it's with great pleasure that I'm here today. Congratulations ... this new album is more than welcome here and in our hearts. The words are warm, comforting and they soothe us.

DL: Thanks!

lievre: Hello Mr Lavoie, you played in the musical and in films without music. Would you work in a film with music in which the music is the most important part and, above all, take a part in a play where the music is not important or where there is none at all?

Moderator: Don't be afraid to ask your questions!

DL: Either the one or the other … what is important is what is suggested to me, not if it has or doesn't have music.

Emmanuel Dor: In order to sing, do you still have to do lots of singing exercises on a daily basis?

DL: To say truthfully, no … but you see, I work at composing songs every day and that ends up by being a singing exercise.

Anne-Marie-L: How's the promotion going in Québec? I've listened to you on Radio-Canada (on the Net) and you appeared happy and relaxed, more at ease than in France?

DL: I'm probably more at ease in Québec as it is my home.

Gitane_Pologne: Hello Daniel! How are you? Kisses from Poland!

DL: Kisses from Québec!

badeth: Welcome Daniel, it's a lovely surprise to know you are so close to us. In your opinion, what is your most obvious characteristic?

DL: I'm a big talker.

Melissa Coutinho: Is it perhaps you feel at home, now that you're in Canada?

DL: Yes, I feel at home in Québec …

Lyne_Archambault: Did you attend the first night of "Don Juan"? You've worked with Gilles Maheu, what did you think of it?

DL: I like the production of Gilles Maheu a lot.

NataliK: Your son Joseph acted with you in the TV series about Leclerc. Are you both happy with the result?

DL: It was a great pleasure to be able to share the filming with my son. It was his first experience of film and I think it gave him the taste for doing another.

badeth: Daniel, do you feel on the same wavelength as Félix Leclerc?

DL: There are a lot of things in my life which are similar to those of Félix and I greatly enjoyed playing him. From that, to say I'm on the same wavelength, I don't know.

NataliK: In the '80s and at the start of the '90s, you were enthusiastic about electronic sounds, lots of synthesizers etc. "Ici" became more natural with fairly classical instruments. There's a good mixture on "Comedies Humaines". Have you found the right balance?

DL: Yes, I believe I've succeeded in mixing two things which I like a lot.

Tally: On the official site, another bonus track was announced. Have you changed the song or was it just a mistake?

DL: I think it was just a mistake.

badeth: Daniel, I'm waiting impatiently to go to see you in Concert in France .. but when?

DL: In France at the Auditorium St. Germain in Paris from the 4th October.

Gitane_Pologne: Is it possible that you will play a concert in Poland someday?

DL: In Poland, I hope to get a chance to go someday.

Lyne_Archambault: I heard you say that you would give a show in Montréal in November. Is it true?

DL: Yes, it's true. Probably at the Corona Theatre for two weeks.

joelle2: What are you going to do between now and October?

DL: From now to October, I'm firstly going to put on my show, Next, I'm composing songs for others who have requested songs from me and who are waiting for them at the moment. I will be at Pully in Switzerland in June and at the Petite-Vallée in July.

Tally: Are you thinking of release a DVD or a video of all of your promotional videos, including those in English?

DL: I've never thought about it, but why not. I must speak with my recording company about it.

NataliK: A huge thank you for your unbelievable album. "Comedies Humaines". It is so splendid that I can't find the words to talk about it even in my mother tongue. All my words are lifeless and weak. You've given us a real jewel. Thanks Daniel.

DL: Thanks NataliK.

Lyne_Archambault: Speaking of DVD's, do you think there will be a DVD of the musical "Le Petit Prince" on sale in Québec?

DL: I don't know if they are going to release "Le Petit Prince" on DVD in Québec but it is available in France for anyone who has the means to play it on the European system.

Poil22: Would it be too rude to ask who has requested songs from you?

DL: At the moment I'm working with Enzo Enzo.

joelle2: I hope this question hasn't been asked, have you chosen the same song for the promotion in Québec as in France?

DL: Yes, I've chosen the same song seeing that a promotional video has been made.

MichèleB: It's a splendid album Daniel, thank you. We're in a hurry to see you again.

Emmanuel Dor: I'm shortly sending my registration to the Song Festival of Petite-Vallée (of which you are the sponsor) in the composer category. Have you any advice to give me?

DL: Emmanuel, summon up all your courage, patience and determination and good luck!

Emmanuel Dor: Thanks.

Anne-Marie_L: Well done for this splendid album, will you take part in French TV broadcasts in the coming weeks?

DL: Yes, but I don't know which ones. I'm returning to Paris in March for that.

Lyne_Archambault: Is there a difference between the French and the Québécois public? How would you describe the Québécois public?

DL: No, there is no difference between the French and the Québécois public, but there are differences between one audience and another, from evening to evening and from one town to another town.

Irene Shpakarskaja: Did you take part in making the design for your new album? It's superb! (as is the album itself).

DL: Yes, I was very active in the design of the album cover and thank you!

MicheleB: On Radio-Canada we hear "Les Paravents Chinois" a lot, it's a marvellous song.

DL: I'm very happy with it, it's my favourite song.

gbernierIO: Hello Daniel. Congratulations on your new album. I've followed your career for a long time.

Poil22: After having played in "Notre Dame de Paris" and "Le Petit Prince", have you begun to be driven made by musicals or are you ready to begin once again on new projects?

DL: I wouldn't say I was driven made but I've had my go at it for now. I want to try something else.

Poil22: Of course, thanks for the reply!

Michèle: Do the comments on Alma's site please you?

DL: Indeed, I find that Alma's doing a very good job. It was she who suggested the site to me and she does it with great professionalism …

DL: And I read all your comments which make me very pleased.

Lyne_Archambault: My favourite song on the album is "Benies Soient les femmes" for the deep meaning of the words … for the emotion … I fell in love with it the first time I heard it!

joelle2: I like "Violoncelle" and "Les Loups" a lot. And you, do you still like Sauterne wine?

DL: Thanks about the songs. And certainly, I still like Sauterne.

la_forestier: Hello, do you know that, here in Russia, we have a Russian version of "Notre Dame de Paris"? We'd like to know if you've had the opportunity to listen to this "masterpiece".

DL: I've not had the opportunity to listen to the Russian version of "Notre Dame de Paris". I'll have to find myself a copy but where?

Poil22: Unfortunately, I've still not heard your new album. How would you describe it in a few words?

DL: I would find it difficult to describe in a few words seeing that it took me eight years to write.

Lyne_Archambault: Poil22, you are really missing something … run and get it!

Ange: To listen to the Russian version of NDDP you must come to Russia …

DL: Thanks Ange!

Anne-Marie_L: I like all the songs on this album … just a little hesitation over "Chasseur de mouches", the words of which are a bit harsh for my taste and which need a clarification of the text!!! .. but all the rest is so splendid that it gets by …

DL: Harsh? Let's understand one another, the things of life are harsh!

eliane: Hello Daniel, your CD is splendid, however, before hearing it, I was most disconcerted on reading the words of certain songs on your site and I had trouble imagining you singing them. Is it really easier for you to sing the words by other people?

DL: For Eliane: Singing the words by others allows me to play different characters.

Tally: Thanks a lot for this album, Daniel. All the songs are beautiful, the album is unbroken. Thank you!!!

DL: Thank you Tally.

Melissa Coutinho: Or you could ask any one of us to send you a copy of the Russian CD …

DL: OK Melissa, send me one … but not 3000!

Melissa Coutinho: Hahaha, OK.

Lyne_Archambault: What inspires you most in the creation, for the words and for the music?

DL: Life, mine, yours , the passing of time.

evgesha: Good evening Daniel, good evening to everyone.

Marie-Lise: Hello Daniel Lavoie – thank you for such beautiful songs, for the emotion in them and for letting us escape the thankless daily grind occasionally – I follow your career and I hope that it will be long as well and give you the necessary inspiration.

DL: Thanks Marie-Lise.

Symphonik: I would like to know, when you write a song, do you start with the music or with the words, and why? Thanks for replying to this question.

DL: I always begin with the words, I think that a song is, above all things, just words. The music fleshes it out.

Symphonik: Thanks!

Olya: Daniel, thank you for this so touching album!

DL: Thank you Olya and Tally, Melissa promised me one, so that should be fine.

eliane: Cooey, it's Alice who sent you the Morning Glory seeds. Have you planted my seeds, do you want some more?

DL: Actually, I did receive your Morning Glory seeds … I'm waiting for the Spring!

NataliK: The critics find something similar in your new album to those of Léo Ferré. Do you agree with them?

DL: I'm not really in agreement but I'm very flattered by the comparison.

Melissa Coutinho: You know, I'm doing my very best to be able to go to Paris for your concert though I live in Mexico City, so I just want you to know how very much I appreciate your music … You're my favourite singer!

DL: Thank you Melissa.

Olya: Daniel, will you visit Russia this year?

DL; Sorry Olya, I don't think so.

Anne-Marie_L: Have you kept in contact with the young actors in "Le Petit Prince"?

DL: Yes, I've kept in contact. Actually, I spoke with Jeff during my last stay in Paris and I met up with the Geographer who is working at the moment with Misha of "Star Academy".

Gitane_Pologne: Daniel do you know that there is a Polish site about you? www.daniellavoie.prv.pl – we invite you!

DL: Thank you, I didn't know. I'm writing it down right away.

Symphonik: Mr Lavoie, what do you think of the "Star Academy" phenomenon?

DL: I don't have a specific opinion. There are some good things and other things which I like less.

Poil22: Do you advise the young to be careful?

DL: Careful? Why, Poil22?

Poil22: Careful in the sense that "Star Academy" propels the young into "star" category while they are still without any knowledge of the artistic world.

DL: Yes, careful. It's always necessary to be a bit careful but, nothing ventured, nothing gained…

minifeeOO: In your songs, the importance which you give to the words is very obvious, it is surely because of this that the comparison is made with Léo Ferré … well done!

DL: Perhaps you're right, minifee00.

eliane: It appears that, if we pressurize you a bit, you will make a CD of Félix Leclerc's songs … so I add my entreaties to those of the others. Are we too demanding or is there hope?

DL: There's hope. It's just that, at the moment, I'm occupied with my own things, afterwards those of Félix.

NataliK: Had the film about Leclerc become easier or not for you to play than "Le Fabuleux Voyage" or "Book of Eve" and why?

DL: To play Félix was more difficult because he was someone who had existed and whom I admired a lot. What's more, I know his wife and daughter.

badeth: I add my entreaties to those of eliane, this would be a new "petit bonheur" (a Félix Leclerc song meaning "little happiness").

DL: Thanks badeth!

Ange_: Please excuse my question if you are not able to answer it, but is it possible to write to you on the Internet?

DL: Only on chats like here … there will be some others on my official site as well.

badeth: Do you belong to the movement to protect the French language in Québec?

DL: No, I don't belong to the movement to protect it but, by choosing to live, to work and to compose in French, that's a sort of involvement to protect French I suppose.

badeth: Thank you Daniel, your explanation is brief but well thought out.

wurdulak: Hello Daniel, what do you think about the portrayal of the Québécois in France? I would like to add that I congratulate you on your career.

DL: I don't understand what you mean by portrayal.

wurdulak: The manner in which the French perceive us.

DL: I believe that the French have a lot of fellow-feeling for the Québécois because they always receive us with a lot of warmth and kindness.

Marie-Lise: What is the address of your official site?

DL: www.daniellavoie.com. There is also www.lavoiedaniel.com.

Marie-Lise: Thanks.

MichèleB: Daniel, truly thanks for giving us so much happiness and I hope that you know that we are doing everything to reciprocate it.

DL: Olya, Madeleiene, no, I guess I don't realise the scale of it. I will have to look into it.

DL: Thanks Michèle B and zuczek7!

GoldenDick: Have you made friends with any French artistes?

helene-helene: Hi Daniel, do you know Jean-Jacques Coldman personally? Why have you never worked together?

DL: Yes, I know lots of French artistes. It's a matter of chance that I've never worked with Jean-Jacques even thought I've often met him. But I've lots of friends among the French artistes.

Irene Shpakovskaja: I'd like to hear the song "Madeleine" in your performance at the October concerts very much. (I agree to help you sing the backing vocals).

DL: Thank you Irene, I was thinking about it. And now that you would sing the backing vocals, I just might.

Anne-Marie_L: On your official site, in addition to the reviews, have you had the time to look at the Wallpapers which illustrate "Comedies Humaines"? If yes, what do you think of them?

DL: Yes, I've seen them, very amusing.

Symphonik: Daniel, have you a favourite time or place for writing or composing your wonderful songs? Again, congratulations on your new album and every success.

DL: Above all, I work at home in my studio but lately I've composed a lot of songs in a flat in Paris.

evgesha: Daniel, I want to thank you for your songs because I've never heard music which combines so much sound and musical instruments in wonderful harmony.

DL: Thank you evgesha.

Michèle1: Dear Mr Lavoie, what happiness to hear you again on this new album. Your own life is kind to you and makes you an accomplished artiste. Well done! Have you already thought about writing a play or even and opera?

DL: I've thought about it but it's a long way from being a reality and thanks Michèle1.

Melissa Coutinho: Have you ever felt scared of being an artiste …?

DL: It is very scary to walk out on stage but it is also a lot of fun.

Lyne_Archambault: Do you think it's essential to have fans to perform in your profession?

DL: Having fans certainly makes things a lot easier.

Tanya Koz: It's said that everyone will soon see the musical of NDP on stage with the original cast. Is it true? Would you take part in this venture again?

DL: It was a question of re-doing some of the best concerts of NDP with the original cast …nothing is definite.

zuczek7: Congratulations for your role in NDDP. You were so good that I really hated your character when I saw NDDP for the first time! Is there any chance you'll play in NDDP again with the original cast?

NataliK: During your Autumn concerts, which instrument will you play? Piano, guitar …?

DL: I'll only play instruments a bit in my new concerts. For the first time I'm taking the risk of singing solo with a microphone…

Poil22: For your show, do you plan to be surrounded by a number of musicians or will it be rather intimate?

DL: The concert will be rather intimate but I will have fabulous musicians.

Lucie Bonin: Hello, do you plan to give shows in certain towns in Québec in 2004?

DL: Yes, for sure, I'm making a tour of Québec.

Lucie Bonin: Cheers! What happiness to read that!

Klurk Tremblay: Are the French critics like the Québécois critics?

DL: Klurk, a critic is a critic: sometimes good and sometimes bad. When good, we are happy. When bad, that's awful!

Poil22: Are the critics your enemies or, do you believe that to get constructive criticism allows you to improve your songs?

DL: It is not usually constructive but it does happen.

evgesha: Daniel, do you use "real" musical instruments or synthesizers (MIDI) when you're writing music? Thank you for the reply.

DL: I use both real instruments and synthesizers.

eliane: In the polls on your site, Brice Homs's songs seem to be the favourites of your public. Is it because they are closer to what you would have wanted to write? Or do you believe that your public prefer more gentle songs?

DL: I don't believe that Brice's songs are necessarily closer to mine but, actually, perhaps people prefer my gentle songs. That said, I like Patrice's songs as much as those by Brice.

Melissa Coutinho: I think most of us here visualise you in different ways but how do you visualise yourself?

DL: I don't visualise myself, I just try to put up with myself!

Melissa Coutinho: That was an intelligent and great answer Daniel!

DL: Thank you Melissa.

badeth: I would love it if you made another song accompanied on the bandoneon, its sounds are so moving!

DL: On my new album there are several songs where there is an accordian which is much like the bandoneon.

symphonik: Daniel, have you ever had a musical training? If yes, on which instrument?

DL: I studied piano for eight years.

GoldenDick: Do you have songs which have driven you mad to play them?

DL: Yes, but I am not going to talk to you about them … and anyway, I don't play them anymore.

Poil22: Are you going to write an album in English again?

DL: I'm not thinking of doing an album in English again.

Gitane_Pologne: What are you doing when you have free time?

DL: I try to sleep a little and I love to read.

joelle2: Does it happen that you play classical pieces for your own pleasure?

DL: There was a time when I learnt Chopin and Bach but now I pass the time composing new songs.

Emmanuel Dor: How old were you when you composed your first song?

DL: I was 18.

MicheleB: I heard in one interview that you chose the French language "out of love" … Thanks!

DL: I chose to work in French for love of French song, but French is my mother tongue so I didn't really chose.

Gitane_Pologne: Chopin was from Poland.

eliane: We are very happy to be able to congratulate you this evening for all the good times you make for us. Your songs are superb and we will be very happy to come to clap you in Pully. And then perhaps we could drink a coffee … we'd like it too!

DL: Thanks eliane, perhaps at Pully.

Moderator: Two last questions as time is flying ….

badeth: Have you ever considered working with Gilles Vigneault on your songs? Like your own, they are very well worked on.

DL: I wrote a song with Gilles Vigneault for Louise Forestier for her penultimate album. Besides, it's a very beautiful album that you should all have it.

Poil22: What would you have done if you had not become a singer?

DL: For a long time I considered a career in rugby but, in the end, song, that was not so dangerous…

Moderator: Come on, one last little one.

Tanya Koz: Daniel, please forgive this question, but tell me (ha ha ha), did you wear your own red pyjamas in "Book of Eve"? You are so funny.

DL: Tanya, do you really think I wear red pyjamas? Mine are pink!!!

Tally: Thanks Daniel.

lievre1: Thanks, Daniel.

DL: Thanks everyone, thanks a lot for the interest you have in me. This work would not be possible if you were not there. Kisses to all of you, Daniel.

Zuczek7: Garou's going to be in Poland for a week. Maybe you'd like to visit Poland with him? Hope you see you here someday!

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