October 21, 2009

Rotor Jambreks - April 2009

[Rotor Jambreks - April 2009]

He was supporting Ceux qui Marchent Debout at the Ubu Club on March 5 and we couldn’t interview him. Put the blame on the bad manager, and not the bad network, ... But here at 100% Sucre we are not vindictive. So we showed a brave face and decided to make an interview by mail. Ten fine questions and the most appropriate answers confirmed we were right to strive an artist of, I quote, the ‘style genre’.

1) Who is Rotor Jambreaks ?

Firstly, Rotor Jambreks is a catchy name which sounds amazing. By the way, there is no ‘a’ in Jambreks, because we are not going to take a break! He is now more than 29 years old, and since two years has been walking on an exciting artistic road. He started from nowhere to go God knows where. But he is going somewhere, for sure. Horning in with no fear. Also, Rotor Jambreks does not usually speak about him using the third person. I don’t know why I am using it here. And so, basically, I try to create my own space in the world of sounds, with as much finesse and savagery as I can, using bass and snare drums, a guitar, my voice and many rock/soul/blues references I chose with care.

2) What are your musical influences? And other influences?

To begin with, I must say my great-aunt Josiane’s canvas have been a great influence. She had a great taste and liked canvas representing the countryside in Normandy.
Otherwise, as far as music is concerned, I grew up listening to Sebadoh and The Blues Explosion. Then one thing leading to another I listened to many bands from Can to Erik Truffaz, from The Music Machine to Nicole Willis and from The Black Keys to other more or less surprising bands. But I try to follow one road, a sort of digestion of blues from the 50s, pop and soul from the 60s as well, basically.

3) What is your favourite TV series?

Very good question Callaghan. Very good indeed because I can’t give an answer with certainty. If you don’t mind, I’ll discretely turn the potential unicity of the question by using categories, just to pretend I’m ‘style genre’. To start with, my favourite cartoon is South Park, I love Eric Cartman. Also, in the ‘series with Jack Bauer’ category, I must admit I really like 24. And among the Showtime series, which a lot of people speak greatly of, I can’t wait for the next season of Californication to be released.

4) The best present someone gave you?

A garish red Prince strat guitar which I can’t find anymore and a 10W amplifier that I actually still have and use. Present from my parents, 1993. Poor fellows. They did not know what they would be responsible of in doing this.

5) Are you worried about the crisis?

You bet I am. My stock-option wallet is not so great to look at. Adam Smith’s invisible hand probably went on holiday. But I’m not worried; it should get better when it comes back to work, all tanned, full of pep and envy. Do not panic.

6) What do you do to ease a headache?

It is not to pretend I am ‘style genre’, but I very rarely suffer from headaches. And here I present my deepest condolences to the persons who are affected. If my head hurts, I usually take two pills of paracetamol and then it’s over. Again allow me to present my deepest condolences to the persons suffering from headaches, in particular ophthalmic headaches.

7) If you had to take the licence test again, do you think you would pass?

Well, hunting permit, don’t have one and not interested. I have a fishing permit but I don’t want it anymore. A boat licence would be useless as I don’t know how to swim… Remains the driving licence and I really think I would have to revise the theory thing a lot in order to pass, because driving is not a big deal, even parking backwards. Otherwise, there is the licence to kill, but I am not James Bond and I live in the love of my neighbour. So I’ll just ignore this one.

8) What would you do if you had one day left on earth?

First I think that I would be sad somewhat, what can easily be understood. And, globally, I would have a great goodbye gig, would say goodbye to friends and family as well. Also I would try two or three crazy and/or dangerous things, which I cannot name. Once you know you’re going to die…

9) Can you share a cooking recipe please?

I’m hesitating…
I know a really easy recipe, to start with. Frozen lasagnas. So, it is not difficult. You take the pack, see what it is huh? A pack looking like a rectangle. Make sure it is not empty and that ‘lasagnas’ is written on it. As far as the flavour is concerned, you have many choices. Personally I’m a big fan of cheese and spinach lasagnas but it’s really up to you. Anyway, you take the pack and open it, then you take the tray, get rid of the plastic film and all. Once you’ve done that you put the tray into the oven that you had pre-heated at an adequate temperature. Alright, when the temperature is OK, you can put the tray into the oven. Not before. Then after a moment – you’ll have read the cooking time on the packaging, before throwing it in the bin for cleanliness purposes- you can take the tray out of the oven and enjoy an excellent meal, frozen lasagnas tasting of industrial tomato sauce that no chef can cook. Why not add some salad and vinegar dressing as well? Most delightful. Well, kind of, let's say.
AIso, as we are experimenting a crisis, I can give you a recipe that is not so bad, and is simple and cheap- tagliatelle al dente with smoked salmon. Simmer in a pan with cream and pepper. The order in which you put the ingredients is the secret for the meal to look like a posh one… First you put the pastas, in the middle, then the cream and pepper and in the end, sprinkle some dill. That’s the posh touch. Cheap yet impressive. It reminds me of a book in which a character added a sprig of parsley on top of all his meals. He was extremely sad for a reason I have forgotten, yet this sprig of parsley enabled him to prove to himself that he had not lost everything yet. Well, it is explained in the novel, the title of which I forgot. It’s a great novel written by a great author. Which name I also have forgotten. Well, well.

Translation by Comète.

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October 21, 2009

Curry & Coco - 03.04.09

[Curry & Coco – Ubu Club, Rennes - 03.04.08]
"Heck , we can't hear anything."

You don’t - really - hear much about Curry and Coco, even though they have already played numerous gigs. Check out their Myspace, the list for their past gigs is there for real. Their fans are ready to follow them anywhere, and they are said to be particularly keen on gay-dance delirium. So, it is all about curry and coco and about the fact that sex is fashion.

1) To begin with, could you tell us more about yourself?

S: So we are Curry and Coco, a duet, we are a thirty something duet. We have just played in Rennes, which was a really nice gig. The crowd was great and, we had loads of fun. We are currently working on a record. Actually we have been working on it for a while – so we are going to try to promote it now.

2) Curry or coconut?

S: Well both…
T: The two together.
S: It is pointless to have one and not the other.

3) What Who are your biggest influences?

S: Cindy Lauper, Charles Bukowski.
T: Robert Gillepsie. Anything actually, but art in general.
S: We are mostly influenced by painters and writers.
T: Who else? Warhol…

4) « Sex is fashion » but « Rock is disco »…

S: Of course yeah, completely, necessarily. Disco leads to sex, which leads to sweat. Sweat leads to the dancefloor which leads to disco. I would say those are obviously the words that combine the best, which is obvious.
100%: Oh, we thought you would not agree.
T: Why wouldn’t we agree?
S: We totally assume that gay and glam side, it’s is really all about that.

5) In 2008 you played at one of Jean-Charles de Castebajac’s catwalks. How was it? Is it a totally different thing to play at a catwalk right?

S: It was totally new indeed but it was unbelievable, a really unique experience really.
T: Very cool.
S: Amazing Super, had a great time.
100%: You were wearing red suits.…
T ( speaking with a Belgian accent ): You have really looked through our Myspace, haven‘t you? That is good.
100%: The video wasn’t on your Myspace, we checked JC/CB’s site & watched the video of the entire show.
S: Well well.
T: Do you know that half of the journalists, no, even 98% of them, don’t do this.
100%: Did they let you keep those beautiful red suits?
S: We didn’t want to keep them actually. We wanted it to be a special moment, a unique event.
100%: Does it mean the little red crosses on the drums don’t refer to that?
S: No, this that is our band’s logo.
100%: It looks like a man with the eyes and…
T: That’s for the nice and funny part.

6) How were the Bars en Trans, back in 2007?

S: The crowd was wild like tonight.

7) Last thing, can you give us a cooking recipe?

S: Sure, poo with beer isn’t good.
T: No it isn’t right.
100%: It’s for kids aged 9 to 11.
S: Right, well, kids, poo and beer don’t go together.
*Silence*
T: Ah, a real recipe!
100%: Yeah…
S: Bœuf bourguignon. Could take a while so to sum it up I’ll give you the most important part. Once you’ve browned the onions, etc, the meat, blah blah blah, the carrots and stuff, pour some flour on top and then the little extra secret ingredient: add a pinch of Candy sugar, just a pinch.
* Musical interlude, 'Candy Candy'*

8) One last word then?

S: "Good night kids"… ( Using two pieces of paper to make a superb teddy bear sitting on a small cloud. >french old animated series for children aired before 8 o'clock in the 90s)

Check this website: http://www.jc-de-castelbajac.com/ - ‘Once upon a time‘ fashion show.

Translation by Comète.

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October 21, 2009

Stuck In The Sound - 03.04.09

[Stuck In the Sound - 03.04.09 - Ubu Club, Rennes]

We took each title of the tracks from their new record called ’Shoegazing Kids’, and asked them weird questions. Sometimes you don’t even see the link between the title and the question… Interview of José and Emmanuel - it’s written on those sheets of papers!

1) Zapruder : What does 'Zapruder' mean?

J: In fact it’s actually the name of the tourist who shot the video of JFK’s assassination. There you go. Mr Zapruder.
100%: Why did you write a song about him?
J: It isn’t a song about him. Actually it’s more like a concept, that of getting away from… the meaning of the context… ( to E. ) Please would you help me here?
E: Well I have to wait and get what you mean first.
J: What is important is how you’re going to understand the song, what you’re going to feel when listening to it. I was the one who chose the words you hear, but the meaning is more important than the word itself. That is, the meaning you choose to give to the word. Not really clear I know…
100%: No, it is.
J: But yeah there’s a link with JFK’s assassination. What I like best about this song is Jackie Kennedy, the President’s wife. When he is being shot in the head, his brain explodes and parts of his flesh fly to the back of the car. She goes and picks them up. What I was interested in was the link between passion and flesh. This is passion. Actually it is about the love you can feel for someone to the point where you go pick parts of their brain up. Isn’t it beautiful?

2) Ouais : What are your favourite monosyllabic words?

José looks at E. straight away.
E: I wonder what you mean, I don’t get it at all.
J: I like the word « prout». [fart]
E: Yes but usually you repeat it twice.
J: So we could have called our song « Prout Prout » instead of « Shoot Shoot ».
E: Yeah, you can combine monosyllabic words.
J: I also like « ah » or « ouh ». Ouh the pooh!

3) Utah : Have you ever been to Utah Beach?

J: Where to? There’s no beach in Utah.
100%: Utah Beach, one of the landing beaches in Normandy.
J and E: Oh yeah.
J: I’ve have already been to the US.
E: Utah is right in the middle.
J and E: Yeah, so we’ve been to the US, on a school trip. Of course, we’ve been there.
J: A pupil called Mamadou even walked on a mine. ( E is laughing ). He died.
E: Why did it had it to be him?
J and E: Such a shame.

4) Shoot Shoot : If you could kill someone, who would it be? Where? How? Why?

J: If I had to kill someone I’d choose Nagui actually. ( He looks towards E who puts his head in his hands. They both laugh ).
100% : Why?
J : Everytime I brush my teeth I think about him and it gets on my nerves. That’s why.
E : Ah there‘s someone. I‘m thinking about someone who‘s dead, I can’t remember his name. Well everytime I pee I think about Guillaume Depardieu, because of that movie he played in with Marie Trintignant. Well, she’s also dead.
J : And there’s only François Cluzet who’s is left.
E : But I’m OK with him - I don’t really want to kill him. But you know in that movie, « Les Apprentis » there’s a scene where he pees and it makes a lot of noise because it goes right into the water ( He explains to J ). He doesn’t pee on the enamel edge.
100% : And how would you kill them?
E : I would pee on him.
J : I would pop his eyes out with my toothbrush. ( Pointing a finger towards one of us ) She is afraid.
100% : No, not at all, I was just thinking it might take a while to do this that with a toothbrush, don’t you think?
J : But that’s the point!
100% : I would like to kill someone with a lipstick one day.
E : And how would you do that?
100% : By sticking it in their mouth.
J et E : Oh yeah, nice one.

5) Teen Tale : What is your favourite fairy tale?

J: Can you give us an example of a fairy tale?
100%: Grimm’s Fairy Tales, Snow White, …
E: I like Grimm’s The Princess and the Pea. Also, when I was young I loved Peter Pan.
J: Oh yeah I like The Magic Flute. No that’s not the one, can you remember the name? There’s a guy and he takes the children away.
E: Oh yeah huh… The thing with the rats.
J: No… Oh yeah with the rats.
E: What’s the name of this tale?
J: The Tale of the Magic Flute?
E to us: Do you see know which one we’re talking about?
100%: Yes we do, but we can’t remember the name either.
E: It is set in Germany.
J: It is, he takes the children away, and they jump off a ravine.
E: At the beginning, the town is suffering from a rat infestation which is spreading a disease and he attracts the rats by playing his pipe.
J: He had promised to help the inhabitants and had asked for something in return but the mayor refused to give him anything so he abducted all the children. Well, so, that tale.
Editor‘s note: The Pied Piper of Hamelin.

6) Playback A.L. : Would you like to mime on Michel Drucker’s show?

J: It is true that it’s the only song we wrote that could be played on his show. Anyway, we usually refuse to mime.
100%: But if you were asked to?
J: We won’t be. Anyway we don’t sing, we also don’t work either on Sundays. But I like Canteloup. (…) Anyway, if we ever go on Drucker’s, we wouldn’t mime.
E: We would have never been invited anyway.

7) Beautiful Losers : The worst gig ever?

J: HuhUm... , I’d say one in Marseille, not long ago, and also Notre-Dame-de-Gravenchon where we played with I Am Un Chien.
E: The worst gigs are actually those which are depressing, and they are depressing when there is no one at the venue.
J: It happens.
E: Also we had the best and the worst gig ever in Nashville. That time it was more about technical stuff. It was hard to do so many things in such a short amount of time.
100%: You’d rather cope with a technical problem than…
E: Oh yeah, it is so depressing to play in front of nobody, when, as a matter a fact, there’s no atmosphere. And for the few people who are there, it’s not a really a good experience either.

8) What?! : What is there to do at the Galeries Lafayette?

J : What? What to do?
E : What song is this question about?
100% : Well, What?!
E : Oh, OK.
J to E : It makes me think of… You know, you have to answer quickly.
100% : No no, you can take your time.
J : I don’t shop at the Galeries Lafayette.
E : I don’t either.
100% : What if you were in a department store at night, and there’s no one around?
E : I would love that. But you can’t do anything, can you? You can take all the things you want but since it is closed, you can’t get out.
100%: You can’t, but you can use them.
J : I think I would sleep.
E : No, you do roller skating, as like in a movie.

9) Dirty Waterfalls : When was the last time you laughed so much you cried?

J : Do you know?
E : I don’t know , but we all had a blast two days ago at Agathe’s.
J : What was it all about? I don’t remember that.
E is laughing.
J : I laugh really hard every time my brother plays the fool with Doug and I Am Un Chien. They make me laugh. So yeah it was two days ago. Nice huh? The theme of the song being when’s the last time you came...
E : They were not going to ask you that.
J : Yeah, right, it’s personal. It was two days ago. I was with my brother… ( All laughing ).

10) Erase : If you had the possibility to erase something that happened to you, what would it be? Why?

J : It‘s personal. You don’t ask this kind of question.
E : I’d like to erase the photo on my passport.
J : I’d erase a certain trip to England…
E : Note to affected parties.

11) Gore Machine : Could you live without any technology?

J : I could not. ( to E ) Can you let me explain myself there? I have cold sweats after spending a day without the net. Now you’re free to say crap.
E : I could do better than him and live without any technology.
J ( looking anxious) : I can’t, I really can’t.

12) I Love You Dark : What is your favourite dessert?

E : I don’t like desserts.
J : It’s true you don’t. Huh, I’d say "Charlotte aux Poires" (pear cake). I love it. ( He makes fun of one of us who also laughs at him, then stares at her ) and I love chocolate mousse and also huhum, cookies, you know when they’ve just been taken out of the oven and are soft and crispy at the same time.
E : And mummy still has her apron on. (…)
J : I won’t give you my cookie recipe.

13) ( Well, you are ) Can you give us a cooking recipe please?

J : No we can’t, it’s a secret.
E : Mum’s "Blanquette de Veau" then. It‘s easy, you cook two onions in a saucepan.
J : Manu can cook pork very well. I can make you an excellent raclette. You have to buy pepper, chilli, herbs and raw milk cheese.
E : Sheep’s milk cheese and goat cheese.
J : And then some nice pork with potatoes. There’s the raclette. And then some Charlotte aux Poires, to help it all down.
100% : What about the blanquette?
E : Right, so you cook two onions until they turn reddish. Then you add a small piece of pork, better if it’s a little fat, and you had water, but not much. Leave it for two hours and then add a yellow egg and some flour. You serve it with rice. Classic. Powerful. Don’t forget to cook it on a low heatlight fire!
J : But I didn’t even say what my favourite dessert was. I’ll tell you, it’s on the tip of my tongue.
E : You know, the cookies from Portugal.
J : No they’re not my favourite dessert. Oh I know, it‘s called "Baba de Camel". It means camel‘s spit. It’s true, I’m not joking, it’s a real recipe and it’s really good. It’s made with milk and, huh… Well it tastes really nice! This is my favourite dessert, and not the "Charlotte aux Poires".

Translation by Comète.

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