Fans dreamed of it, and the Crazy Week made it happen. The Simple Minds will headline this crazy summer musical week in Nice, which will also feature Joe Satriani, Morcheeba, Skip the Use, FFF, and Cats on Trees. Exclusive interview with Patrice Bouchon, conductor of the Crazy Week.
Nice Premium: So Patrice, instead of pushing it too far, you popped the cork with Simple Minds coming?
Patrice Bouchon: I never pop the champagne before the festival. I wait for the last day! But I was very happy. This year, indeed, I feel like I pushed the cork a little further…
Nice Premium: Isn’t it one of the finest line-ups of the Crazy Week?
Patrice Bouchon: All the announced evenings so far are beautiful and quite different. I’ve always appreciated Simple Minds. They were a big part of my teenage years. For me, they represent classy pop. It will be a very beautiful concert.
Nice Premium: I hear there are other new things to come?
Patrice Bouchon: Oh? You have information I don’t. I hope I’m not being wiretapped. We’re moving forward with the 5th edition. Every year, all aspects of the festival are reassessed. We see what we keep and what needs to change. For now, it’s a bit early to talk about it, but there will be changes.
Nice Premium: Like the Crazy Week Off, right?
Patrice Bouchon: Yes, indeed. It’s a point I hold dear. The Off festival will be reserved for local artists.
Having had the chance to completely manage the Off of the Nice Jazz Festival a few years ago, let’s say I’m not venturing into totally unknown territory. Even if the Crazy Week Off (or whatever its name will be) surely doesn’t aim to compete with the NJF, and will remain much more humble.
Nice Premium: What artist (or group) would you dream of bringing?
Patrice Bouchon: Difficult question… Considering the festival Crazy Week’s “capacity” at the Théâtre de Verdure, Slash would be good. Other artists or bands need a higher capacity. I’m thinking of Paul McCartney, Placebo, or Jack Johnson.
Nice Premium: You’re the example of how a good festival has every chance of succeeding. What’s your recipe?
Patrice Bouchon: A festival is two things: the programming and the venue. I try to make quality programming each year, with artists that the public is waiting for or wants to discover. Sometimes it works well, sometimes less so. As for the venue, the Théâtre de Verdure, I’ve been producing rock concerts there for 8 years now. It’s wonderful!
I add that this type of festival could never set up and endure without the support of the City of Nice.
Nice Premium: Any other projects in your pipeline?
Patrice Bouchon: Plenty! I’m hyperactive. I have ideas all the time. I note everything. Sometimes some can’t be put into action in the short term… Right now I’m finishing the programming of the festival and also advancing on the Autumn one.
Not to mention that in December 2014, we will have the pleasure of welcoming the band Shaka Ponk again at the Palais Nikaïa. I have fond memories of CW3 (in 2012).
Nice Premium: What will be the big events before the Crazy Week?
Patrice Bouchon: Ivoire Music has the advantage of organizing concerts year-round. For example, Hollysiz at the TLV on April 4th. I had the chance to host her in October 2010 in the same hall, opening for Yodelice. Now, she returns as the headliner.
On April 26th, we are investing in the Palais Nikaïa with 2 concerts in the 2 halls: On one side, in the large hall, the 10th anniversary of the Chinese Records label with Chinese Man and Deluxe and many guests.
On the side of Nikaïa Live, the Causette Liberty Tour evening with the crazy Airnadette, my favorites Miss America, Lilly Wood and the Prick (in DJ set version), and lots of guests too. In short, it’s going to be quite the event! On that note, if anyone is selling a “Star Trek” model teleporting device, I’m interested…
Nice Premium: Finally, you will be a happy organizer if and only if…?
Patrice Bouchon: …If I manage to announce a sold-out festival for all 5 nights.
So far, things are off to a great start!
