After a three-year absence, the singer-songwriter of “Voyager” (“Rouge Nuit“/NDH/2010) returns with a promising new album:
“LATITUDE 43” will be in stores starting April 19, 2013.
So, the meeting is set for that night at B.Spot in Nice, for an immediate takeoff. Indeed, the label had the good idea of scheduling the artist for a live performance on the same day as his album’s release, so come present your boarding passes (only 10 euros!) from 8:30 PM, and don’t forget to fasten your seatbelts!
And as a preview of this event, Mono took part in an interview. Flight 190413 departing on latitude 43: 3, 2, 1… Let’s go!
Nice Premium: We’re very happy to see you again after nearly three years of absence, and we understand better why; this record is a bomb of songs, beautiful craftsmanship, what am I saying, tailor-made… Rolled under the armpits or what?
Mono: Hey, thanks… Yes, “tailor-made” indeed, two years of work, from writing to mastering…
NP: “LATITUDE 43” will soon be on the shelves, can you share some manufacturing secrets with us in advance? A brand-new studio, I think?
Mono: Yes, a mobile studio for mixing, it’s the Inland Studio with Stephan Blaëss at the controls (Editor’s note: Stephan Blaëss: Brian Eno, Jimmy Page, Ghettoblaster…). It’s a totally new concept in France, we might have the chance to talk more about it… The sound recordings were done at Studio Iceberg, like for “Rouge Nuit”…
NP: Never change a winning team. By the way, your previous album aligned with quite a few international Major productions, but tell me, this time you reign supreme over the lyrics and composition… Tired of collaborations?
Mono: Not at all. I am happy and proud of my past collaborations, but this time, I needed to work alone, to write a lot, to demo at home all the time, to dive deep… to surface with a few pearls, if possible… There was also a lot of material, so I didn’t want to seek help externally, as with the previous two albums indeed… (Editor’s note: Jean Fauque, Bashung’s lyricist, co-signs 2 titles on “Intact” in 2006 + 2 titles again on “Rouge Nuit” in 2010).
NP: I confirm a few pearls in any case, like “Michèle” or “A Notre Place”, “Le Bûcher des Offenses”, “Qui je suis” or even “Charme Absolu”… Pure singles! Frankly, you’re going to struggle choosing!
Mono: … That’s very kind…
NP: I see on our promo copy, that you are still with the label No Direction Home. This time, you’re releasing the album physically – it’s progress because the previous album was only released digitally – can we still download it?
Mono: Legally, of course! (Laughs) But we thought it would be nice for people to also find it in stores, or pre-order it, because it’s simply a beautiful object.
NP: Indeed, the visual is magnificent and invites dreaming… With this wing crossing the cockpit field… Was that your idea?
Mono: Yes… Once I had the title in mind, “Latitude 43” evoked the world of aviation or navigation for me, I opted for the seaplane! Then a cockpit to take the listener on board, and finally, the presence of something slightly offbeat, fantastic, a wing…
NP: For your previous opus, I read that Amélie Nothomb called it a “predator album”, is this bird dangerous?
Mono: No, I don’t think so, it’s more like the wing of desire…
NP: In any case, you’ve got a great graphic artist, don’t let him go…
Mono: Thanks for him, it’s my brother, Jeff Maunoury (www.jeff-studio.fr) No, I can’t let him go, he’s been designing my covers from the start…
NP: Definitely, is it a family affair or what?
Mono: You know, in this line of work, it’s better to surround yourself with people of absolute trust…
NP: So, first date on the day of the release itself, April 19 at B. Spot in Nice, coincidence or was it your choice to start in your hometown?
Mono: It was a choice, but also a happy coincidence actually, because the B. Spot’s schedule is quite full too… It’s a small venue that’s really gaining a lot of ground and greatly benefits the local music scene. A team of enthusiasts who have skillfully adapted their programming and environment to public demand. They introduce artists and regularly schedule international acts. They even have rehearsal and recording premises. It’s a breeding ground for local artists who also have a national reach…
NP: The next stop will be on Friday the 26th, exactly one week after the official release, and it will be at the “Sentier des Halles” in Paris, a legendary venue where big names like Barbara, Aznavour, Nougaro started… Not too nervous?
Mono: Yes, very much, because we’re presenting the new opus to the public but also to booking agents and Parisian journalists… And we absolutely have to go on tour, so it needs good press, so, yes, a lot of nerves.
NP: In any case, this album is a success. Between dark rock somewhat like Bashung, and all-audience accessibility, less dark than “Rouge Nuit”… And it’s nice to know you’re very positive again, am I wrong?
Mono: Not at all. I got back into sports and meditation…
NP: Oh, really?
Mono: We run in all directions, we absorb all these news stories, all equally bad, and we still don’t understand anything… Mountain biking, yoga every day, and healthy eating, yes, it calms you down, it’s good for the breath, and this region offers great opportunities. Before hitting the stage, better to prepare… A few weight training sessions…
NP: To lose the shirt or what?
Mono: Who knows. In any case, “Latitude 43” live, there’s going to be a lot of sweating involved.
NP: In any case, we’ll be there, and all we wish for your new album is a good flight, because here in the editorial team, we really took off…
Friends from the Côte d’Azur, don’t miss this event, at the B. Spot in Nice, 24 Avenue Maréchal Foch, Friday, April 19, 2013, from 8:30 PM. Ticket price: 10 Euros.
And for those who want to receive the album in advance, go to this address: www.pascal-mono.fr/pre-commande
The CD will be sent to you signed and accompanied by small gifts.
Follow Pascal Mono:
- Website: www.pascal-mono.fr
- Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/Pascal.Mono
- MySpace: www.myspace.com/pascalmono
- Deezer: www.deezer.com/fr/artist/88395
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/pascalmonoofficiel/videos
