What’s with his face?
Something wrong?
You don’t like it?”
Yes, Pascal Mono was on Star Academy, so what! He came out “Intact”. Proof? Listen to his pop-rock album that blends romantic ballads and rock tracks with electric energy. “Unique,” as Patrick Eudeline would say.
Today, the rock star from Nice who rocked the ratings on Star Ac’5 continues his journey with authenticity and passion: An album composed of 12 songs “that resemble only him” is now available, and a summer tour is forthcoming.
Pascal, who has fifteen years of stage experience, can finally enjoy himself and express his talent.
On Friday, July 7th at 5:30 PM, he will show you that he has a lot of talent to offer during the showcase organized at the Fnac in Nice.
In the meantime, Nice-Première has gone to meet this artist with a “big A”.
Nice-Première: Your album was released on June 19th, about 7 months after leaving the Star Academy, quick?
Pascal Mono: Part of this album had been demoed before I took part in the show. I agreed to audition with the goal of pitching to Universal… 10 years of writing and meetings, 2 months of work between February and March 2006 for “Intact”. Not so quick after all…
N-P: Is the title of your album -“Intact”- a nod to this reality show?
P.M.: If you want to see it that way, yes… More generally, 20 years of work haven’t changed the spirit in which I’ve been since the beginning. This title imposed itself one beautiful morning like an alarm clock ring!
N-P: Listening to your single “My Era”, one gets the impression that this song has always existed in the French song repertoire. It’s quite memorable.
P.M.: Thank you… You mean it’s a hit? In any case, this song was written in half an hour at the studio, it’s one of the most obvious on the album.
N-P: Why did you decide to cover a Led Zeppelin song?
P.M.: As a hidden track (wait 10 seconds after the end of the album), I found it interesting to work on this completely acoustic recording. Led Zep made me want to learn guitar… And guitar naturally led me to singing… According to my close ones, this guitar/vocal might be my most beautiful recording…
N-P: When you were at Star Academy, you already had a look, a style of your own, an incredible presence on stage, and a voice: an undeniable quality of a singer. Can we say that Star Academy brought you only fame?
P.M.: Don’t mention it!… Not only that… A great experience that taught me how to handle different kinds of pressures and a beautiful encounter: Christophe Pinna. But above all, what I wanted: A great contract and a first album that I claim and that I can’t wait to defend on stage.
N-P: Patrick Eudeline, “icon of the punk years, explosive and subversive dandy”, wrote a text for you. He said in particular “Others are here for glory. Pascal Mono was here to survive.” What do you think?
P.M.: True, although the word “survive” is a bit strong… I find it amazing that Patrick Eudeline agreed to write the press release for the album. He among others helped to found “Rock & Folk” and his reaction reinforces the idea that I was right, even from a moral standpoint. The French and even international show-biz has always been harsh and difficult to break through for singer-songwriters.
N-P: Among the duets you performed during the prime time on Star Academy, I remember two: Michel Sardou and Johnny Hallyday, two of the greatest French singers. Which ones would you mention?
P.M.: Paul Anka and Johnny Hallyday!
N-P: Have you seen them again?
P.M.: I’ve seen Johnny twice… The first at the NRJ Music Awards and the second at the Palais des Sports, on his tour… Both times we talked again about the duo on “My Face”.
N-P: What advice would you give to these young music groups?
P.M.: Have fun, hang in there!
N-P: A band that is particularly close to your heart?
P.M.: There are so many… Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, Radiohead, The Verve… just to name a few. Oh yes, Pink Floyd! And more recently, Archive, Coldplay…
N-P: What do you think about the local scene?
P.M.: There aren’t enough small and medium-sized venues… Most bands have to play covers to exist. Otherwise, I like the Dum Dum Boys, Eon Megahertz, Blah Blah, Ozcar…
N-P: How do you define your “era”?
P.M.: Paradoxical, even absurd… Phenomenal, even monstrous… But the best way to know what I think about it is still to listen to the song…
N-P: What’s the name of your “star”?
P.M.: “Stars don’t bother with the names we give them… The first that shines in the sky, the Evening Star… The one that points North… And in these times, it’s appropriate not to lose it.”
N-P: What’s the difference between Pascal Maunoury and Pascal Mono?
P.M.: Pascal Maunoury is registered in the civil registry and Pascal Mono at the Sacem… Maunoury makes concessions, discusses… Mono doesn’t make concessions, he is to be taken as a whole.
N-P: On July 7th, a showcase in Nice, on August 22nd in Cannes. Happy to return to the French Riviera?
P.M.: Of course, as well as meeting my people…
N-P: And to conclude, if I say “First or Premier” what or who do you think of?
P.M.: To “Nice-Première” you little rascals!
N-P: Thank you, Pascal.
Website: www.pascal-mono.com
You can watch his music video on this link: Music video
