Nice-Premium: Niko, can you describe what’s behind the door of your musical world to us?
Nicolas Valastro: It’s a very diverse world where singing, dancing, and staging mingle. It’s a cross between Michael JACKSON and MADONNA. My song style is more in the pop-rock, electro-rock category. I love being able to change costumes, style; it’s great to be able to get into the skin of other characters. It’s somewhat like acting when you sing.
N-P: A rather eclectic universe?
N.V.: At least I think so. I sing both SERGE LAMA, BUBBLE, and MADONNA.
N-P: How was this musical world born?
N.V.: Well, ever since I was little, I was rocked by disco because of my mother. Then at the age of seven, I sang Edith PIAF and Claude FRANCOIS. I enrolled in a singing and dancing school. But unfortunately, in middle school, I stopped everything. Then, after my high school diploma, I attended medical courses for two years. But the rhythm wasn’t for me, I didn’t see anyone except my desk, and the idea of diving back into what I loved most, which is singing, haunted me day and night. Ultimately, I’m glad I went through that because today I am more determined than ever to work hard to do what I want. Because the artist’s job is anything but easy.
N-P: This world was encouraged by two great names of the opera.
N.V.: Yes, ALBERT LANCE and IRIS PAREL. They lived not far from my home, but I had never seen them before, especially since opera wasn’t really my thing. A friend used to garden at their place, and one day they heard me sing, and they immediately decided to take me under their wing. They taught me a lot in terms of vocal technique and staging. After 3 months, they put me on stage (I was very nervous), I took a big step thanks to them. A few months later, I created my dance troupe, they are truly amazing. And now I create my own shows. I’m resourceful and like to have an eye on everything that happens. They have taught me a lot.
I also have the chance to work with Christophe LEPORATTI, songwriter of Serge LAMA among others, whom I met at a singing competition last summer.
And then Pierre CAPELLE, a great vocal coach.
N-P: On Saturday, November 10th, the Colomars audience will be able to discover your universe under the big top? What colors will the visit have?
N.V.: A very diverse universe. There is a disco, horror, futuristic, Italian-cabaret, Egyptian tableau.
N-P: Are big names from French and international music invited?
N.V.: Mystery…
N-P: Will personal compositions also be staged?
N.V.: Not for the moment. The demos of my compositions are not ready yet. I like to show the public a finished product.
N-P: Besides the planned concerts, are you currently working on another musical project?
N.V.: I am working on my own compositions in English. First the single and then the album. My compositions are in English. I am considering doing some in French, but it is not easy for pop, whereas the French language is perfect for songs with lyrics (Lucie or Je suis malade).
Soon, I will be heading to a film shoot where we appear in a nightclub, with my dancers. We are going to do a little show.
N-P: Our meeting is coming to an end. What do you say, Niko, if we end it with music?
N.V.: Obviously, it would be ironic, a singer who doesn’t sing, right? I’m going to sing LUCIE by Pascal OBISPO for you.
Niko’s Myspace: https://www.myspace.com/nikox5
