- Band: First Class
- Function / Instruments: Songwriter, Drummer & Songstress
- Back to Hélène's page
Hélène lent himself to the game of portraits, here are some answers to our questions ...
RdvROCK
Since when do you evolve in music?
Hélène :
I started singing in a band in 2009, where a great bass player from the area who had short hair at the time started, he will recognize himself (laughs).
Then I had the idea to start a band in 2013, with three female friends, a quartet of girls. It was original, but it wasn't easy because of our very different tastes.
In the end, we stayed as a duo, it was cool to share the singing, I love duos, and we had really nice musicians.
During a rehearsal, the drummer wasn't there, so I hit a little bit, and I really liked that.
In parallel of all that, I sang Piaf among others. I had a great coach who plays the blues and I salute him.
I also sang in a gospel choir, with a great choir director that I also salute, where we did a lot of concerts. What was unusual was that we were all of different faiths, believers and non-believers.
Then, a bit difficult passage with a vocal problem. I did not speak for several weeks. It was hard to stay without speaking, as I like to tell my old stories! (laughs)
In 2015, it's the meeting with the drums, thanks to a great director of music school that I greet.
And in October 2017, the meeting with Grace, the nicest bass player, funny, talented, etc... in short all the qualities!
The band First Class was born at that time, and we later met Thibault, our guitarist who has all the qualities of course, and with whom we get along like crazy.
Since then, we share the stage, we compose together. I continue to realize the dreams I had when I was little. Nothing is ever too late!
And obviously, I greet and thank all my great meetings (laughs).
RdvROCK
What are your musical influences?
Hélène :
So, as a child, my parents listened to French pop music. My father loved Brassens, and my mother Serge Lama...
As a teenager, I was a fan of Balavoine and France Gall, but also Depeche Mode, Telephone and Queen.
Then I discovered rock standards with bands like Red Hot, AC/DC, Green Day, Nirvana...
I discover every day new songs, new bands. My tastes are very diverse.
I have two favorite songs of all time: "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell that I covered in a rock version with one of my bands, and "The Power of Love" by Frankie Goes To Hollywood.
RdvROCK
Have you already recorded an album or an EP?
Hélène :
We just recorded our first single with First Class: October Ghosts, and it's also our first video.
RdvROCK
Which song fits you best?
Hélène :
"I love Rock and Roll" by Joan Jett, it's a happy rock song, sung by a woman, and I see myself very well in the story that is told (laughs)
RdvROCK
Which artist would you like to share the stage with?
Hélène :
It's when I share the stage with my friends that I feel happy, and also with all those who like to play and jam. It's sure that if I was in the middle of the Shakaponk, which I place very very high, it would be the foot (laughs).
RdvROCK
What are your other passions or interests besides music?
Hélène :
I love to read, I read every night, I love objects and I love stories, and bookstores are essential. As long as there is a bookstore in my city, it will be a living city!
And of course, I salute my booksellers who are two super dynamic women.
RdvROCK
If you could only keep 3 albums among all the ones you own, which ones would you keep?
Hélène :
Muse : The 2nd Law (I really like science fiction)
Shakaponk : Geeks On Stage (live with an intro I never get tired of listening to)
Vienna Waltzes (compilation of works by Johann Strauss father and son)
RdvROCK
What is the unmentionable song you sing in your shower?
Hélène :
So, it depends on my mood, it comes by itself: when I'm happy it's "Maldon" by Zouk Machine. When I'm in a sad mood, it's "All By Myself" by Eric Carmen.
RdvROCK
Define, in 3 words, what music means to you
Hélène :
Sharing, playing, emotions.
