THE IMPERATOR

We recently met with the group L'Impératrice and had the pleasure of composing their stage outfits with our Appolonie print, which perfectly echoes their latest EP, "Agitations Tropicales". We took the opportunity to interview Flore, the group's lead singer, to find out more about their story and their universe, so similar in many ways to that of Fête Impériale .

Can you tell us more about yourself?

My name is Flore, I'm 23 years old and I come from the south-east of France, more precisely from the Luberon. I started out singing jazz scores and am now a member of the French group L'Impératrice.

When did you start singing?

It all started on the street, with a ukulele and a kazoo! I was 15 and my friends and I were singing at the Avignon Festival. We were reinterpreting pop songs in a jazz style. That's how I met musicians and discovered this universe. Since then, I've often gone back there: the street is the best place to learn!

Where does your passion for singing come from? 

It's quite simple: I've always loved singing! Unfortunately, at first, I was told that my voice wasn't powerful enough. But one day I heard Chet Baker and realized that power wasn't everything, and that sensitivity and feeling were key. I discovered that his soft, recognizable voice made him the great singer he was.

Where do you draw your inspiration from? 

In jazz, of course: Billie Holiday, Etta James, Nancy Wilson, the 50s. But also in the more disco or funk trends of the 70s: Chic, Cortex, Donna Summer, Bill Withers and The Jones Girls! It's not extremely original, but in terms of composition and songwriting, the Beatles are the group that influences me the most: for me, it's pure pop, and they had an unrivalled sense of melody and rhythm. As for French artists, I admire Serge Gainsbourg and Alain Baschung, particularly for their ability to handle the French language with such finesse.

Did you work on the lyrics for L'Impératrice's latest EP?

In fact, I co-wrote the lyrics with Charles, the band's leader. It was my first time writing in French! It's a meticulous and difficult job, because words convey a powerful meaning and you share a lot of yourself through writing. French audiences really judge the quality of lyrics and can be demanding. In France, we pay particular attention to how we use each word, so this writing process isn't always easy, but at the same time, knowing that you can move and touch someone deeply by using the right words is extremely galvanizing.

When did you join L'Impératrice and what attracted you to the band? 

I was already a fan of the band when I met Charles through mutual friends at a concert. For his part, he'd already heard me sing on an EP with another band and liked my voice. Before I joined the band, L'Impératrice didn't have a singer, but then things changed and it all happened very quickly. I joined the band just as they were about to record their next EP, which they planned to do without vocals. All the songs were pretty much finished, but over the summer we wrote all the lyrics and melodies, and then I put my voice to them.

How would you describe your music? 

Our music is both emotional and danceable! The idea is to make our audience feel sensations and feelings, while at the same time encouraging them to take to the dance floor. It's quite difficult to mix the two... I also think there's a kind of elegance that comes through in our songs, as with the band's name!

Do you have any anecdotes or memories you'd like to share with us? 

Our first concert at the Gaîté Lyrique in Paris was really something! We'd been looking forward to this date for over 6 months, and the hall was packed. But Hagni, who plays the synthesizer, was injured while setting up the decor. An hour before the show, he was in hospital getting stitches. We were under so much pressure, wondering if we were going to have to cancel the show... but in the end, he came back in time and we were able to play!

What stage do you dream of performing on?

The Montreux Festival, in France, would be wonderful for its history, the quality of its programming and its exceptional location. Originally a jazz festival, it now welcomes artists from a wider range of musical backgrounds. 

What song makes you dance?

Definitely Jocelyn Brown's "Somebody Else's Guy". You have to hear it to understand it! The intro is incredible, and the riffs work so well!

If you could live in the past, which period would you choose?
I'd hesitate between the 50s for jazz and the 70s for disco. But I think life must have been a lot more fun in the 70s! What fascinates me about that era is how the music was conceived, it was very different from today, much more organic. Audiences had so much fun at concerts, they came to dance, it was the only opportunity to do so. Now we have the clubs for that.

How important are clothes on stage? 

I like to think they do 50% of the job. The image and representation of the artist are essential. Clothes are part of the band's iconography, just like the music and set design. The silhouette creates a personality and sets the tone.

What's the one item in your wardrobe you can't live without? 

My work jacket! I found it in a second-hand store and the initials of its first owner are still embroidered on it.

What do you like about Fête Impériale ? 

There's something very new and fresh about Fête Impériale, a kind of combination of simplicity and elegance. I don't like things too sophisticated; at Fête Impériale, the prints and silhouettes are very creative, feminine and easy to wear.

Why did you choose the Colette dress? 

I love the colors and the material. This dress is feminine and the cut is original! 

What are your upcoming projects? 

As far as L'Impératrice is concerned, the next step will be our first album! It's a very important project that requires a lot of hard work and maturity. For my part, I'd also like to continue with jazz and do a few featurings. My last one was on the song "La Piscine" with the group Hypnolove. But the future of L'Impératrice is clearly my priority: I'm part of the family now!