Seduce a predominantly English-speaking audience by singing in French? In one of America’s most acclaimed music scenes, Belgian pop superstar Angèle has just proved, like her compatriot Stromae before him, that the language barrier wasn’t insurmountable for a French-speaking artist.
• Also read: A final clip for Angèle ahead of her North American tour
Last Friday, the 27-year-old singer made a splash behind the hits “Balance ton quoi” and “Forget everything” on one of the California sets of Coachella, one of the biggest and most popular music festivals in the world.
With the exception of his duet Fever with Dua Lipa, his entire performance was in Brassens’ language. The public didn’t seem overly confused.
Reached by Zoom on Tuesday in California, Angèle confessed that she had no idea what to expect at the start of this North American tour, which will take her to Quebec and Montreal next week, alongside several dates in the United States.
“We were quite surprised to see that there were many people who didn’t speak French and were curious. It’s hyper cool because it means there’s still a long way to go, that we can come back to do other concerts, especially since I want to sing in French because that’s the language I can express best. »
Pleased with their French audience
Angèle similarly states that she does not reject English and recalls growing up listening to American pop. An international career? “I think it goes through English if you want to hit a very important scale,” she agrees.
However, she admits that she would find it difficult to embody her songs and lyrics, which often contain important messages, in English. In any case, “there is no desire to conquer anything as territory. »
“I, she says, am already very lucky to have such a large audience in Belgium, France and Quebec. It’s great because I know he’s loyal. As long as I can keep that audience that’s been there from the start, I’m happy. »
transformed artist
One thing is certain, in Quebec it is returning to conquered territories. A Videotron center and two Bell centers await what Quebecers have embraced since their first visits at the time of the Brol album.
You’ll see a transformed performer on stage, more in control and better equipped to handle large crowds. During the pandemic, she took dance and singing lessons.
“In the beginning I learned on the job. I went headlong, but there was no dancing, no singing technique. Sometimes it could be embarrassing, but at the same time I don’t regret it. When I look at the pictures of those concerts, it was touching, sincere. I was so happy to be there. »
- Angèle at the Videotron Center on April 27th and at the Bell Center on April 29th and 30th.