Interview
Rachel, tell us how everything began?
Well, I have always loved music. I think that this is the most emotional and moving art. Music has the power to make you cry, to make you smile and to change your life, for a second or for the eternity. I have always been making music. At 5 I decided to play the flute and at 15 I change my instrument, I started to play the oboe. At that time, I was completely keen on classical music, but I didn’t know anything about computer music. Thanks to my brother and his old Amiga, I realized that I could make music with a computer! That was the beginning of a wonderful story! Little by little, I learnt to use musical software like Orchestrator, then I focused more on mixing, equalizing and all that complicated stuff ;). Then I have bought some more professional equipment and I am still looking for improving my musical studio and my knowledge in computer music.
How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
I think that Internet has been a great opportunity to all the indie artists to get famous and to share our music! When I discovered mp3.com years ago, I couldn’t imagine it would have such an impact on my life. Receiving thanking from people who tell you you have make their life better is the best compliment an artist can hear! That gives me the energy to keep on making music and to distribute it freely on Internet. Internet has also given me the opportunity to meet amazing artists all over the world and to talk about our passion.
Music has to be shared, it is why I couldn’t imagine my life without sharing my music through Internet. I love to touch people with my music and I love to receive their feedback.
What are your influences?
I think that my main influence is my classical background. But it is also all the music I used to listen to, such as Savage Garden, Mylène Farmer, Stephan Eicher, Rondo Veneziano, Paul Van Dyk etc.
What is your equipment ?
I started with a Yamaha SW1000XG soundcard. This card was really amazing. I composed a lot of
music with it. But after ten years using this card, I thought it was time to
change. Technology has changed so much, I wanted to buy a new soundcard. I
bought Juli@, a wonderful card, very easy to use, but very powerful, I love it!
My main programmes are Cubase SX, EastWest Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra, SampleTank LE (+Symphonic strings library) and lots of VST plugins.
Do you have a favourite artist or a favourite song ?
I can say that my musical tastes are quite eclectic. I listen to Bach as well as to DJ Tatana or Sting. I really love the songs of Mylène Farmer (a French musician) but I cannot say I have ONE favourite artist or ONE favourite song. I think that each day I have a new favourite song!
Except the albums you have released (Euterpia (2002), Introspection (2003) and a Remix album (2005)), which industries you dedicate your music to?
My music has a very evocative feeling which fits film soundtrack. It is why I work with the Studios Banshee in the UK to compose the soundtracks for their video games. I also have several projects for films soundtracks and I should concretize them soon.
I also have the honour to be part of two great compilations, Bands United and Kid Antrim Music and to have my music played on many radio stations all over the United States.
I also had the great opportunity to be featured at the Olympic Games in Torino (2006), during an amazing show powered by Christopher Edge. He wanted to involved indie musicians from all around the World, and chose me. That was so exciting, I will never forget it!
Anything else...?
I just want to thanks my fans. It is wonderful to see that my music is heard in so many countries all over the world! Oh, and I shouldn’t forget to say that "life without music would be a mistake"...
Interview realized in 2006 by mp3.com