Yelle

Yelle is an exciting French band with burgeoning international acclaim. Recently signed to Dr. Luke’s Kemosabe label, they recorded their most recent album, Complètement Fou, in LA. We sat down with lead singer Julie Budet (known simply as “Yelle”) to chat about the band’s American tour and how, despite singing in French, they’re able to connect with a North American audience through whimsical tunes that incorporate art and fashion. Add to these admirable talents an irrepressible sense of fun and you have the best French export of the year.

G—How’s the tour going so far?

Julie Budet—Great. We just stopped a few days ago in, we stopped by Boston and then New York, Washington and Philadelphia. We’re just at the start of the tour but at the moment it’s really cool. We’ve had a good response from the crowd.

G—How’s has America been treating you?

JB—Really good actually. It’s weird because we are singing in French so it’s been a bit of a mystery how people connect to us. They don’t understand the lyrics but they are still enjoying the music, dancing and having fun at the show, so that’s cool.

G—Do you feel any pressure to record in English due to the fact that you have a huge North American following and are signed to a new record label (Kemosabe Records)?

JB—No, absolutely not. We have always wanted to continue singing in French and [the label] didn’t pressure us for an English recording. I think they realized that our following was OK with us singing in French. The appeal is that it’s something unique and different from what our audience is normally listening to.

G—How was the transition from being independent to signing with a label? Do you still retain creative control?

JB—Actually, it’s been really easy because [creative control] was a condition when we started working with Dr. Luke. When he asked us to be part of Kemosabe Records, we were interested because it’s a strong group of people working for you that you can trust.

Since the beginning, Dr. Luke told us: “I want you to have the freedom to do what you want. I really like your music and the whole package of music videos and aesthetics, so I want you to keep it. I don’t want to transform you whatsoever. I want you to be free to do what you want.” That was really cool.

G—Speaking of the whole package and the look, how important or how big of a role does fashion play on your brand and who you are?

JB—Actually, it’s really important. Even if it’s not the most important… I use it as a way of expression.

I really like playing with clothes on stage, in my life and at photo shoots. For me fashion is a real game. It’s not serious at all. It’s an expression of people and for me, even if it’s not a character on stage it’s my crazy playful side. I like to do strong, sometimes silly and crazy things with my outfits.

G—Can you explain the artistic concept behind Complètement Fou?

JB—For Complètement Fou we wanted to have a strong connection between the American and French culture. We realized that popcorn may be a link between the two. We had this idea about having my face in an ocean of blue popcorn. We then worked the corn idea into our new music video. That explains the giant corn I’m riding like a horse. There isn’t a deep message – it’s just crazy, weird and colourful.

G—Speaking of bridging the gap between Europe and America, you recently moved to L.A. and that is also where your new record was recorded.

JB—I didn’t move to L.A. We spent a month recording there. I really wanted to live the Los Angeles life. It was inspiring but I wouldn’t want to stay there long.

G—Why is that?

JB—It’s too much for me. Paris is the same. I live in Brittany, in a little town called Saint-Brieuc. It’s close to the sea and small. I prefer the countryside; it’s important to be close to nature and not to live in the city.

G—That’s interesting because your music is very urban, which is a bit of a contrast for you.

JB—Yes, but I think I’m full of extremes. I can be really shy and quiet and in contrast I can be totally ‘ah’, crazy. But I need both parts. It’s a real balance in my life.

G—How do you think L.A influenced your album?

JB—It’s really sunny there and I think it brought about a new energy. It was full of rich emotion and strong feelings. I don’t know how to express it, but it was also simple and efficient.

Life was pretty normal while we were there. We would hang out with Dr. Luke, eat sandwhiches and go to movies. I prefer the normal life. We can have a strong connection without artificial things around.

G—Now that you’re working with Dr. Luke and your image is grander, it’s nice to see you still remain humble and low key behind the scenes.

JB—My parents raised me that way – to do whatever I want, but do it with passion and conviction. My father is a musician, not a star but just living his life like he wanted to live it. It’s not about money but about being happy.

I’m so happy I travel around the world with my music. It’s important to remember the roots of what you are doing.

G—Do you have any expectations that you would like to meet with this album and tour?

JB—Being on tour around different countries is the most important. I want to share my music and connect. Of course I’d love to play bigger venues and touch more people. I feel really happy and I don’t need that much outside of the music.