From 2010 to this day, 26-year-old Raoul Vignal has been playing authentic, modern folk music. Forming the essence of his compositions, soothing vocals and delicate fingerpicking played on alternate tunings are Vignal’s trademark. His music has often been described by audience as “evocative” and “mesmering”. Earlier this year, Vignal relased “The Silver Veil” via Talitres.
FACTS:
3 Lee Hazlewood song quotes that sound like facts of life :
1: « Trouble’s little, and it’s lonesome. You won’t find it on any map. But you can take three steps in any direction, and you’re there » ‘Trouble Is A Lonesome Town’
2: « Dirk Thornton thinks he’s a goose. It’s alright though, ‘cause we let him » ‘I’m
Gonna Fly
3: « In the beginning, there was nothing. But it was kinda fun to watch nothing grow » ‘I’m Glad I Never’
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QUESTIONS:
1. What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
The way I feel, and the need to transform emotions into music.
2. How and when did you get into making music?
I was about 14. It turned into a passion a year after I first picked up the guitar.
3. What are 5 of your favourite albums of all time?
I have no ultimate top 5, but here are some records I enjoy greatly :
1. « The Nashville Jump », Chet Atkins
2. « Dopethrone », Electric Wizard
3. « 1979 », Deru
4. « Distortions », Blue Phantom
5. « Jeanne Moreau Chante Bassiak », Jeanne Moreau
4. What do you associate with Berlin?
Sterni beer caps scattered all over town / the very special smell of the U-bahn / Cairn McBain, dear amigo / Mr. Tom cand y bars / the boring banter over nightclubbing / hours and hours of dancing / the neverending Osloer Str – Kreuzberg U8 ride / the « silver veil » sky / extremely funny hangovers / friends from all over the planet / rainy days in Rehberge Park…
5. What’s your favourite place in your town?
Parc Bellevue, with a great view over the city. It’s a nice place to watch the sun rise, when you lost your keys and have nowhere to go.
6. If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
I would get into filmmaking… or maybe acting. Probably both.
7. What was the last record/music you bought?
« I used to be clean », by Viktor’s Joy. He’s a Berlin based musician, you should check him out.
8. Who would you most like to collaborate with?
At the moment, I’m working on a set of songs, that hopefully will be soon sung as a male-female duet. I’ll soon get in search of my « voice counterpart ».
9. What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
Karma To Burn @ Grrrnd Zero, Lyon, 2009, was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. The sound knocked me out.
10. How important is technology to your creative process?
Home recording is a very good tool, for improving one’s music. I actually don’t really know if it has a direct link to the creative process. I’m not much of a technology guy. I shed a tear every time I have to part with a cellphone that is getting ‘too old’.
11. Do you have siblings and how do they feel about your career/art?
I sent the question to Louis, my older (and only) brother. Here’s what he wrote : «I’m proud of him of course and it is probably the easiest way to sumarize my feelings for him. He is a beautiful artist and his music is here to confirm this point. No doubt it’s the beginning of a long journey. And I will follow closely each step of his adventure, like I always did. »
Thanks brother, much love & lucky me.
Raoul Vignal will appear at Fluxbau as past of Chic Schnack Festival on November 30.
