Valentin Plessy aka aMinus

aMinus is the first artist presented at the MUSIC EVENT on Grateful Grapefruit, but this is not all. i sat down and chatted for a bit with the man behind the project – Valentin Plessy.

After spending a couple of months recovering from Berlin in Paris, he is ready to take over the city once again. Valentin is born in Deauville (France) in 1983, went to school in Pont-Audemer (provincial town in Normandy) then to Rouen (capital city of Normandy) where he first attended English studies (literature + civilization) which is also why he is one of the best English speaking Frenchmen I’ve ever met. Then Valentin attended acting school at the Conservatory Of Rouen. He records everything with his laptop, a soundcard and a microphone, in his bedroom which makes his music feel really intimate and gives you a voyeuristic feeling about it. He also eats crunchy muesli with soy milk while recording.

Here is what we talked about + some pictures from backstage at Berghain (where Valentin had the premiere of his debut album).

When did you start doing music?

At the age of 4. I went to a music school and learned violin.

What instrument do you play?

Drums and a bit of keyboards.

How would you describe your debut album?

Bitter but danceable.

How does this solo project feel after the time spent with Plateau Rapas?

Scary. I now have to face the feedbacks alone! Yeah, scary and lonely!

There is some childishness to your debut album. What did you want to become as a kid?

A violinist in a band like Rondo Veneziano.

Who do you want to collaborate with in the future?

I’d love to do a cheezy love duet with Molly Nilson.

Why is the video to the pilot single Billy so violent? Tell me how you came up with the idea.

Damn, I don’t find it this brutal… I guess i got used to my brother’s twisted mind who did the video. I find it quite funny actually. The idea was to make a spoof of these people filming themselves lipsynching to their favorite song and posting it on youtube. They sometimes look like real psychos, that’s why we pushed it to such a dark end.

How was your gig in Berghain for the launch of the album?

Great. I still can’t believe I got to perform there. The sound is amazing and the berlin crowd very curious and focused. The perfect combination.

You came back to Berlin from France with the album – do you plan to stay longer here now?

I actually did not come to Berlin with my album. I’ve lived here for the past 4 years and wrote most of the songs on my album here. I’m not going anywhere. This city is perfect to get (time for) inspiration.

What is going on in the queer scene there?

I left 4 years ago, so I am not very aware of the queer activity. It’s definitely not as active as it is here in Berlin. I can talk about the people that make queer culture alive right now in Paris such as The “Flash Cocotte”, the “Relou Krew” and the “Mort-Aux-Jeunes” who organise great parties and invite queer artists from all around the world; Pierre Pascual is one hell of a performer, I love his ideas and the music he produced. Very edgy. Unfortunately, unlike Berlin where queer culture is important and visible, i have the feeling it remains too much of a subculture in France.

Name 3 French inspirations you currently have.

I really don’t have any, currently.