An Interview with Carole-Anne

Can you describe your professional career and how did you find yourself at La Folie Douce?

I have been a professional singer for 10 years now however, I started singing at the age of 13. At first, I took classical singing lessons however, it all became professional when I participated at Star Academie in Canada (I’m from Quebec).

Afterward I wanted to travel, so, I toured with a band from Quebec. Here I had the opportunity to sing in 5-star hotels in Dubaï, Abou Dabi, Morocco, to name a few.

Sometime later, I was contacted to participate in The Voice, France. During the contest I met Malika Jackson, who incidentally worked at La Folie Douce. We became friends and she encouraged me to come to La Folie Douce, as at the time they were looking for singers. Long story short, I was hired by La Folie Douce in 2015!

In parallel I studied communication, marketing and management. I was fortunate to able to combine my studies and singing.

What is your role in La Folie Douce?

I began my career with La Folie Douce, 5 years ago as a singer. During this time, I have been able practice throughout 5 different La Folie Douce before becoming Artistic Director of La Folie Douce, Les Arcs.

My role is to manage the entire artistic team. An Artistic Director must be creative, innovative and full of imagination. Interpersonal skills are also required when you are leading a team. My work includes, marketing/management as well as artistic fundamentals and being in tune to general culture. I have to be able to come up with ideas, be mindful of trends, look after costumes and manage the programming.

It’s also important to adapt yourself to the visual identity of the institution. For example, in the 8 different La Folie Douce establishments, each has its very own small distinctions.

Where do you find the inspiration for your shows?

I listen to a lot of music of every genre! I think that we should not limit ourselves to a single style. For instance, La Folie Douce play different types of music every day such as electro house, afro house and techno.

As a singer you have to be able to set a path with music, so it’s continuous musical improvisation. Personally, I am inspired by listening to soul, RnB and sometimes even Rap. In addition, I also go to many shows. I think you must be constantly mindful of trends and be curious to see what is done elsewhere such as in the USA on broadway, or In spain in Ibiza, to illustrate a few.

I never really stop working because I am always looking for new ideas. For example, I work with other agencies in Cannes and Nice this summer to keep my cultural senses awake

In your oppinion, what is the biggest difference between create a show in a room or create a show for La Folie Douce?

It’s complicated with La Folie Douce because the fourth wall does not exist. We need to constantly search to make eye contact. What matters most is the contact with the public, to approach and talk to them, to be close to them, to sing for them, to have fun with them, whether it’s families or young people etc.

This is what constitutes the great challenge of La Folie Douce in creating a 360° show at La Fruitière, however also for the clubbing area on the opposite side of the venue.

It is also important for an artist to be multidisciplined. A singer must know how to dance and act. Additionally, it is very difficult for a singer to work at altitude because of the temperature and the impact it can have on the voice.

The most important thing, I think, is that there is a exchange between the artist and the public, that it is not just an artistic performance, to ensure that every day comes out of the everyday.

Is there a typical day in the role of Artistic Director? If yes, can you tell us about it?

Yes! I arrive at 9am every morning in les Arcs and until 11am I organise the administrative side of things, the day’s schedule etc.
At 11.30am we have lunch. Then it’s prep time with makeup and costumes. At 12pm the DJ’s start their mix and I make a point to observe audience (a kind of spotting) to brief the artists and give them indications.
So, the next step is the lounge cabaret in La Fruitière which continues until 2.30pm. The goal is to stroll between customers so they can be at the centre of the show.
Finally, we move on to the clubbing area where we increase the volume, make people dance, we sing and everything in-between.
In Les Arcs, the day finally finishes at 7pm, where after a day of performance I will brainstorm with artists and then everyone goes home.

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