We finally know little about Frank Rabeyrolles. A discreet and unclassifiable character from the "new" French music scene, he stood out in 2004 with Life behind the window, the first album of his Double u project. His dreamy and hybrid music, oscillating between pop, electronics and songwriting surprises and seduces. It hits the headlines, not to mention Les Inrockuptibles and Liberation, and is album of the month in Trax. A prolific and insatiable artist, Frank Rabeyrolles persists and signs by releasing a solid succession of albums under Double u first then Franklin, a new alias which also reflects his need for perpetual change.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Frank Rabeyrolles, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What drew you to the music industry?
I’ve been into music since I was a kid, have always been obsessed by listening, doing music… From Jazz to Punk, I was a little bit programmed to make my own music and release my records…
What is the funniest or weirdest question that you have ever been asked in an interview?
I always find it weird to talk about my lyrics, because it’s very personal and I always need to explain things that are more metaphorical, and I don’t like talking too much about intimate and poetical lyrics.
Your latest song is 'Even Space'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
Nothing really special; we worked with Sebastien and Romain trying to transform a song I only played on my guitar; it’s not the easiest track of the album, but I like the nostalgic atmosphere. It’s minimalistic; we tried to do something nearly naked.
What are your songs about?
It’s not the funniest thing to tell about; my music seems quite mellow, but the lyrics are sometimes wistful and sometimes sad. Childhood, family neurosis, mourning, but also nature is an inspiration…. I have an elliptical way of writing, and I like abstract stories...
What is the most trouble that you ever have gotten into?
I often get into trouble; I’m very forgetful, and unfortunately, I often have problems with losing important things! Everyday life is my main concern.
What is the background of the music video? Where did the idea come from?
From the beginning of the video, the girl is crying, and little by little she will detach herself from her emotions and find comfort thanks to little hands that offer her a cigarette, a glass of alcohol, and a handkerchief to dry her tears. This is Damien Oliveres' idea, and I love this video; it’s sweet and sensual at the same time.
If you can have your fans remember one thing about you, what would it be?
I would love for people to listen several times to the songs on my new album and discover different listening levels—something deeper than only Indie Pop songs.
If you did not become a musician, what would you be doing right now?
In the past I was selling records in a record store my record store, may be when I’ ll stop music, I ‘d love to work in a Radio Station, or write about music, I don’t know. I used to study philosophy at university. I could go back to school...
Which famous musicians do you admire?
Robert Wyatt, John Coltrane, Syd Barrett, Bill Evans, Karen Dalton, Shuggie Otis, and more.
What are your plans for the future?
I’d love to play gigs and play the record for people, share something strong with the audience that’s my secret plan…