New Interview with Miel de Botton
Miel de Botton is a singer with a passion; one that she wants to share.
She breathes new life into her beloved French chansons (Jacque Brel, Charles Aznavour et al) with sensitive interpretations and innovative arrangements. The honesty and romance of their songs also inspire her own material in both French and English.
In the year 2000, Miel relocated to London. Here her passion for singing was at last given an outlet. “Finally this secret wish of mine seemed to be nurtured from all sides. I met wonderful people to help me express it.” The French songs came first, naturally. Then came her own songwriting and eventually concerts, in prestigious venues all over London and abroad, alongside artists from Jessie J to David D’Or.
Miel is currently promoting her debut album, Magnetic, which was released on the 9th March 2015. The album was made with producer Andy Wright (Simply Red, Eurythmics, Jeff Beck, Natalie Imbruglia).
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Miel de Botton: I was born in Zurich and lived there until the age of 11, when I was sent to an English boarding school. After that I lived in Paris for 10 years, where I trained and practiced as a psychologist. That was my first, and very rewarding career. The professional singing came after marriage and two children, when suddenly all the doors started opening. However, I always loved singing, was in school choirs, and my father, who was passionate about music, asked me to sing at various family events. He himself would sing to me some of the French chansons that I sing now. So he was clearly an inspiration. I always dreamt of becoming a singer but was not sure it would ever happen.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with your album name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Miel de Botton: The album is named after the title track, ‘Magnetic’. I wanted to describe the forces that led me to fulfill my passions. I feel that when you deeply desire something you unleash a force akin to magnetic forces. You will thus attract what you desire – the law of attraction… I also thought it was a strong name, it worked in French and in English (apt as half the album is in French) and represents how we all want to be; attractive and sparkly.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Miel de Botton: Artists really struggle in this business and online music sharing means even more meagre revenues for them. So I am not totally in favour of it, but it does help to promote up and coming artists such as myself, and my album is on Spotify. One lovely way to give away your music is to donate it and I have given away my track, Birds Without Borders, to the RSPB to support their campaign of the same name, which is helping the plight of the migrant birds that are shot over the Mediterranean. People can download the track for free and also donate money to the cause
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Miel de Botton: I am pretty small myself, but I can tell you that you need perseverence, patience and, of course, you must hone your talent! Networking is important in order to meet people in the business, and showing your enthusiasm to friends and acquaintances often leads to opportunities, as may giving away performances for a beloved charity.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? If so, how have you handled them?
Miel de Botton: Of course I have made mistakes…. Luckily, I have been able to hide them by transposing a verse or just carrying on. The important thing is not to panic! The show must go on… None of my spies in the audience ever noticed!
Exposed Vocals: How have you enjoyed your recent tours with Rhydian Roberts and John Barrowman?
Miel de Botton: Immensely! Every town was new to discover; each had a different ambience, but all the audiences were delightful. I myself was in a different mood and wore a different dress for each gig! We went from small seaside towns like Weston Super Mare and New Brighton to large cultural hubs like Newcastle and Liverpool. I particularly loved discovering Cheltenham. I had no idea it was so beautiful. Of course The London Palladium was a highlight. Both Rhydian and John Barrowman were delightful and welcoming. They were both very charming and said lovely things about me and it was a privilege to work with such amazing artists.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Miel de Botton: Walks in nature really inspire me to write. Generally I need a very relaxed atmosphere with few commitments, so a holiday is a good time. Usually love and spirituality are the main inspirations. Most often I write the lyrics down in a flow of consciousness that expresses my emotions at the time. I then record a melody I find suits the lyrics on my phone and send this to my producer, Andy Wright (Simply Red, Simple Minds, Eurythmics, Jeff Beck). We then meet and he puts beautiful arrangements to my music.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Miel de Botton: Abba’s ‘Angel Eyes’, Lionel Richie’s ‘Hello’, Barbra Streisand’s ‘Woman in Love’….
Exposed Vocals: Any studio updates for next year? What are you working on at the moment?
Miel de Botton: Well, our studio (Battersea Park Studios) is up for redevelopment into flats, which is concerning, so we are currently formulating some alternative plans if that happens. Two of my singles; ‘Magnetic’ and ‘Dazzle Me Diamond’ have had wonderful dance mixes done by Manhattan Clique. ‘Dazzle Me Diamond’ is about to be released and the dance version of ‘Magnetic’ charted at number 9 in the Music Week dance club charts, which was fantastic! I am now being encouraged to produce a dance version of my whole album ‘Magnetic’, which I am considering. I wrote a new song over the summer called ‘Bittersweet’, which I have been performing on tour and it is destined to go onto a second album. I have been very busy with the tours this year, but hopefully now I will have a little more time to work on this project.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with, and why?
Miel de Botton: Elvis!! Jacques Brel and The Beatles. Michael Buble, Leonard Cohen and Barbra Streisand… I would love to sing at The Sydney Opera House, Caesar’s Palace and the O2!
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Miel de Botton: My team is discussing festivals such as the Cheltenham Music Festival and possibly another tour. I have been asked to do two concerts in St. Moritz in February. The Jerusalem Youth Chorus (a chorus of half Israeli, half Palestinian teenagers whom I support and sing with) are going on tour in Japan in August and there is talk of me accompanying them. Also, the Jerusalem Foundation is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and again, there is a suggestion of the Jerusalem Youth Chorus, Shlomo Bar and me performing together at this event.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making and performing music, what do you think you would you be doing?
Miel de Botton: I think I would be running a charitable arts foundation dedicated to Land Art and running courses for children related to that, encouraging the links between nature and creativity.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it?
Miel de Botton: I remember the first album that was given to me by a boy in my class who I liked. It was ‘Let It Be’ by The Beatles. I was so happy!
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Miel de Botton: Well, it is a juggling act! They say that to raise your children it takes a village and I do feel that to raise your children and have a music career it takes even more than a village! So I feel very grateful to have the support of a wonderful team…
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to from Miel de Botton in 2016?
Miel de Botton: Watch out for the release of my new single and video of ‘Dazzle Me Diamond’ next February!
For more information about Miel de Botton please visit www.mielmusic.co.uk or visit iTunes on http://bit.ly/itunesmagnetic to purchase Miel’s debut album, Magnetic.
