Match in Paris. Why did you want to release an album of Christmas carols so much?
Natasha St-Pierre. I like a special atmosphere at Christmas, my mom used to play this type of songs systematically, it’s a part of my life. But I have to admit that being in North America, I wanted to have my own album, a milestone in my career. I come from Anglo-Saxon culture, I live in France and certain songs are listened to in Europe as well as elsewhere. Therefore, we identified the songs that Europeans “streamed” the most during this period, and the top 10 that appear perfectly match my taste. There are also spectacular titles that have nothing to do with Christmas in the first place, such as “Happy Days” or “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, but connect the heart. My piano partner Vincent Bidal, co-producer of this album, is passionate about Latin music, hence the accents of “Feliz Navidad” full of sun, warmth and celebration. When it comes to “Last Christmas”, George Michael had this ability, like Stromae today, to sing sad lyrics to cheerful melodies, without causing melancholy, but creating unique emotions.
Nostalgic or holiday record?
Some people have a melancholy Christmas, others joyful, I belong to the second category. As an expat, I don’t enjoy my family in Canada as much as I would like. Christmas is one of those times when I can put down my bag, put down my work and find my loved ones. All the preparation for the holidays is also a joy. Two weeks ago I made a gingerbread house with my son, I create the atmosphere with scented candles, I light the tree to give off a nice dim light, I listen to Christmas music that makes me want to dance in the kitchen… he wanted this album to give people the same feelings. I think it’s also very characteristic of countries where it’s cold, like Northern Europe or Canada. The light we lack outside, we restore inside. Preparing for Christmas allows you to not have two days of intense stress as your only memory, when you feel like you’re giving it your all without enjoying it.
“I wake up in the morning and think about what to do to make my day happy.”
Where does the light that lights up your eyes come from?
I don’t like the idea that my happiness is conditioned by certain things: being happy when I have a lover, when I have a nice house, when my album is finished… Over time I learned to choose to be happy. Some inspirational reading has motivated me to adopt this attitude, that is, a voluntary choice for happiness, even when life is difficult. Of course it’s not easy, but I wake up in the morning and think about what to do to make my day happy.
Your existence seems to have taken an increasingly spiritual turn…
We’ve learned to take care of our bodies, we’re just starting to take care of our minds, at a time when people are facing a lot of burnout and depression. For my part, I find that we have confused religion with spirituality. Everyone needs to be able to sit down and evaluate their desires, their values, and the directions they want to take in their lives. I think we are not just beings of flesh and bones, but we integrate another dimension.
Is there music behind the notes?
Definitely. Pascal Obispo told me that an honest note without emotion never touches anyone. Callas’ success can be explained by her anger and her cracks, where other sopranos had a more “perfect” voice. Beautiful voices are everywhere. But just a little extra soul makes a difference and makes the lyrics sincere and touching. In my childhood I was impressed by great voices, today I like to turn to classic French songs with grandiose lyrics and melodies. The repertoire of Brel, Bécaud and Piaf will still move you. I also really like Yves Montand.
What have your experiences outside of singing taught you?
I was a TV presenter on France 3 in a show where I interviewed many artists and it did me a lot of good. When you’re a solo artist like me, it’s all about you. Gathering other points of view allowed me to broaden my view of the profession, to elevate it. As for yoga, it helps me rise as a person. Life is a virtuous circle where each thing nourishes the others. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become much more patient and empathetic, especially thanks to my son. I was too demanding. It was good for me to pursue other professions in order to have new inspiration. By remaining self-centered, we end up going in circles. Maybe I’m gentler with myself, but mainly with others.
The “Petit Coeur de Beurre” association, which morally and materially supports people with congenital heart defects, is very dear to you.
What I understood during Bixente’s hospitalization and even during my pregnancy when I found out I was carrying a sick child is that we are very alone. Our loved ones can hardly advise us, neither your mother nor your sister have experienced such a situation. Doctors take very good care of you, but they don’t provide answers to the little things of everyday life: sleep problems of a sick child, fear of abandonment, parental anxiety… When we talk about the increasing number of congenital heart defects, there is still a lot to explain. I felt it was important to write a book My heart made of butter, and be part of the association, reaching out to these devastated parents. This disease has united and strengthened me and my son very much.
Is music a part of your daily life?
I feel like I live with the soundtrack all the time. Music can enhance or soothe a moment. It is doping, and therefore marathoners and athletes must not listen to it during races. To escape, I start playlists I don’t know to discover new artists. But I also like going back to certain classics like Frank Sinatra or Michael Bubblé during these holidays. I need instrumental compositions, without words, to concentrate. And the music of the 1920s, but also the 50s and 70s, from swing to Motown, transports me to the party.
What do you wish for by 2024?
My mother often told me “The best way to make God laugh is to tell him your plans for the future.”. Things rarely go as planned. I got carried away.