Where are you from originally?
I was born in New Caledonia but my parents moved back to France when I was 2. I grew up just outside of Perpignan, in the South of France.

When did you move and where did you move to?
I moved to London in October 1997.

Why did you decide to move there? Was the decision related to your music?
My move to London was entirely for music reasons. When I was 14 I realised that music was

the most important thing in my life and that there was absolutely no way I could ever pursue my dream of World Recognition ™ if I stayed where I was. I was incredibly miserable there and felt like a complete outsider. Back in the nineties the then French Culture minister decided on a quota to be imposed on French radio, meaning at least 40% of all music played would have to be French. I nearly died.

In what ways is your new home country different from your old one?
Where do I start? France feels like a different planet now. I guess that over here you don’t feel like any car journey you make could be your last one. The British certainly don’t complain as much as the French do even

though they would have some very good reasons to do so, particularly when it comes to public services.

Did you have any particular difficulties when you first arrived?
Yeah - pretty much the same as anybody who moves to London, foreign or not. I felt quite lonely for the first 6 months but thankfully I started meeting a lot of people shortly after, thanks to 2 separate ads placed in the late Melody Maker. The response to the first ad in particular literally changed my life.

How has moving to a new country influenced your music?
I don’t think it’s just moving here that has influenced my music - it’s also the people I have met and worked with. Back in France I had never heard of XTC but Damo introduced me to them quite early on and my initial reaction was pretty much “Where have you been all my life?”. On a similar note (!), one of our new songs has got a very distinct Tindersticks feeling to it, that’s definitely Jason’s influence but again I don’t think I would have ever heard of them if I had stayed in France.

What tips would you give to a band/artist considering moving to a new country?

I guess I can only really speak for people wanting to move to London. I think it’s vital you should know at least a couple of people over here that will help you with any difficulties you will no doubt experience in the first months. Next thing is never to despair! Do check out the ads in Music magazines or in rehearsal rooms to meet other musicians. Once you’ve met a few, pay as much attention to what they’re like as human beings as well as musicians.

Last, don’t get offended by people teasing you about your nationality: most of them are not actually xenophobic, they’re just patronizing idiots.

Interview & photograph by Paul Madden
www.myspace.com/ataraxylondon

Download 'Hopeful' by Ataraxy