HEIMDALLR.CH - Interview - 15.09.2000

In my point of view Regard Extrême should need no introduction, as I think that anyone interested in independent music should know that band, but unfortunately if the curiosity killed the cat, it didn't kill all music lovers. But as soon as the fatal beauty of that music comes into your ears, you can't wait listening to some more. Regard Extrême is a French band which is unique in its country, and in the rest of the world I must say. The outstanding quality of this musical project put it amongst the most promising artists of the independent scene. Fabien Nicault, the founder member of Regard Extrême, explains his music, his cultural and social visions, in order to help us discovering who's hidding behind these silent masks. It's time now that we give Regard Extrême the real attention the band deserves.

Nunc est bibendum !

Regard Extrême is in fact a personal project. The practice of piano from a very young age naturally led me to appreciate classical music. Then other styles of music and the discovery of parallel movements excited my curiosity. I was lucky to live in a town where an alternative radio, mainly turned towards the Underground, prospered. Music enthusiasts used to meet there to communicate their enthusiasm. Eventually, I ended up hosting a programme there for about ten years.

Fifteen years ago I discovered a French group called "Brigade Internationale". Unfortunately, this band has only a few productions to its credit. In particular a live tape that I own. It had an incredible power. A harrowing voice backed by a bass and a trumpet. I have never heard anything like it since. The live tape was titled "Regard Extrême". In memory of this short-lived but intense formation, I took this name which reflects exactly the spirit of the group.

In the beginning, my first compositions were not really destined to be released. They were in fact roughs, outlines composed according to my inspirations and desires. I did not really have any of the constraints imposed by the necessity to finish a composition. My first participations to compilations came after two years. Then the first very confidential composition called "Aux morts". Then I composed "Résurgence" which should have been produced by a Swiss label. Unfortunately, things turned out badly. The CD was released a year late and in addition I was swindled… Following this unhappy experience, I collaborated with LJDLP on "Die Weiße Rose". The success of this project enabled me to collaborate with World Serpent for "Vague à l’âme". This is how the years go by without one realising it… For me the interest is not in being well known. My sole desire is to compose according to my rhythm, drawing a maximum of pleasure out of it whilst hoping that those who listen to this music feel as much pleasure as I did when composing it.

The notoriety of this label has allowed me to be accessible to a larger audience. This album seems to be appreciated by those inclined to pay attention to it. Many contacts have been established and they have enabled me to measure the enthusiasm of some. Concerning my collaboration with WS, it is quite probable that I will continue this experience.

In fact, LJDLP proposed this subject to me in view of a collaboration. On my behalf, more than the story itself, it is the theme that interested me: the struggle of a minority against the oppressor. This tragedy has unfortunately been lived many times since the beginning of time. Therefore, I wanted to express those sufferings through music. Some tracks were composed separately, the others together. The final choice, a sort of final cut, was done together.

I do not have a particular attraction for this period. Many periods of History interest me. For each one of them, above all, it is the culture, the beliefs and lifestyles of those who lived them that interest me.

At the moment, we have no common project, but it is not excluded.

It is very instinctive. Amongst my improvisations, some melodies or atmospheres set off a trigger inside me that drives me to explore them further. Then a methodical research work begins. Research on the sonorities, the melodies, the rhythms. Sometimes the track results in something, sometimes not. In the end, when a coherent sequence of tracks is constituted, the result is a new record. This coherence can be articulated around an emotion, a sentiment, a theme, an imaginary story…

Indeed, the album title speaks for itself. On this album, as for the previous one, it is the main impression that stands out. It is true that that I have a fondness for music having this propensity. Be it my music or that of others. This does not mean that I am like this in my everyday life. Voices are present on some tracks with the use of choirs. It is under this aspect that I appreciate them the most. However, I would have liked to use a counter tenor voice, which I appreciate above all. Unfortunately, I do not have the means to collaborate with a singer who could satisfy these requirements.

It is not always easy to briefly resume a music’s style. And I should know with my radio experience. It is one of the terms that can give an idea of how my music sounds. It is however quite reducing when I think of the multitude of styles that have influenced me.

My purpose is modest. To live and give life to sensations, to arouse the imagination, to make others feel various emotions… In one word, to share intense moments through music. Of course, mixing various artforms seems interesting to me. I pay a particular attention to the presentation of my various productions. My interest in calligraphy, certain colours, stone,… results in an aestheticism that marks my graphic presentations. Video could also be the accomplice of my music…

I express myself naturally in French. I also find this language rich and of beautiful sonority. Therefore, from the start I am inclined to name my titles in French. I particularly appreciate Japanese and Slav languages which I do not exclude using if the theme requires them.

It is me, with the help of a graphic artist.

Internet allows a more direct contact with the artists. One can find rare masterpieces impossible to find via traditional networks. Furthermore, information can be sent in a few seconds to hundreds of people. A real network can be set-up. In this point of view, it is a good promotional tool. On the other hand, the overabundance of information hinders the research of new things. It is long and tedious. However, perseverance can pay off. Another problem comes from the fact that many sites are not that reliable. Sites not updated regularly or abandoned. Some only have ephemeral existences. In these conditions, it is hard to find one’s path. It is best in that case to know from the start what one is looking for. On my behalf, my contacts are more and more numerous since I have set up the Regard Extrême site. Furthermore, my mailing-list allows me to rapidly circulate information on Regard Extrême to all those inscribed.

As I have said before, it is one of my desires. Unfortunately, it is not possible at the moment. However, I do not despair...

My experience is pretty thin in this domain. My only appearances were in the company of LJDLP. It demands a lot of energy and the result is sometimes disappointing. What should one expect? I think of a rather minimalist show associating the aesthetics close to my heart with the power inherent to a live performance.

Unfortunately, it seems that in France there are very few concert promoters interested in this musical genre. Maybe because it does not attract enough people… However, I am optimistic for next spring, during a festival organised in Paris.

On our continent, many confrontations have succeeded each other over the centuries. Apart from a few persisting conflicts that it is necessary to put an end to, the nations in their current configurations are reconciled with each other. Their closeness and the ensuing exchanges at all levels allow one to speak of Europe not only as a geographical continent. The wealth of this community stems from the diversity of cultures and ways of life. Concerning its future, it is much harder to predict what will become of it… At the moment, I am more preoccupied by the fate of those who are still exposed to violence and repression throughout the world.

If one has to talk of a European Culture, I would say that it is the sum of a great number of cultures. Because of my formation, my initiatic experiences, I am extremely sensible to the different styles of artistic expression that have existed in Europe. That said, many other styles originating from various countries have influenced me and will continue to do so. I am always eager to discover… Yes, in a certain sense I feel an attachment to this culture, but unconsciously, by the force of circumstances.

A lot of work. The preparation of a new edition of "Résurgence". The titles have been completely rearranged and reorchestrated and I hope to release another CD before the end of the year.

A great number of artists and works of art are important for me and influence my music. The classic composers of course with a particular affection for Baroque and Medieval music. Amongst our contemporaries the one who, beyond doubt, was a revelation to me and who remains in my opinion the major reference is Michael Nyman in the way he uses and marries instruments, rhythms and harmonies. At last, amongst all the groups I am fond of, Minimal Compact and Neon Judgement are the most important.

At present, my "bed-side records" are the French lyric tragedies "David et Jonathas" and "Acteon" from M.A. Charpentier. "Concionero de Medinaceli" from the medieval composer Pedro Guerrero. "L’orient est rouge" from Okani orchestar, a tsigan band based on brass instruments and percussions.

Thank you for the interest you show to my music.