Last time , we talked to french pop singer AMAR it was for his debuts album OTTO DISCO. Couple years later, another album Welcome to Democrazy, a documentary in Greece and now, a ballet, queer electronic bromance in NYC piers, FAWN. Let’s find out everything!

Hi Amar, last time we chatted together it was for the release of your first album Otto Disco, what has happened to you since its release. 

Hey, yes, a lot has happened. Though I’m glad to not have wrinkles yet. I made a remix album, with a Londonner DJ and producer, OKJAMES, and I’ve then put its remixes on my shows. I then worked on a second studio album Democrazy with French producer Tommy Marcus, a very high dynamic 90s inspired music. After playing the songs around in clubs in Paris, I decided to go back to my first roots, and to create this dance project, FAWN. 

How the idea emerged to you ? What is your relationship with the dance industry ? 

I wanted to make a change, not much of a change actually, but to take an other direction after making music. I knew that i wanted to work on an experience that was mostly on the stage and that will be a pursue of my work as a performance artist. I just wanted to change the medium to express myself. Dance has been my first artistic expression, and it’s very close to my work even in my music making. I cannot write a song if I don’t picture me dancing on it. I’ve always admire the freedom that dance drives you too. 

As I remember you’re a former trained dancer yourself. Tell us a little be more, and how it has designed your path in this creation ? 

As a teen my dad didn’t want me to take ballet lessons, so my mom and I were lying to him, pretending I was taking math classes. How ironic. I joined first classes with Muriel Gresant, she formally trained me to ballet, and then I met Patrick Dupond, whom I have shared couple years dancing in his company. That was a triggering moment in my life that has never left me completely. He taught me about discipline, hard work, and the constant pursue of your inner voice and to never take no for an answer. I’ve since had the chance to work with amazing teachers and mentors. 

That motto has always been my life goal, and with this creation now, I understand it even more. 

FAWN, what an interesting word. There are some double meanings there, tell us about your FAWN. 

That’s true. Fawn has couple meanings, but in this case I’m not creating a Bambi revival. It’s my modern adaptation of the Faun of Nijinski and Debussy, one of my favorites and a masterpiece of Russian Ballets. But in this new story, the ballet sets place in NYC underground culture, especially on the piers during pre-aids epidemic era. I’ve been left starstruck by Alvin Baltrop photographs of this period of life. And as far as i remember, i’ve always had some close connection to Nijinski’s work. I’ve been inspired by urban culture since the early years of my carreer, it’s some sort of a full circle story here. Funny note the premiere will be at the Debussy’s Venue in Burgundy (next Jan 20th). So, it’s like all signs shine in the same direction. Don’t you think ? 

Tell us more about your team, the process and the choreography inspirations. 

We are three dancers on stage. Bruno POP with whom I’ve been working since the release of Democrazy, he’s a street and hip-hop dancer, and LEXORCIS, a cabaret sensation and vogguing stallion. The music is composed by French musician Jef GUILLON, the entire videos and visual arts are designed by Spanish artist Daniel S, costumes are designed by French labels AUX CORPS ANONYMES and NSEW sound engineer and light technician is Emmanuel LAGARDE, Christophe SIMMONET is our stage designer and my longtime friend and support Thedora ELIE is in charge of the makeup. We started the rehearsals this summer, in Burgundy. And we work on a daily basis in Paris at the Debussy’s studio at the Marais Dance Center, once again, angels whispers. 

The choreography is mostly oriented to a contemporary dancing approach, I’ve trained my dancers to some ballet techniques as I wanted them to be more in connection to the filed I wanted to put on. I made a lot of research and took close looks to my inspirations, and what i love in dance is that freedom of creating your own movement. 

And the story, who’s the FAWN, are you ? 

FAWN is modern day love story. Just a casual ballads on the piers, where three homosexual men are meeting each other and where they explore their bodies and feelings. It’s a love story in a cruising environment, a metaphor of a low key but flamboyant love exchange. 

The ballet approaches the sexuality, but also themes as vulnerability, passion, thrive and loss. it’s about the fierceness. I think it’s somehow one of the most personal piece I ever wrote. I really picture myself in the character. The mix of Jef’s  music with Daniel’s videos and the 3 dancers is just beyond. 

What is on your mind for next year, after the premiere ? 

I’m currently working on a movie with Chana FUSBERG, a documentary of the creative process of FAWN, and I’ll also make a third studio album with Jef GUILLON inspired by the FAWN’s theme. We also have a date book in Paris in March too. It’s so very exciting. 

Thanks AMAR. 

Thanks Yass for always showing to support to queer artists and voices. You’re the bests. 

INFO / 

ig @fawntheballet / @metamarphose