With a million album sales to his name, Vincent Niclo is a name on the lips of people all around the world. Now launching in the UK with Sony, he's gearing up for the official release of his debut record 'Romantique' on British shores. We caught up with Vincent to find out all about his style, music and more. Find out what he had to say below...
Vincent Niclo
First off, for those who may be to new to your music, how best would you describe yourself as an artist?
I am a singer with different musical influences. I like to vary between pop and opera and even sometimes go to jazz, like I have done with Michel Legrand. It allowed me to sing with Celine Dion as well as Placido Domingo. It's a great opportunity for me to have been able to collaborate with such big stars.
Can you tell us a little bit about the creation process behind your new album 'Romantique'?
My new album 'Romantique' is an album of love, passion and romance. It is composed of big French ballads and covers, that are famous worldwide. I tried to bring a contemporary feel with a personal touch. I had the great chance to record the album live between Paris and London with amazing renowned musicians.
Some of your favourite classic songs are on this record - what should listeners expect from your take on these tracks?
If you feel like being in love, falling in love or meeting your lifelong partner, then perhaps you should listen to my album 'Romantique'. As it does for me, I really hope that it will recall some of your deepest feelings.
You've sold over a million albums to-date - do you still get nervous ahead of a release?
To me, making an album is to reassess. I always try to give my best every time, to give the right emotion to the listeners so they can feel my pains and joys.
What's it like knowing you've had that sort of success?
It hasn't changed me, to be honest. The only difference is that thanks to this success, I can work with the best in the industry and collaborate with artists that I look up to, like Charles Aznavour and Paul Anka. It is just incredible, that as a small child, I dreamt of being a singer and now I am able to live my dream.
If you could work with anybody on new material going ahead, who would you choose and why?
Fortunately, I still have plenty of dreams to fulfil. I am passionate about voices - so my first wish would be towards singers with a strong voice. I was fortunate enough once to have made a virtual duet with Luciano Pavarotti. What an honour! I would of course love to sing with Adele, who I admire so much. That's the reason I made a cover of 'Skyfall' on my album 'Romantique'.
What is it about the world of music that makes you love it so much?
Music has been my passion since I was a child. It is my life. It was a way to apprehend my fears and sadness when I was little. A day without music is a wasted day. It is for me, a unique path of emotions. When I sing, I feel alive.
Should we expect you to tour with the album in the UK in the future?
I am talking about it with my team. Just to consider it makes me happy. I like recording albums, but what I prefer most is to go on stage and meet the public. I have been touring in France and other countries. It would be great to be able to come and tour the UK and to meet the British audiences!
Vincent Niclo's debut album 'Romantique' is released May 20 on Sony Masterworks. See Vincent perform on ITV's Weekend tomorrow, May 21 and on Lorraine on Wednesday, May 25, where he'll sing 'She'.