Post by davidhr on May 11, 2010 10:24:45 GMT -5
(Given the lack of much real news, this is more ‘speculation up-date’…)
With Lara still on a performing and news hiatus, attention has turned to her upcoming activities. Chief of these is the scheduled filming of the ‘clips’ for Mme. Zhivago, to begin towards the end of this month. Chrstina, among others, has noted the recent articles concerning planned promotional activity in this regard, including a joint news conference with Igor Krutoi and the director Alan Badoev to mark the start of filming. The articles say that Universal Music France has actually pumped more money into the movie following the six month delay due to the Swine flu scare. It will have a new character and additional plot lines.
The articles refer to the movie written to follow the lyrics of the music as a relatively unique event, and it is odd. It appears as if it will be a real cinematic release, rather than clips to go with the album, but one would imagine that its success would depend at least in part on people’s being familiar with the music. That was obviously not a concern with movies made in conjunction with Beatles songs. So does the album get released first (presumably during the late fall), and would the movie’s general release then depend on the success of the album - or is the movie its own independent venture? As much as we love Lara, she is not a household name in many of the most populated countries, so the whole idea sounds somewhat risky. It could be (yet once again) a great break-through opportunity for her, and if people really have an ear and an eye for talent, the world may finally get to appreciate her in her true light. Taking a look at what passes for popularity these days, one can’t be overly optimistic!
Lara has also indicated that there will be a new tour (of smaller venues) in France/Belgium, starting probably early next year. What fans have wondered about is what the tour will actually be promoting (not that concerts always have to promote something). Lara and Igor Krutoi have made it plain that Mme. Zhivago (the album) will not be released in France initially, so would Lara tour to promote an album that wasn’t available commercially in France? This has led to speculation that another new album, perhaps “Le Secret” will show up for the French market in that time frame. Despite all her interviews and appearances, Lara has never said this in so many words, so currently it remains more wishful thinking than anything else. In addition any new French tour would raise a potential conflict with the promotion of Mme. Zhivago in the countries where it is being released.
And exactly where will it be released? Igor Krutoi mentioned it would have distribution throughout Europe and in North America, and one would expect some concerts in these other countries in conjunction with the release. In fact, Igor Krutoi said there would be at least one concert in North America. It’s been noted that Lara is now on the roster of Universal artists in Russia, and she already has concerts planned, so undoubtedly it will be available there. However, there is (as yet) no U.S. affiliate of Universal Records that lists Lara as a participating artist, to my knowledge. The most obvious choice, given their roster of performers, would be Decca Records (e.g., Andrea Bocceli, Renee Flemming, Andre Previn – as well as Sting), but there are a few other possibilities (Geffen Records, Verve Music Group); maybe Lara will eventually appear on one of these, if the album is to be released in the U.S. We’ve learned recently that TLFM is not going to be available in Canada, and in this past week it was reported that the person commenting on that said ‘it never will be’, that record companies there don’t want to work with Lara (presumably due to her demands for control of the product). If true, does that mean none of Lara’s future CDs, including Mme. Zhivago will be released and promoted in Canada? A pity if Mme. Zhivago ended up being primarily for the Russian market, which would then impact the movie (but with Universal Music France being the promoter, that seems unlikely). We’ll also find out whether it will be carried by the internet distributors (Amazon.com, FNAC), so far neither of which lists it as up-and-coming - it may just be too soon. One expects that at the very least, it will be obtainable from Lara’s site.
Another event getting some attention is the release of the live DVD. Currently, based on Lara’s comments, it is thought that it will take place in September, after the summer break. It would then be eminently available for the full holiday season. No indication yet whether it will have an accompanying, or independent, CD; at least to this point in time, Lara has never had a ‘DVD-only” musical release. It is nice that Universal is apparently being supportive in this activity as well, considering that TLFM was not a big best seller. One wonders how much it is going to be promoted, especially with Lara’s attention turned to Mme. Zhivago. And will there be a promotional single associated with the release? Fans are suggesting the live version of “J’ai besoin de parler” which was not on the TLFM album.
And then there is the first version of TLFM, with Matt Herskowitz and the Canadian musicians. It was Matt who informed people of its impending release, presumably being made available from Lara’s website (at least). People are expecting it in June, but, as usual, no information about this is available on the official site, despite direct questions addressed to Nathalie. We also don’t know if it will be distributed by FNAC, as EWIM is.
One suspects that some of these projects are probably in a state of flux, hence little definitive can be made public. With the music industry today, this is probably true for many artists.
‘Emille perrier’ on the official site provided an interview Lara did in association with her activities as ‘sponsor’ for the International Musical Comedy Competition (AICOM). Here is a translation:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meeting with Lara Fabian
The sponsor of AICOM speaks to us of her engagement, of her love for musical comedy, of her decisive encounter with Pierre-Yves Duchesne, director of the school…
HOW DID YOU DISCOVER AICOM?
I met Pierre-Yves Duchesne after a showing of Grease where many of his students played significant parts. I found that they had a vocal technique truly apart from all that I had been able to see until then in France, a technique of which I myself was a follower and for which I was going regularly to the end of the world [Note- probably referring to Quebec] to train myself. Between Pierre-Yves and myself, the comprehension was instantaneous. I adhered to his philosophy, his professionalism and ethics, so when he invited me to be sponsor for his school, I did not hesitate.
WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE AS SPONSOR CONSIST OF?
It is already a media role. I speak of his school immediately, and I gladly lend to him my image. As soon as I can, I want to meet all his students and conduct master classes.
WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR MUSICAL COMEDY COME FROM?
It is something that I’ve always loved. For me, to know how to sing, to dance, to be a comedian and to express oneself through all these media together is the quintessence of the complete artist. And I hope one day to get down to it in my turn, while participating equally in the writing of an original project. Even if I love the classics like Chicago, Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Mary Poppins ...
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE STUDENTS OF AICOM
I think they are already on the right track by being in this school. It is astonishing to see that the more you work, the more you have talent, and that the application of a technique as sharp as that of Pierre-Yves provides exceptional results , when at the base of course one already has something , you don’t become a singer just like that.
WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCES, ACCORDING TO YOU, BETWEEN TWO GOOD SINGERS?
The attitude that he has in relation to his art, his character, and a form of determination which is driven by results and not by success, a varnish that someone or other would put on a name, a face. A determination animated by something noble, that being the sharing of good singing, exploring the infinity of his art and the expression of this art. To enter the AICOM to become famous is the worst choice you can make because it is not their philosophy, neither of Pierre-Yves nor his teachers. On the contrary, to enter AICOM to develop in time results based on a qualitative objective, yes. If I have one piece of advice to give, it is the work and humility in the context of this objective.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PROJECTS?
A new album in September with original songs, between the album and the musical film, it is a concept a little peculiar. It is an idea I have had for a long time. I insisted that Pierre-Yves be at my side each day of the recording because I really wanted the application of this technique to be very present within these new songs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note that to confuse matters more, Lara indicates Mme. Zhivago as leaving in September…
Last week, mention was made of the youtube video of Lara’s recorded vocal range. You may know that earlier there was a video of Lara’s live vocal range, which is available at:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bSoQybgIKs&feature=related
It is listed as covering an even greater range, especially on the high side. However, one gets the impression that in the video, at least, it is pretty much the same as the recorded range. Lara has said that in Mme. Zhivago she was forced to extend her vocal range, something to look forward to!
David
With Lara still on a performing and news hiatus, attention has turned to her upcoming activities. Chief of these is the scheduled filming of the ‘clips’ for Mme. Zhivago, to begin towards the end of this month. Chrstina, among others, has noted the recent articles concerning planned promotional activity in this regard, including a joint news conference with Igor Krutoi and the director Alan Badoev to mark the start of filming. The articles say that Universal Music France has actually pumped more money into the movie following the six month delay due to the Swine flu scare. It will have a new character and additional plot lines.
The articles refer to the movie written to follow the lyrics of the music as a relatively unique event, and it is odd. It appears as if it will be a real cinematic release, rather than clips to go with the album, but one would imagine that its success would depend at least in part on people’s being familiar with the music. That was obviously not a concern with movies made in conjunction with Beatles songs. So does the album get released first (presumably during the late fall), and would the movie’s general release then depend on the success of the album - or is the movie its own independent venture? As much as we love Lara, she is not a household name in many of the most populated countries, so the whole idea sounds somewhat risky. It could be (yet once again) a great break-through opportunity for her, and if people really have an ear and an eye for talent, the world may finally get to appreciate her in her true light. Taking a look at what passes for popularity these days, one can’t be overly optimistic!
Lara has also indicated that there will be a new tour (of smaller venues) in France/Belgium, starting probably early next year. What fans have wondered about is what the tour will actually be promoting (not that concerts always have to promote something). Lara and Igor Krutoi have made it plain that Mme. Zhivago (the album) will not be released in France initially, so would Lara tour to promote an album that wasn’t available commercially in France? This has led to speculation that another new album, perhaps “Le Secret” will show up for the French market in that time frame. Despite all her interviews and appearances, Lara has never said this in so many words, so currently it remains more wishful thinking than anything else. In addition any new French tour would raise a potential conflict with the promotion of Mme. Zhivago in the countries where it is being released.
And exactly where will it be released? Igor Krutoi mentioned it would have distribution throughout Europe and in North America, and one would expect some concerts in these other countries in conjunction with the release. In fact, Igor Krutoi said there would be at least one concert in North America. It’s been noted that Lara is now on the roster of Universal artists in Russia, and she already has concerts planned, so undoubtedly it will be available there. However, there is (as yet) no U.S. affiliate of Universal Records that lists Lara as a participating artist, to my knowledge. The most obvious choice, given their roster of performers, would be Decca Records (e.g., Andrea Bocceli, Renee Flemming, Andre Previn – as well as Sting), but there are a few other possibilities (Geffen Records, Verve Music Group); maybe Lara will eventually appear on one of these, if the album is to be released in the U.S. We’ve learned recently that TLFM is not going to be available in Canada, and in this past week it was reported that the person commenting on that said ‘it never will be’, that record companies there don’t want to work with Lara (presumably due to her demands for control of the product). If true, does that mean none of Lara’s future CDs, including Mme. Zhivago will be released and promoted in Canada? A pity if Mme. Zhivago ended up being primarily for the Russian market, which would then impact the movie (but with Universal Music France being the promoter, that seems unlikely). We’ll also find out whether it will be carried by the internet distributors (Amazon.com, FNAC), so far neither of which lists it as up-and-coming - it may just be too soon. One expects that at the very least, it will be obtainable from Lara’s site.
Another event getting some attention is the release of the live DVD. Currently, based on Lara’s comments, it is thought that it will take place in September, after the summer break. It would then be eminently available for the full holiday season. No indication yet whether it will have an accompanying, or independent, CD; at least to this point in time, Lara has never had a ‘DVD-only” musical release. It is nice that Universal is apparently being supportive in this activity as well, considering that TLFM was not a big best seller. One wonders how much it is going to be promoted, especially with Lara’s attention turned to Mme. Zhivago. And will there be a promotional single associated with the release? Fans are suggesting the live version of “J’ai besoin de parler” which was not on the TLFM album.
And then there is the first version of TLFM, with Matt Herskowitz and the Canadian musicians. It was Matt who informed people of its impending release, presumably being made available from Lara’s website (at least). People are expecting it in June, but, as usual, no information about this is available on the official site, despite direct questions addressed to Nathalie. We also don’t know if it will be distributed by FNAC, as EWIM is.
One suspects that some of these projects are probably in a state of flux, hence little definitive can be made public. With the music industry today, this is probably true for many artists.
‘Emille perrier’ on the official site provided an interview Lara did in association with her activities as ‘sponsor’ for the International Musical Comedy Competition (AICOM). Here is a translation:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meeting with Lara Fabian
The sponsor of AICOM speaks to us of her engagement, of her love for musical comedy, of her decisive encounter with Pierre-Yves Duchesne, director of the school…
HOW DID YOU DISCOVER AICOM?
I met Pierre-Yves Duchesne after a showing of Grease where many of his students played significant parts. I found that they had a vocal technique truly apart from all that I had been able to see until then in France, a technique of which I myself was a follower and for which I was going regularly to the end of the world [Note- probably referring to Quebec] to train myself. Between Pierre-Yves and myself, the comprehension was instantaneous. I adhered to his philosophy, his professionalism and ethics, so when he invited me to be sponsor for his school, I did not hesitate.
WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE AS SPONSOR CONSIST OF?
It is already a media role. I speak of his school immediately, and I gladly lend to him my image. As soon as I can, I want to meet all his students and conduct master classes.
WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR MUSICAL COMEDY COME FROM?
It is something that I’ve always loved. For me, to know how to sing, to dance, to be a comedian and to express oneself through all these media together is the quintessence of the complete artist. And I hope one day to get down to it in my turn, while participating equally in the writing of an original project. Even if I love the classics like Chicago, Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Mary Poppins ...
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE STUDENTS OF AICOM
I think they are already on the right track by being in this school. It is astonishing to see that the more you work, the more you have talent, and that the application of a technique as sharp as that of Pierre-Yves provides exceptional results , when at the base of course one already has something , you don’t become a singer just like that.
WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCES, ACCORDING TO YOU, BETWEEN TWO GOOD SINGERS?
The attitude that he has in relation to his art, his character, and a form of determination which is driven by results and not by success, a varnish that someone or other would put on a name, a face. A determination animated by something noble, that being the sharing of good singing, exploring the infinity of his art and the expression of this art. To enter the AICOM to become famous is the worst choice you can make because it is not their philosophy, neither of Pierre-Yves nor his teachers. On the contrary, to enter AICOM to develop in time results based on a qualitative objective, yes. If I have one piece of advice to give, it is the work and humility in the context of this objective.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PROJECTS?
A new album in September with original songs, between the album and the musical film, it is a concept a little peculiar. It is an idea I have had for a long time. I insisted that Pierre-Yves be at my side each day of the recording because I really wanted the application of this technique to be very present within these new songs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note that to confuse matters more, Lara indicates Mme. Zhivago as leaving in September…
Last week, mention was made of the youtube video of Lara’s recorded vocal range. You may know that earlier there was a video of Lara’s live vocal range, which is available at:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bSoQybgIKs&feature=related
It is listed as covering an even greater range, especially on the high side. However, one gets the impression that in the video, at least, it is pretty much the same as the recorded range. Lara has said that in Mme. Zhivago she was forced to extend her vocal range, something to look forward to!
David