HONKY TONK SPOTLIGHT
When and where were you born?
I was born on July 25, 1995 in Boulogne, France.
What are some of your physical characteristics?
I’m 5.9, brown-eyed and brown-haired.
When and where did you perform your first show?
When I was 11, at my school’s end of the year show. I sang “Respect” by Aretha Franklin and “Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin in front of all the students and their parents. I pretty vividly remember thinking, “This is what I do from now on.”
When did you first become interested in Country music?
Coming from Paris, France, I didn't grow up around it at all. So it was quite a slow discovery for me. But every stream of music I was listening to in my early teens led me to the Country music world. Through Southern Soul singers singing old Country songs, long haired Rock ‘n’ Roll bands from the ‘60s, or Elvis singing “Blue Moon Of Kentucky.” I didn’t really know where those songs came from, but I was so drawn to it. One of my gateways also was R. Crumb’s yellow portrait books. That’s how I found out about Old-Time fiddle bands and Appalachian sounds. People like Dock Boggs, The Skillet Lickers, Eck Robertson and so on.
Theo Lawrence at C-Boy’s Heart & Soul, Austin TX.
Photo by: Taylor Austin
Who are some of your favorite singers?
Loretta Lynn, Solomon Burke, James Carr, and Hank Williams…to name a few.
What has been the biggest thrill of your career?
When Robert Plant and Alison Krauss took me on a European tour with them to open their shows. Just being around these musicians and preparing for these gigs was a breakthrough moment for me. I wanted to be up to the task!
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
Besides writing songs and making music with my friends, I like to take long walks around town, take photographs, go to the movies and pet my cats.
Where do you make your home?
These days, Austin, TX.
Is there anyone you would like to work with in the future?
I would love to record with Daniel Romano. He is one of the most creative and interesting artists in Rock music right now, in my opinion, and has been a constant source of inspiration since I was young. I’ve also been writing songs with Chris Scruggs and would love to work on a full record with him down the line.
Who gave you your first big break?
French A&R Alain Artaud, who gave me a major label record deal with my band when I was about 20. I could name a lot of people who supported me through the years, but he‘s one of the first names that come to my mind.
What is something readers might be surprised to learn about you?
I truly enjoy watching reality TV!
What do you have in store for the future?
Later this year, I’ll be touring the USA for the first time! I’m working on a side project record with my friend and songwriting partner Phil Hollie. Melissa Carper and I are also cooking something up.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Otis Redding when he sang, “I can’t do what ten people tell me to do, so I guess I’ll remain the same.”
Any words you would like to say to your fans?
Thanks for listening. And check out the music of Bonnie Guitar!
