Montreux Jazz Mentissa : “Vianney a completely changed my life”
Discovered on “The Voice,” the 24-year-old Belgian is performing at Terrasse Ibis on Sunday, July 2. She opens up about the success of her first single, “Et bam!” and her relationship with her former coach.
Published July 2, 2023, 5:00 PM
Mentissa dreams of collaborating with Sia.
DR Label Tôt ou Tard
Mentissa has come a long way since the finale of “The Voice France” in 2021. She signed with Vianney’s label, her coach from the TF1 talent show, and released her first album titled “La vingtaine” (The Twenties). The performer of “Pas là” even wrote her first single, “Et Bam!”, which has over 17 million views on YouTube.
This year, Montreux Jazz has chosen to showcase her through their MJF Spotlight program, which highlights new artists. The 24-year-old Belgian has already performed a concert under this label in March, and she returns to the Terrasse Ibis stage on Sunday, July 2 at 8 PM (free admission). We interviewed her about her appearance at the festival, the success of her first album, and her relationship with her mentor.
In the song “La Vingtaine,” you say, “I take stock of a life that’s just beginning.” What has happened so far?
A lot of things. Being in your twenties is cool, but there are ups and downs. We shouldn’t hide from that. One very important topic is our mental health. I aspire to continue this career for a very long time, but this job comes with its disadvantages. It’s crucial to take the time to reflect on everything that’s happening because our minds tend to overthink. I need to be patient in making the right choices and not be afraid to question everything. Well, not everything, but enough to make sure I stay true to myself.
In a profession where one is so exposed, how do you take care of your mental health?
I won’t lie to you: it’s very difficult. Music is a human profession. You meet people all the time. Whether it’s for composing a song, signing contracts, promoting your work… You are constantly surrounded by different energies. I am someone with a lot of empathy, and I was quickly advised to stop taking remarks personally. I was also told that it’s important to focus on my life outside of my profession. Maintaining close contact with my family and friends is essential for a good balance. My life is crazy, but it’s important for me to stay grounded.
Speaking of your family, in the song “Petit prince,” you say that you are like a second mother to your brothers. What does that mean?
I took care of my little brothers a lot. And I loved those moments. To provide for her three children, my mother had to work a lot. She was alone, but always showed strength. She was a real superwoman. So, I helped her with looking after my brothers when they came home from school. It allowed me to grow up faster. I understood what it meant to have responsibilities, and it created an even stronger bond within our family. When I talk about being a second mother in the song, it’s also because the youngest is 7 years old, so I’ve been there for him since he was a baby.
You became known thanks to the hit “Et bam!” which took some time to take off. How do you explain the enthusiasm for this song?
It’s true that people say it was a delayed success. I didn’t experience it that way at all. It was my first single, and it worked. It’s huge! I don’t know what happened. I think it took time because it’s a ballad, and it’s not a formulaic single meant to be a hit. You don’t listen to it and think, “Ah, here’s the summer hit!” (Laughs.) But suddenly, the public embraced it and carried the song. The radio stations had no choice but to respond to the demand. I thank the public because it’s solely thanks to them that I am here right now.
It’s also thanks to your former coach on “The Voice,” Vianney, who composed the song?
Vianney played a big role in completely changing my life. There was also “The Voice,” obviously, and I surrounded myself with the right people right after the talent show. I found the right label. They were able to listen to me and became a sort of second family. As a result, I was fulfilled, and it shows in the music I put out. But yes, Vianney didn’t let go of me throughout the competition, and he then took me on tour with him. He supported me. He still supports me, in fact. I don’t know many established artists who help newcomers like that.
“With whom great artists would you dream of collaborating?”
I really like Sia or Adele. But I’ve already said it a hundred thousand times, and I’ll say it again: it would be a dream to collaborate with Stromae. We crossed paths at the Victoires de la Musique, and he said to me, “Congratulations on what you’re doing.” I could die in peace at that moment. (Laughs.)
You’re performing this Sunday, July 2 at the Montreux Jazz Festival. How does that make you feel?
I am very happy. I know that the Montreux Jazz Festival is very prestigious. Great artists from the past have already been featured. I hope my pop universe will find its place there. I am truly honored to be there, and I am looking forward to having a great time with everyone.
#Mentissa #Montreux #Jazz #Vianney #fait #basculer #vie #tout #tout
publish_date]
