Between them, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Beck share enough individual accomplishments to last a few lifetimes: the French chanteuse’s been heaped with acting awards and musical plaudits galore (her dad’s name is Serge, after all), while the other guy is your resident musical genius, responsible for one shit hot, multi-styled body of work. And now, here they are, pooling together those resources for IRM, on which Beck writes and Charlotte sings songs of death, heartbreak and hell. Yes, these two apparently share more than just accolades, but also, some pretty sweet rapport. But we’ll let Charlotte and Beck take it from here…

So how did you two hook up?
Charlotte Gainsbourg: After my last album 5:55, I wanted to go in a different direction and surprise myself. I’ve wanted to work with Beck for a very long time. And together we formed a real working chemistry.

And how did you stumble upon that chemistry?
Beck: The initial process was to try and feel my way through the dark until we both found something that had a resonance to it. I’d talk to her about what she was thinking until there was an osmosis between us. Just being in her presence and feeling her personality would influence the way I wrote the songs for her. The whole idea was that I would be a conduit to make something that felt like her.

Sounds like you got to know each other pretty well…
CG: Beck never once “directed” me. The sessions were more like a workshop with things happening all the time and we were reacting spontaneously to them. He was so enthusiastic that he made me feel more confident about myself.
B: She’s finding her own voice now and learning more about the whole process of making music. I think she’s really got a lot to offer the music world. There are all kinds of layers to any person – but definitely to Charlotte Gainsbourg. She’s very rare.

You can read the rest of this interview in the June issue of JUICE that’s on sale right now (only $4!) at all major book stores and news stands.

www.charlottegainsbourg.com

Text: Min Chen
Image and interview courtesy of: Warner Music