KL I am calling too early?
B On Monday morning everything is too early. I am in a bad mood when I wake up and on Mondays it’s worse.
KL So it may not be the moment to ask you a few questions for the interview going with the photos we did the other night in Paris.
B It depends on the question.
KL You know VSpain is doing an ABC issue and you are B.
B I hope not B List
KL No, no ! You are B because you are Baptiste. The questions are mostly about your new career in the music world—after you became, very quickly, No.1 in the modeling world.
B Two different worlds….
KL I thought music and fashion were never so connected?
B Michel Gaubert the famous DJ—sound-stylist as you call him—told you that?
KL After all, he is the first who put your voice on a CD and that is how it all started? Now you are a professional singer and performer (a very good one) and with one song you did more than many people do with several albums. Your song is called “Showtime.” In France when you pronounce “show” it means “hot”—and you seem to be pretty hot just now after such a short time.
B I am working on my first album in London with Peter Martins. Its also in English.
KL How is your English?
B Improving—and even better in London and New York or LA where I don’t have any other choice.
KL In France they know you from your charming southern accent. Very Marcel Pagnol.
B Our home near Marseille is in a street named after him. I am proud to be a Corsican from Marseille and my family comes always first.
KL Apparently for a young man of your age you made quite a lot of money.
B Things can still improve but I don’t sing only to become richer. Since I was a child I always wanted to sing.
KL And fashion and modeling?
B I knew nothing about all that. I had vaguely heard your name and know how you looked.
KL Very flattering. I hope you were not too disappointed when you met me nearly 3 years ago?
B How do you want me to answer that? You have other questions? (Moody Monday….)
KL In terms of look some people say you are kind of the new David Bowie.
B Very flattering. He is one of my idols. But I don’t want to be the new somebody else—I only want to be Baptiste Giabiconi!
KL You think your great looks and elegant, athletic, and flexible body helped you in the beginning of your new musical career?
B It helps certainly on stage and on TV but it does not give you a better voice.
KL You are lucky to be so handsome and have a beautiful voice.
B But a voice alone is not enough either—you need also great songs. You should write me a song.
KL I am not sure I am the right person for that but I will try… after the collections. What I also like about you is this total freedom and ease you have with your perfect body.
B Why should I have problems? People tell me all the time what a great body I have. Somebody told me I was the most handsome Frenchman since Alain Delon. You end up believing these kind of things (laughs), I see it also in photos. They are not all photoshopped today… Lets hope all that will last. As I don’t smoke, don’t drink and don’t take drugs it may last a little longer. I know for the music and fashion world it’s not that usual….
KL The modeling career too?
B I never stopped modeling. Fashion shoots, advertising, TV spots, etc.
KL I am flattered you walked in my Chanel shows.
B You don’t have to be flattered, you were the first to put me there. You know, I am not so ambitious. I only want to have a good time and make people happy with my music. Am I asking for too much?
KL Too early to answer that question but I am sure it will work out the way you want things to happen in the future. We have not talked about fashion and clothes.
B I am my own stylist. I have the feeling I found my “image” quite quickly.
KL In France and Germany people recognize you already in the streets and in public places.
B I hate to be an “unidentified player” as they call the people they can’t recognize in movies.
KL Do you want to become an actor?
B Why not? But not right now—my music first and then we will see.
KL I’ll let you go back to bed.
B Too late, you woke me up with your questions.
KL Sorry for that….
B “Grosses Bises”
KL That sounds so much warmer than the other word in french “J t’embrasse” or the overuse of the English word “love”!
B We, the people from the south, are warmer. You told me, “Chaud time !!!!” (laughs and hangs up)
