Against The Grain

Jacques, are you merely an 80s clone or are you inspired by anything else?
"My influences take in everything from New Order, Joy Division and all the new wave stuff, 80s electro like Man Parrish as well as a fair dose of Joni Mitchell and Crosby, Stills & Nash. I ve just been asked to put together a Mastercuts compilation, which is like a Desert Island Discs album, so expect it to include songs from all those artists. Hopefully it ll prove to people that I don t just sit around listening to Madonna all day!"

Mind you, some of the criticism you ve received has been brought on by your good self!
"To an extent, the flak I received for Les Rythmes Digitales has been my fault, and, to escape from that rut I m currently recording my second album, which will swing to the future and won t have anything to do with the 80s. It should be out sometime in 2001. I always feel offended that disco house and electro have been lauded whereas I ve been happy to show my face and be happy about what I do. As much as I respect the underground, that faceless image grates with me. I don t think you should remain anonymous. Sure, the underground has filtered through and influences the mainstream, but it s not me. I need a glamorous image."

So you like lording it with the rich and famous?
"Well, there are certain situations where you think life is glamorous, like when I played at that Versace party in New York last year. Then I m recording in Middlesex, which isn t as glamorous! Anyway, the creation of my image and personality has helped me channel my energies. Our live performances are very important to us, as live dance music has received a lot of bad press because all you usually see are two guys hunched over a computer. All I m guilty of is creating a project that s interesting and that combines fun with musicianship. We ve made dance music more interesting by adding a smiling face and playing all our instruments, and, if that provokes people either way it s a good thing. "

Your collaborations on Darkdancer, especially with Nik Kershaw, went beyond the realms of good taste for many people. Do you plan to collaborate with vocalists on your second album?
"I ll have to, because I can t sing! Seriously though, I don t regret working with Nik, it was just a case of going to his house and recording the vocals. He s never been cool, but he s a great singer/songwriter. On the other hand, Shannon still has a lot of credibility, but with her it was all studios, cars, 5 star hotels and a glass of luke warm water every 45 minutes!"
Jacques Le Cont plays the Temple Bar Music Centre, Friday, February 19th.