When and why did you become an artist? Was it because of your mother, who was a pianist?

Music was surely familiar to me – my father also loved it – and both of my parents were very encouraging. I don't remember when it started, but I've always been creating; as a child, I would always write little songs. But until much later, I didn't dare to think of myself as an artist, though I was singing, writing and performing for my friends on a daily basis. I just didn't think something so pleasant could become a job, you know.

Why did you decide to become a singer?

I needed someone to sing my songs. At the beginning, I thought that I would write music for other people, but I quickly understood that I was the only one who could sing my lyrics – they were too personal.

Have you kept those first songs you've written?

Yes – I even recorded some of them.

What were they about?

Always the same… Love, loss – and lust.

I could never have imagined it. I was hoping that people would appreciate it, but I had incredible luck. Great success is always a matter of good timing – and luck.

And talent.

And luck.

I love gardening. I don't know if I have a "green thumb", as they say, but I get a lot of pleasure in taking care of my plants and flowers. A neat garden is like a little slice of paradise. I also like the fact that gardening is a mix of savoir faire, talent, timing and luck – a bit like making an album!