For over two decades, Nouvelle Vague have made an art of transformation – turning punk and new wave standards into something new. At the centre sits Mélanie Pain, who ahead of their UK shows, talks about rediscovering the thrill of the stage and the impact of songs that keep getting rediscovered.
How does it feel marking 21 years since the first Nouvelle Vague album on this UK run? What’s going to feel different on stage this time?
It’s kind of crazy that I still enjoy it as much as I did at the beginning. Being on stage is really where I feel the most alive. And the UK has always been my favourite place to tour, especially with Nouvelle Vague. There’s something really special about playing those songs by British bands, right where they were created.
Also, I’m just about to release my fourth solo album, so it’s a pretty intense time for me personally. Touring the UK with Nouvelle Vague right now feels extra special.
You first joined the project almost by accident. What did that “beginner’s mindset” give you that you still hold onto?
Yeah, it really did happen by accident! I think that’s what gave me this sense of modesty and sincerity. I felt like a fraud for years…I’ve never thought of myself as a technical singer, what I rely on is emotion and interpretation. That’s what matters to me. I always try to remember that before I sing anything: connect to my emotion first and sing the song as naturally as possible, like telling a story.
What do you learn about a song when you strip it down to just voice and guitar?
It’s like a crash test! You know what’s really in the song , the chords, the melody, the lyrics. When it’s good, it just clicks, it’s magic. But sometimes you realize something’s off , maybe the songwriting needs tweaking, or maybe it’s just not your song to sing. You can feel it right away.
You move between full-band shows and small unplugged sets. What do the smaller rooms give you that big stages don’t?
I actually love small rooms. I like being able to look at people’s faces while I sing , it feels more intimate, more human. In big venues, you can sort of disappear into the lights, sing for yourself… but in a small space, you really connect with people. It’s more demanding, but I think it makes me perform better.
When you reinterpret songs like “Heart of Glass” or “Teenage Kicks,” how do you make them yours while keeping their original soul?
I approach them the same way I do my own songs I try to sing them as if I’d written them. I look for the emotion that speaks to me in the lyrics, visualise it, and let that guide my performance.
A lot of people love your takes on other artists’ songs. Which reactions have stayed with you?
Yeah, it’s funny, a lot of younger fans tell us they prefer our versions to the originals! I find that kind of strange and a bit uncomfortable, to be honest, but also beautiful in a way , it shows that songs can reinvent themselves.
My favourite feedback ever was after a show, someone came up to me at the merch table and said, “I never listened to the lyrics of ‘Ever Fallen in Love’ by the Buzzcocks the way I did when you sang it. I rediscovered the song completely.” That really touched me.
The lineup changes from show to show on this tour. How do you make that work, and what does each new combo bring to the stage?
We basically have several teams of singers so we can keep touring all year. It keeps things fresh. Each combination brings a different vibe. I feel lucky, I get to do both Nouvelle Vague and my solo stuff without having to choose.
Your solo work sits alongside the project. What can you do in your solo songs that you can’t with Nouvelle Vague?
That’s a tough one! I actually don’t think there’s a huge difference, I’m pretty much the same person whether it’s with Nouvelle Vague or on my own.
If you could reimagine one song from the last 21 years in the Nouvelle Vague style, what would it be?
Maybe something by Björk. I’d love to see how one of her songs would sound in a bossa nova style, with that little French twist. Could be really interesting!
What do you hope someone who’s never seen Nouvelle Vague takes away from this anniversary show?
I hope they leave thinking, “Wow, that was not what I expected.” I want it to be an intense night , full of surprises, emotions, little moments they didn’t see coming.
Further information
Nouvelle Vague celebrate 21 years of their debut album in the UK 12 to 29 November: tickets available nouvellevaguemusic.com
Mélanie Pain’s new album How & Why will be released on 21 November
