A rendezvous with Carla
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.
Your first album sold two million copies in France alone and received numerous awards worldwide. Did you ever imagine you would find such tremendous success with just your voice and a guitar?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.
When you're not playing music or spending time with your family, what do you do at home?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!
