Since her 2000 debut, Keren Ann has wowed the world with her brand of sophisticated pop. Born in Israel and calling Paris, Tel Aviv and New York City her home, the multi-talented artist plays guitar, piano and clarinet over her six albums. A Mainland favorite, the chanteuse returns to the country for an extensive national tour that starts on April 17 in Shanghai and ends in Shenzhen on April 27.
You're about to embark on a national China tour. You've been here a few times, what have been some fond memories of your time in China?
I have very intense memories from my last tour in China; intense in a good way. I was very touched by the crowds and I found the venues beautiful and very inspiring. I feel very grateful and privileged to receive so much love from the Chinese audience.
Your last album 101 came out in 2011. It's a really pretty album. Are there any plans for a follow-up and if so, how is the progress?
I am currently working on my next album. I am also working on an original composition for a theatre play and touring.
You recently had your first child. Congratulations. It's definitely a game changer. Has that changed the way you approach songwriting?
I want to spend as much time as I can with my daughter. I may have less time to spend in the studio but it is so worth it. I feel lucky to be able to make music yet see my child grow everyday.
Your albums are so lush. How do you translate it to a concert?
My concerts are very different from my albums. One of the things I love most about songwriting is the fact that you can give the songs a certain form in the studio yet transfer them according to your mood when you prepare a show.
What has been the craziest thing that you've seen at one of your shows?
I can't recall crazy things but I will always remember at one of my first shows when I was singing 'Jardin d'Hiver' and a man gently touched his kissed his wive's hair and gave her a kiss on her neck. I felt like they gave me a special part in their special friendship.
You're fluent in three languages. Will you be releasing any records in the future in French or Hebrew?
I like to record what I write and I currently do not feel my writing skills in Hebrew are as good as they are in English or French, therefore I believe I will continue to record in English and French for now.
Speaking of languages - out of the three, which would you say sounds the most romantic and which is the best to curse in?
To me, French sounds most Romantic. English the most musical and Hebrew the most nostalgic.
Your music has been featured in many films and TV shows. Do you remember the first time your song popped up on TV and what was your reaction?
I don't remember the first time but I do remember hearing 'L'Onde Amere' in the TV series Big Love and thinking how good it feels.
Are you still writing operas and what was the experience like in writing and seeing Red Waters?
Red Waters has been one of the greatest projects that I had the privilege to take part in, I am currently working on some theatre plays and I love writing composition for stage.
Is there anything you would like to add?
All you need is love.
// Keren Ann national tour dates. All tickets available at juooo.com or en.damai.cn (400 310 6721).
Shanghai: Apr 17, 7.30pm, RMB80-380. Shanghai Oriental Art Center, 425 Dingxiang Lu, by Century Avenue 丁香路425号, 近世纪大道
Beijing: Apr 20, 7.30pm, RMB80-380. ThinkPad Space (inside MasterCard Center), Wukesong Cultural and Sports Center, 69 Fuxing Lu, Haidian district 海淀区复兴路69号五棵松文化体育中心
Chengdu: Apr 22, 8pm, RMB80-380. JinCheng Art Palace, 61 Renmin Dong Lu, Jinjiang District 成都市锦江区人民东路61号
Wuhan: Apr 25, 7.30pm, RMB80-580. Wuhan Qintai Concert Hall, 7 Zhiyin Da Dao, Hanyang District 武汉市汉阳区知音大道7号
Guangzhou: Apr 26, 8pm, RMB100-480. Guangzhou Xinghai Concert Hall, 33 Qingbo Lu, Ersha Island, Yuexiu District 越秀区二沙岛晴波路33号
Shenzhen: Apr 27, 8pm, RMB100-480. Shenzhen Concert Hall, 2016 Fuzhong Yi Lu, Futian District 深圳福田区福中一路2016号
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