Aug
20
2009
Dorian Gray
Author: Justin Blaney
zoxsy.com/dorian-gray
myspace.com/doriangraysongs
Purchase on Amazon
An interview with Dorian
Q. What’s the saddest song you’ve ever heard?
A. There are many but I think it’s «Know Who You Are» by Roger Hodgson inside Supertramp.
Q. Name a band or musician, past or present, who you flat-out LOVE and think more people should be listening to. What’s one of your all-time favorite recordings by this band/musician?
A. The British band KEANE, 1st and 2nd album, songs “Somewhere Only We Know” and “The Frog Prince”.
Q. Lately what musical periods or styles do you find yourself most drawn to as a listener?
A. Mostly old coz it’s related to my youth and my 1st emotions, the 70’s, not especially related to my music, Stevie Wonder’s “Innervisions” is a Masterpiece!
Q. As you create more music, do you find yourself getting more or less interested in seeking out and listening to new music made by other people….and why do you think that is?
A. Less, again because the childhood songs are carved in my skin, when you’re young everything is a shock; another reason is because I prefer to stay locked in my studio, virgin of any kind of distraction.
Q. When was the last time you wrote a song? What can you tell us about it?
A. It was a few days ago; I write a lot and until now – as it always is with new songs – it’s just one more song…
Q. In what ways does the place where you live (or places where you have lived), affect the music you create, or your taste in music?
A. The place where I live is not a major inspiration; my inspiration comes from what I go through, love, hate, feelings and fears.
Q. What’s the most unusual place you’ve ever played a show or made a recording? How did the qualities of that place affect the show/recording?
A. In a record shop during rush hour, it affected the way I played, sang, my feelings, everything 100 % in a very bad way !!!
Q. What are you up to right now, music-wise?
A. Up to recording my 2nd album – have the amount of five waiting in my studio – and tour as much as possible. Going to L.A. in October to try to make it there, I’ll also bring a piece of my music catalogue (over 1000 songs) and the work I did with singer Duffy.
Q. What aspect of making music gets you the most discouraged?
A. The volatility of my art and the trivialization of being a musician.
Q. What aspect of making music excites you the most right now?
A. Writing, thinking of tomorrow as a brand new day, the day I’ll maybe write my own “Imagine” song!
Q. When and why did you start playing?
A. At the age of eight.
Q. What instruments do you play?
A. Drums, piano and keyboards (a little bit of guitar).
Q. What was the first tune(s) you learned?
A. «Ticket To The Moon» by Jeff Lynne and ELO.
Q. Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?
A. Genesis, Pink Floyd, ELO and Stevie Wonder from the 70’s.
Q. What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous?Do you get nervous before a performance or a competition?
A. The day you lose that feeling, you are finished!
About Dorian
Soren Mounir AKA Dorian Gray discovers Welsh singer Duffy when she’s only 17; together they write and produce more than 50 songs under the name of Soulego. In 2003 they perform as a duet at the WAKESTOCK Festival in Whales. Dorian Gray is currently the writer, the composer, the player, the arranger and the producer of all his material. His first album “Hurt By The Moon” was released in June 2008. Former ex-MTV Europe VJ star Ray Cokes has had a real crush on his music on Facebook and instantly invited him play live on his French TV show. Summer 2008, Dorian played solo with his vintage CP70 piano in front of an important audience at the second biggest Festival in Europe (Paleo Festival).
