By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
April 16, 2004
The Parisian duo of JB Dunckel and Nicolas Godin are better known as Air. Atmospheric, moody and deliciously memorable, the meticulously crafted pop songs set the mood for a cozy evening in. With its latest album, “Talkie Walkie,” Air gets a chance to really breathe.
Phoning from Washington, D.C., Dunckel chatted about his new Parisian house, why Holland doesn’t rock and the subtle cruelties of “Blade Runner.”
HERE’S WHAT DUNCKEL HAD TO SAY:
What you’ve been doing on tour when you’re not onstage: Yesterday, we went to an art museum in Washington, D.C. I was very surprised that you have so many French paintings in the U.S.A. I saw all these original Claude Monet originals. It was amazing. I like sightseeing when we have time.
Your favorite artist story: There was one artist who was part of the new realist movement. His art was conceptual. He sold air cubes for 1 million francs. It’s really weird. I heard he threw gold into the Seine River in Paris to give it back to nature.
On whether he would throw money to nature: I don’t think so. I would keep it for myself and my own pleasure.
Your most extravagant purchase to date: I recently bought a house in Paris. Or I’m going to buy it the day after I get back to France. The house is so cool. I like houses better than apartments. You can listen to music very loud. You also feel more protected and shielded.
Parlez-vouz anglais? Yes. My English is not perfect, but I can speak it. I can speak a little bit of German, too. But that’s it.
On Americans not being able to speak foreign languages: You don’t need to because English is the language of the world.
His theory about languages: Many years from now, English may be the only language, with other words thrown in. There won’t be languages, but rather dialects. I’m not afraid of that. I’m very trustful of mixing culture and immigrating, because I think it’s useful in all countries. I’m very open-minded with that.
On preserving culture: Culture has to move. When it’s strong, it’ll last. That’s why I’m an artist. Art always stays, whether it’s a painting or music or literature.
Music as a language: Why not? You don’t have to know a lot about music to know whether or not you like it. It is a universal language.
Last good movie you saw: “Blade Runner” with Harrison Ford is an amazing movie. The beginning is really scary because he’s running and wants to catch that artificial girl. It’s so cruel because he points his gun and shoots her, but she has no weapon to fight back.
CDs you’re listening to: I listen to every kind of music, but my new thing is Leonard Cohen. I love his words and music.
Why you love your friends: They gave me some very good advice and that advice changed my life, because I’m in love thanks to what they said.
Country you’d like to visit that you haven’t been to yet: I’d love to go to China and Australia.
Country you’ve had enough of: Holland seems to be a very cool country, but there seems to be a problem with us in Holland. I don’t know why. Whenever we play some gigs in Amsterdam, it’s not good. Something always happens. I’m not sure if it’s the room or the atmosphere, but it’s not good.
What you’ll do in Chicago: I’d like to go near the lake and look at the amazing view of the skyscrapers. It’s so psychedelic.
The touristy thing you have to do: I like to have friends take pictures of me standing in front of cool things. It’s a nice souvenir to have.
