gamine introduction

 
Gamine have been winning over the hearts and minds of the stylish and intelligent pop fans of London (the over 16s, that is) for a while now. Live, they have been making grown men and women cry as a torch song duo; they enjoy this and will do more. Top tunes and a rapier wit may not mean much to the average 7 year-old X Factorette but even they, when they get the vote, will be looking for cultural sustenance later on and Gamine might just be the answer to their prayers. Gamine released their first album in February 2003 in the UK (and will be launching it in parts of Europe early in 2006), and their two pop singles are still available - all on the Slaughterback label.
   
gamine: a manifesto
 
the personnel
Claudia sings and writes lyrics, Ian composes and produces. Special guest stars include Bill Pritchard for his lyrics, Thomas Deligny (Concorde Music Club) for his production and remixing, and Stan Cuesta for his translation and dry French wit.
   
 
the music
Melodies, tunes, choruses, hooks, cinematic production, epic, romantic, lush, unsettling, unpredictable, classical European...but especially melodies.
 
 
the words
Funny, sarcastic, as sad as it gets, acerbic, kitchen-sink dramas, sleazy, lowlife, unsentimental, vernacular, stories, "you'll never get away with that on 'Top Of The Pops'".
   
 
the image
Miss Claudia B., the reintroduction of glamour into modern popular music, stylish 60's films starring Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly, sexy (obviously).
   
 
the concerts
A piano (preferably grand), a microphone, a spotlight, tears...
   
 
the album
Every song a classic.
 
 
the philosophy
Gamine are intelligent super-beings; they have doctorates in Economics, Marketing, Politics, Art, Literature, Culture, History, Religion, Philosophy, Music (but not Sociology) and they speak seventy-two languages. They are, therefore, ideally suited to pop stardom. They want to entertain, but with style and substance.
Unsuitable for the pre-teen market. Caring, sharing, humanist, socialist, spiritual and nice.
   
 

the conclusion
World domination.