Théo Charaf interview: “I want to move forward”

After the breakthrough success of his first album, Théo Charaf continues his journey with a deeply inhabited blues, shaped by the stage and an increasingly personal songwriting approach. Present at the Salaise Blues Festival, where he notably supported a conservatory band throughout the week and led a masterclass, he was one of our guests for a special show recorded live in front of an audience at the Elsa Triolet media library. In this interview, he reflects on his relationship with music, transmission, his influences, and especially his upcoming new album, announced for September.

You were very present at the festival this week, especially with a conservatory band. How did it go?

We worked with a conservatory band all week, and they opened the show last night. It was cool, really interesting. I had never really done something like that before. When I was first asked to lead a masterclass, I have to admit I didn’t feel immediately concerned! But in the end it was great, I learned things by teaching others.

When we talk about transmission, I remember a conversation we had. You told me a 12-year-old boy once asked you: do you have to be sad to create sad music? Do you remember that question?

Yes, absolutely. At the time, I said it was a very good question. There’s a poem that says the saddest songs are the most beautiful, and I think that’s true. But I don’t want to be sad all my life. I want to move forward. Today, I’m not in that state all the time anymore, and that’s also why I’m struggling to write a second album… even though it will be released this fall.

Can you tell us a bit more about it?

Yeah, sure. I’ve written some material, but it’s very different. There’s no more of that rock’n’roll verse-chorus structure, it’s much more floating, ethereal, more folk-oriented. There are more instruments too, viola, quite a few guests. It’s closer to what I do on stage now: inviting friends and creating a kind of Lyon-style gumbo.

“ Being alone all the time isn’t very funky ”

We saw that too—when you talk about inviting friends, I’m thinking of Raoul Vignal… It feels like after a solo album, you went looking for connection, collaboration, right?

Yes. I come from punk rock, from touring in vans where everyone is crammed together. Being alone all the time isn’t very funky. And as Raoul Vignal puts it so well, isolation feeds the thoughts you carry.

So being back on the road and on stage with people really feeds me.

Tonight you’ll be at the Salaise Blues Festival. What kind of show are you going to play?

Completely solo! (laughs) But I’m preparing what’s next. We’ve got a show at Cognac Blues Passions with an electric band, Low Parade. It will be the first time this project is carried by a full electric band.

This second album was hard to bring to life, but what’s coming next is clearly… Crazy Horse.

You’re referencing something often said… Neil Young is still a major influence for you?

It’s the reference. I didn’t expect it to be attached to me every time I step outside, but yes. It’s my favorite band. And there’s that acoustic/electric side, like with Crazy Horse.

You have influences in your playing like Mississippi John Hurt or Skip James, a stripped-down blues, almost timeless…

Yes, and at the same time it’s music that still speaks today. Talking about it, maybe not always. But when you play it, yes. There are many people who are receptive to this music without even realizing it. The important thing is to speak from the heart.

I usually say I’m a bluesman, a folk singer, but I do everything like a punk, with a pretty rough technique, but with my heart in roughly the right place. And that’s what speaks to people.

You also took part in the Calvin Russell tribute led by Manu Lanvin. What do you remember from it?

It’s very hard to sum up, because it brought me so much. But if I had to keep one memory, it would be meeting Beverly Jo Scott at Jazz à Vienne.

A pretty unforgettable introduction… and especially an incredible moment when she got on stage. She said her throat was dry, and she completely blew everyone away.

It was crazy. A great group of musicians and people. We had a really good time.

“ Calvin Russell was a magnificent loser ”

What did Calvin Russell’s music bring you?

It’s music that touches the soul. And like mine, it’s a language that doesn’t need incredible technique to reach people. When I dived back into his discography, I discovered so much. Some productions have aged, but the lyrics… just reading them is enough to be moved. He was a magnificent loser.

How do you listen to music these days?

Nothing but vinyl. If I could, I’d also have a CD player, but for now I’m all about vinyl. I pile them up like a bastard, but they hold up well. Vinyl is both the past and the future.

And right now, what’s at the top of your pile?

A cappella gospel compilations from the early 20th century, with groups like the Jubalaires. It’s completely crazy. Very religious, very intense… and I’m very close to religion (laughs). I listen to it on repeat, and I think it might drive a few people crazy when they come over.

Will we hear these influences on your next album?

Yes, absolutely. This record is a snapshot of where I am today: lots of doubts, lots of friends, a voice a bit worn out by touring… but that’s how it is. And I’m really eager to move forward.

🎧 Listen to the special show