Martinique-born pianist, composer and singer Grégory Privat has spent more than fifteen years developing a distinctive musical language rooted in jazz, improvisation and the Creole traditions of his home island. Across around ten albums, he has steadily expanded that identity, earning international recognition while continuing to explore the possibilities of composition and solo performance.
His latest album 'Darling' takes that independence to a new level, with Privat playing every instrument himself. At its heart is the title track ‘Darling’, a piece that provides a natural window into the album's more intimate side and the deeply personal musical world Privat has created around it.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was the piano because during all my childhood I saw my father playing this instrument. For me there was no other instrument, I think I wanted to do exactly like my father.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I think I didn’t really know what kind of music I was interested in. I remember I felt a bit strange because my brother was really into R&B and was really passionate about it, and I had the feeling that I didn’t find my own things to listen to. And then I was seeing my father listening to jazz music so I kind of started to find out what could be so interesting in this music. Then I discovered the music of Michel Petrucciani, and it spoke instantly to my heart. I think it’s because of the power of its melodies, it was beyond jazz or any musical style!
What was the first album you remember owning?
Usually all the albums I was listening to were my dad’s. But then I moved to France and I think the 1st album I bought was “Strange place for snow” by Esbjörn Svensson Trio. I really loved this band. What is amazing is that I didn’t know I would be playing with the drummer of this band, Magnus Öström, when I joined the Lars Danielsson Liberetto band.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I would say “Rachid” from Michel Petrucciani. It’s such a great tune, and a powerful melody!
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I think it’s easier to be inspired when I practice the piano regularly, meditate, and rest. I don’t like to force the process of writing music. For me it has to come naturally. Of course it can be disturbing when you don’t have inspiration, but you have to trust the process.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Okay, I just checked my “recent” playlist, and this is what I’ve found : Leon Thomas, Larry Goldings, Giacomo Puccini, Jacob Collier, William Walton, Louis Cole, Luan Pommier, Rihanna.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
The Weeknd! Amazing artist and singer!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I’ve spent a part of my life working in an office as a computing engineer, and I had this fantasy about being one day a full time musician. Today I realised this dream, and I can understand now how this is a great privilege to be able to live your passion, make people happy during a concert, and travel the world doing what you really want. Of course it’s not easy everyday, but when life is hard, I know that it’s the choice I made, and I know why I’m still doing it.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I wouldn’t use the word “frustrating”, because being a musician is a gift. I would use the word “Challenging”, like promoting your music, social media, the business around the music, all those things can really be challenging, and that’s why you really need to be passionate not to give up. When it’s hard, you need to remember why you’re doing music. The passion will guide you always.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I received this really good advice from Mario Canonge, a great piano player from Martinique, he said to me: “Be on time, be polite with everyone, learn the music you have to play, stay open to all kinds of music, and you will always get a job!”
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Grégory Privat's new single 'Darling' is out now. Check it out in the player below.