We Spoke with Els Pynoo Before Vive La Fête Took the Stage at Cruïlla
A few hours before Vive La Fête’s highly anticipated performance at Cruïlla Festival, we had the opportunity to speak with Els Pynoo, the charismatic voice of the iconic Belgian band. In a relaxed and friendly setting, Amy led the conversation, revealing a warm and enthusiastic Els who was also celebrating her birthday that day.
We would like to thank Jordi from JJB Concerts for making this interview possible, and Danny Mommens, with whom we had the chance to chat afterwards and who kindly gifted me one of his vinyl records.
Full Interview with Els Pynoo
Amy: Hi Els, first of all, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us at Other Voices. It’s an honor. How are you feeling about tonight’s performance at Cruïlla?
Els Pynoo: I’m really looking forward to it. I love performing in Spain. The last time we were in Barcelona was in September at Montjuïc, and I remember the audience being incredible, full of energy. I expect something similar tonight. I’m sure it will be. And it’s my birthday today, I’ve never celebrated it surrounded by so many people.
Amy: Then happy birthday from us as well.
Els Pynoo: Thank you so much.
Amy: It’s been more than 25 years since your first EP. Looking back, what would you say have been the most significant milestones in your career?
Els Pynoo: There have been so many. One of the most important moments, especially at the beginning, was working with Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld. Thanks to him, we were able to travel all over the world, and that gave us a lot of recognition. It’s been a very rich life, full of experiences. Soon we’ll celebrate 30 years with a big party. (laughs)
Amy: Speaking of Karl Lagerfeld and fashion, do you feel that world influenced your music or artistic direction?
Els Pynoo: I don’t think it influenced us directly, but I do feel that people from the fashion world understand our proposal very well. There’s a good connection. However, my lyrics and songs haven’t really been shaped by fashion.
Amy: Let’s talk about your latest EP, Les Sauvages. It feels nostalgic yet very current. What motivated you to return after your last break?
Els Pynoo: I went through a period where I didn’t feel inspired, and I thought, I’ll wait for it to come back. Inspiration isn’t something you chase. It just happens. And it came back last year. I felt great composing again, working in the home studio. The key is not to force things. They need to come naturally.
Amy: Regarding the single “Sauvage,” what makes it especially representative of Vive La Fête’s current sound?
Els Pynoo: I think it’s different from our previous work. It has a certain melancholy. We released it as a single because it was the first track finished for the EP. Personally, though, I prefer “Extraordinaire,” because it reflects the energy we bring on stage more accurately.
Amy: I agree, “Extraordinaire” is also my favorite. What can we expect from your live show tonight at Cruïlla, known for its energy and style?
Els Pynoo: The same as always. (laughs) For now I’ll rest a bit, take a small siesta since we’re in Spain. Then all that energy will be felt on stage.
Amy: We know that “Noir Désir” is an iconic track for the darker side of your fanbase, including us. What is it like performing classics like that alongside your new material?
Els Pynoo: Every time I step on stage, I sing each song as if it were the first time. I don’t separate classics from new songs. They all come from deep inside, honestly.
Amy: Throughout your career, you’ve maintained a very distinct style. How do you preserve your essence while opening up to new sounds?
Els Pynoo: Well, we listen to some radio, but not much. (laughs) Sometimes my band says, “Did you hear this new track?” and my answer is usually no. I don’t let that influence me. I prefer to create music that comes from my mind and heart. That’s what matters most.
Vive La Fête Live at Cruïlla Festival
Amy: What do you think has been the most significant change in the music scene from the 1990s to today?
Els Pynoo: In the past, people spent much more time working on each song in the studio. Today, someone can compose something on their computer and upload it to platforms the next day. Everything happens too fast. Personally, I prefer working patiently, letting each song have its own life and duration.
Amy: Finally, what’s next for Vive La Fête after Cruïlla? Any surprises?
Els Pynoo: We have a busy summer ahead, and in winter we might start working on new songs. Then we’ll have to prepare something special to celebrate the band’s 30th anniversary. I’m not much of a planner, so the surprises are for me too. (laughs)
Amy: We’ll be watching closely. Would you like to add anything before we finish?
Els Pynoo: I just hope the audience tonight is as full of energy as I am. It has to be a great party.
Amy: Thank you so much, Els.
And that’s exactly how it was. We had to wait a few more hours to finally experience Vive La Fête live, but it was worth every minute. After Crystal Fighters finished on the main stage, the long-awaited moment arrived on the adjacent stage.
What followed was pure adrenaline and electricity from the very first note. Els Pynoo commanded the stage with her trademark charisma, quickly infecting the audience with her explosive energy. Danny Mommens was impeccable, delivering powerful riffs that energized even the most tired attendees.
The band skillfully alternated new songs from the Sauvage EP with emblematic classics, delivering a performance filled with memorable moments that kept fans dancing well into the early hours. Without a doubt, Vive La Fête once again proved why they remain an essential reference within the European electroclash scene.
A true musical reward for those who stayed awake, turning the early morning into a full celebration.
Long live the party.
