Who is Caroline Nin?
Caroline Nin is a French chanteuse who, from the age of 25, left Paris via London to travel the world and sing songs of Piaf, Brel, Legrand, Kander and Ebb, Sondheim, Marlene, Ella, Strayhorn and many more … A lucky girl !
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I would paint and draw. This is something I used to do when I first arrived in Paris, in my “chambre de bonne” (maids room) at the age of 20 and knew no one in the city of lights.
Who inspires you and why?
Greta Thunberg. This young lady who simply sat, at the age of 16, outside the Swedish parliament “on strike for the climate”, leading her to address world leaders calling them for action on climate change to her speeches worldwide, to the numerous prizes she won for her activism. Whatever the outcome for her actions, I admire her truly for her tremendous courage. She is the living proof that there is still a LOT of good in this world.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would make it compulsory for everyone to study about Amnesty International story and their current actions and to then be part, for a month, of one of their many campaigns worldwide.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Greece. The only place I have been to where time is on hold.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
In Paris, I take them to the back streets of Montmartre where there are lots of little streets that have not changed since 1900. You find tiny houses with front gardens, club, Le Lapin Agile – where Piaf did her debut and “Le Clos Montmartre” one of Paris secret vineyards.
What are you currently reading?
Frede, Belle de Nuit by Denis Cosnard: The story of the most famous French Drag King in 1950s Paris who hosted her own speakeasy near the Champs Elysées, Le Carroll’s. All of Hollywood, when in Paris, would honour her with a visit and for drinks to listen to the big band. Frede was Marlene’s secret Paris lover and launched Ertha Kitt’s France career.
What are you currently listening to?
Barbara, L’intégrale des albums studio 1964 – 1996. Magnificent French singer – songwriter, unknown (sadly) from too many around the world.
Happiness is?
Always doing things mindfully and gratefully, whatever you do. It keeps you in the present moment. As hard as it is to live in the present moment
What does the future hold for you?
Releasing my first jazz album in September this year. Travel back to Europe, hopefully in March next year, to see my Mum who will turn 90 in August this year and with whom I lived from the first lockdown in France last year in March until I was able to fly to Australia in November. A very special time with a very special Maman.
Caroline stars in the world premiere | Adelaide exclusive season of L’Hôtel – which will be presented as part of the 2021 Adelaide Cabaret Festival: 11 – 20 June. For more information, visit: www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au for details.
Image: Caroline Nin – photo by Cristina Jacob