Following on from their last release “Ciao Paris!”, “Clover Paradise” proves to be another reminder as to why La Femme are revered as one of the most exciting and refreshing groups emanating from Europe right now. Syncopated percussion lays the perfect foundation for trippy synths intertwined with smooth and nonchalant vocals, whilst powerful guitar solos remind us of the band’s true musicality.
What’s the story behind Clover Paradise?
Clover Paradise is about chasing happiness but never quite catching it. It’s this idea that paradise is always somewhere just out of reach, like the four-leaf clover you can never find. But it also talks about the danger of being lost in your mind, whether because of drug use, schizophrenia, or even esoteric movements like opening your third eye, which can put you in another state of mind that nobody can follow.
Why did you decide to sing in English on this record?
We just started a new series with lots of different themes: Spanish, Hawaii, and now English. We used to live in America for a while, and over the years, we wrote 40 songs in English since we first came in 2010. So, we wanted to gather them all in one record. Plus, it’s funny to imagine what La Femme would be like if it were an English-American band.
What’s the main message on this record?
The main message is: don’t take things too seriously. Life is weird. Rock is weird. You’ve got to enjoy the ride and embrace the chaos. Whether it’s love, music, or even identity—nothing has to be one thing. That’s what Rock Machine is all about: the freedom to be whoever you want, even if that changes every day.
What’s the most representative track and why?
“I Believe in Rock and Roll” probably sums it all up. It’s fun, a bit ironic, and it’s got that energy we wanted to capture on the whole record. It’s like a manifesto—but with a wink. You don’t have to believe in anything too deeply, except maybe in having a good time. Clover Paradise and Sweet Babe also fit the Rock Machine vibe, with a mix of synths and guitars. I love the rockabilly feel of Sweet Babe.
What inspired your sound for this record?
We were listening to a lot of old-school rock—New Order, The Velvet Underground, Buzzcocks, Dead Kennedys, The Polecats, The Stray Cats, Madness, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Lou Reed, Nico, Wanda Jackson. But we also mixed in some of our usual influences—surf, psych, electronic. It’s like if you took a rock band and made them jam at a beach party in space.
Who is your favourite artist of all time and why?
Definitely Lou Reed. He embodied that perfect mix of poetry, rebellion, and vulnerability. His music was raw but sophisticated, simple but profound. With The Velvet Underground and in his solo work, he showed that you don’t need to be flashy to be ground-breaking—you just need honesty. Plus, he wasn’t afraid to experiment, and he found a perfect balance between art and music.
What are some other topics and themes you want to explore with your music?
LIFE, LOVE, AND CREATION, but also sadness, destruction, and hate.
What was one of the most important lessons you learned after all these years in the biz?
The most important thing is to stay true to yourself. Everyone’s going to have an opinion—some people will love what you do, others won’t get it. But as long as you believe in what you’re making, that’s all that matters. You need to work on it every day for many hours—it’s a full-time job if you want to live off your passion. Don’t destroy yourself; take care of your body. Also, take care of the business side—it’s as important as the artistic side, which is sad, but it’s the price you pay to live from your music.
What are your plans for 2025?
We’re definitely hitting the road—touring is where the magic happens for us. Some festivals, maybe some surprise collaborations. And of course, we’ll keep making music—who knows what direction we’ll go next? Maybe we’ll do an opera, or a reggae album, or a space-Shiva record, or a classic La Femme album. Solo careers? Anything’s possible.
