“Writing poetry is giving birth to the intimate with beauty”

An emblematic singer of the “pop spi” movement, Grégory Turpin signs, with XII, an album of maturity, peaceful and accomplished.

You are releasing a new album, XII. What does this title mean?

Grégory Turpin: XII refers to the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve Apostles. In addition, each song evokes a biblical passage. The choice was made in collaboration with the artists with whom I worked. The singer Icarus took the story of Joseph and his brothers to write The bite. Fratoun, founder of the Guetteurs group, proposed Water and blood in reference to the passion of Christ. The psalms and the beatitudes also inspired this album.

What does this album reveal about you?

A hope stronger than before. My first record was still called Testament! Today, I am completely out of my former cocaine addiction and depression. As I passed my forties, I acquired a certain maturity. At this age, we have less to prove, we do things more out of desire.

What is the place that inspires you the most?

The mountains of Ariège, where I grew up. I enjoy the solitude there, in the middle of the night. Ideas often come to me late, while everyone else is sleeping. They appear suddenly. Then I have to force myself to write.

What does writing mean to you?

A fight. Writing poetry is giving birth to the intimate with beauty, elegance and modesty. It is revealing my prayer, a place of struggles, dryness and joys, and being able to express it in truth.

An inspired place where you like to take refuge?

The Carmel of Montpellier where I lived when, when I was younger, I wanted to become a religious.

We offer you an hour of silence, what do you do with it?

I sit in a chapel and pray.

You have three days, a backpack and no car. Where are you leaving ?

In Lisieux (Calvados). I experienced so many beautiful things there around Thérèse, in her great basilica! I feel safe there. I would then show you around this city, which I have already experienced and which I really liked.