” I often felt personally and artistically alone — like an alien.”
Protopapa
photographed by Nicolas Wagner
styled by Maël Gicquel
above: bomber by Alpha Industries, pants by Edwin, leg accessory is vintage
learn more about Protopapa here
How do visuals inform your music?
Often, the writing of a song begins with an image in my head — a memory or an idea that my brain first processes visually and then turns into words, music, and eventually, video or photography.
When I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming a photographer — it was a big passion of mine — and I think that visual approach to ideas has stayed with me ever since.
Who was your first crush?
The son of one of my mom’s best friends when I was 8. He was 12 at the time, and his name was Fabio.
How did your collaboration with Sebastien Delage come about?
I discovered Sebastien and his music through social media, and I instantly fell in love with the way he tells stories about life, love, relationships, and queer sex — so openly, so poetically, and so sexy.
I have a deep admiration for people who turn their lives into art, and Sebastien is pure, unapologetic art.
We met in Paris during one of my trips, and that’s when he gave me a tattoo.
Months later, while I was working on Mini Pony, I asked him if he wanted to jump on a verse — and he worked his magic!
J’adore our Mini Pony <3
top image: top by Transe Paris, shorts by Edwin, boots are vintage
bottom image: cloak by Dawei
What is your creative process when working on original music versus DJing?
They’re both ways of storytelling — just in different forms.
DJing is about creating a connection with the people in front of you — it’s like making love through the tracks you choose.
It feels like a night of sex: unpredictable and sweaty.
Writing songs and creating music from scratch is a more intimate, solitary process — even though I also love collaborating with other artists.
I enjoy getting lost in memories and thoughts, daydreaming and building worlds, taking all the time I need to do it.
What both processes have in common: I let go and make sure I’m having fun first.
pants by Dawei, belt by Jeanne, boots are vintage
It seems paramount in your work to showcase uplifting and inspirational queer artists — can you tell us more?
Growing up, I unfortunately didn’t have many role models who weren’t straight. I often felt personally and artistically alone — like an alien.
If I had had strong queer artists to look up to, I would’ve probably struggled less with my identity and explored my queerness more freely.
I earned my space with a lot of effort, and now I want to share it with the beautiful queer creatures I’ve met along the way.
They’re all part of the “House of Protopapa.”
top image: sneakers by Asics, pants by Tribal Hotel
bottom image: top by Newspeak, pants by Tribal Hotel
What is your favorite quality among your friends?
The care we have for one another, being there and truly listening in tough moments, and the honesty to tell each other what we think — straight to the face. If we don’t do that among friends, then when?
My friends have become my chosen family, an extension of myself — the “House of Protopapa” I always talk about 🙂
top and bottom image: top by Newspeak
What is your idea of happiness?
Being able to live and fully feel all your emotions — with honesty toward yourself.
Making a living from your passion, without too many compromises.
Never losing your curiosity for the world and for others — mixing a bit of naivety with self-awareness.
I feel proudly happy at this point in my life, and I’m deeply grateful for it.
blazer is vintage, pants by Edwin
top by Jeanne, short by Edwin
Are there any Italian disco artists we should know?
I’m so happy that Italo disco is having this beautiful second life lately. It was often dismissed as tacky or cheesy, but I think it’s super sexy and catchy!
Some of my favorite contemporary artists in the genre are: Valentino Vivace, Hey Cabrera!, Bruno Belissimo, Corine, Tanzer, Hard Ton, Dov’è Liana, Mind Enterprises, Massimiliano Pagliara…
total look by Jeanne
What is Croccante to you?
Croccante is someone or something that’s sexy and free — a situation that really sparks your interest because of its layers, a spicy and colorful experience, a surprisingly overwhelming encounter…
Anything can potentially become Croccante — my life is and very often.
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learn about more of Protopapa here