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August 3, 2007 1:37 pm
It’s not easy having committed surrealists for parents. For one thing, you have to try a lot harder to stand out. Granted, that hasn’t really been a problem for the Paris-based avant-garde cabaret performer Adanowsky (real name: Adan Jodorowksy), the son of the Chilean author and filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky. His elaborately orchestrated, meticulously styled shows—he’s been known to accessorize his pencil-thin moustache with a white fox fur stole, tight trousers, and Cuban-heel boots—have earned him a cult following amongst the fashion pack. Meanwhile, his happily mournful single Estoy Mal is racking up hits on his MySpace page.
So is surrealism a family trait?
My parents were surrealists, so I have a very strong surrealist influence in my life. But I don’t base my act on that—I’m looking for something else. I don’t want to spend my life recreating something that already exists, but on the other hand, it’s something I’m influenced by, so it’s inevitable.
Who are your musical influences?
When I was small, I was a big fan of Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles, Eddie Cochran. I remember seeing Elvis kissing girls in public. That’s when I decided I wanted to sing and be a pop idol. When I was a bit older, I discovered a lot more influences, from Motörhead to Theolonius Monk and from Pérez Prado to Tom Waits.
You’ve created a very definite stage persona—who or what is he based on?
I also loved Dracula, The Werewolf, The Invisible Man, the Marx Brothers, Tod Browning’s Freaks, Fellini, and Nino Rota. I created a character that combined elements of all of these. Today, I’m in the midst of changing again. I don’t want to give away the details, but I’m putting aside my spangled vest. I don’t want to be typecast as a retro singer. I’m moving in a less cabaret direction, and it’s even better.
What experience would you like people to have at your shows?
If everyone could arrive dressed in white, then end up naked and painted in all different colors and having an orgy, I’d be happy. The act of creating is very sexual. I’d like my show to be part of that act.
—Nancy MacDonell
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