S+C+A+R+R

S+C+A+R+R

France 15.7.2022 / 01:00 - 02:00
Liberty stage

The electro phenomenon with breathtaking videos, invented by Dan Levy.

March 2020. As the world closed in on itself, we find S+C+A+R+R dancing gracefully in an empty room with floating walls, in the spectacular video for The Rest of My Days. Not much was known about S+C+A+R+R, though it had leaked some digital tracks, one of which was heard on the soundtrack of "J’ai perdu mon corps" (I Lost My Body - a French animated film that met with international success - nominated for the Oscars, and awarded the Cesar for best soundtrack in 2020). 

Let's rewind. September 2014. The Dø, a high-end duo formed by singer Olivia Merilahti and multi-instrumentalist Dan Levy, released a electrifying third album that blurs the boundaries of pop, rock and electro. But the aptly named Shake, Shook, Shaken rocked the duo so much that it broke them apart. This album of musical disruption quickly led to a breakup of another kind. On 20 December 2015, the story of The Dø came to a close on an evening of triumph at the Olympia. The end of this artistic and emotional adventure left a gaping void in Dan Levy's life. To fill the gap and channel his energy, he produced other artists (Jeanne Added, Las Aves, Laura Cahen, and more), composed film scores (Jérémy Clapin's J’ai perdu mon corps, which won a César for best original soundtrack in 2020), before coming up with a new venture. Or more specifically, a new voice. That of S+C+A+R+R.

As the musician readily admits, S+C+A+R+R, his new playmate, helped to heal his wounds. His scar. In his laboratory, nestled in the Normandy countryside, Dr Dan - or should we say Mr Levy - gradually gave shape to his new project. With S+C+A+R+R, the composer has found more than a travelling companion. This big, strapping lad, always on the move, with his too-short trousers and portly figure betrayed by a skimpy knit, has become a confidant, a protector, a source of inspiration. “As the authors of novels and series often say, at some point, it is the character that traces their own path, all we have to do is follow it”. To give his protagonist his full (and third) dimension, Dan Levy draws on the know-how of choreographer Nicolas Huchard and director Jack-Antoine Charlot. Because this alter ego who wears size 19 shoes and eats like a horse is an aerial dancer with a tender heart. “ S+C+A+R+R has a certain melancholy in his eyes. You want to take him in your arms to console him. He reminds me of Thelonious Monk or Charlie Parker, hefty guys that I have listened to a lot”.

The hulk of a man fulfilled his role. He holds out a mirror to his creator and allows the producer to indulge his flights of fancy, even letting his unconscious surprise him in the writing of the lyrics. When it comes to the music, Cross Out, the first mini album of nine tracks from S+C+A+R+R, we detect the same feeling of melancholy often found in The Dø, that unstoppable art of melody and an undeniable skill in constructing clever pop songs. From his angelic voice to the sweet melancholic euphoria, S+C+A+R+R pledges to Never Give Up. After all, the guy is eternal. He lives in a society where anything can become truth through the sorcery of social media, avatars and artificial intelligence.

Dan Levy is the cinematographer of a grand illusion appealing to us to suspend our disbelief, with him first in line. “I have faith in S+C+A+R+R. He is part of me. His presence soothes me", confides this modern-day pygmalion. With S+C+A+R+R, the heart rules the head. In Jewish mythology, a golem is a clay creature magically brought to life, shaped to assist or defend its creator. This legend has inspired literature (Mary Shelley's Frankenstein), comics (the heroes of the Marvel Comics) and cinema (from Voldemort, in the Harry Potter series, to the Terminator). Dan Levy's golem is called S+C+A+R+R. He has only one desire, to escape his inventor and kill on the dance floor. You have been warned.