Piet Goddaer – better known to fans around the world as Ozark Henry – first came into prominence with his 1996 solo album Something That Has Already Found Me. The Belgian performer’s solo debut was referred to by David Bowie as the “debut of the year” and also found fans in Trent Reznor and Jah Wobble. It ultimately also led to touring alongside Garbage and Moby.
Fast-forwarding a bit, Piet/Ozark is relevant as ever these days. He was nominated for Belgian Artist Of The Year by MTV Europe in 2013. He recently spoke at a TEDx talk on the future of music. He replaced Lou Reed as the fashion ambassador for Ann Demeulemeester. Also in the fashion world, he has designed items for JBC and Floris Van Bommel. He appears in the forthcoming movie Gutterdammerung, in which he’ll be alongside Iggy Pop, Grace Jones and Henry Rollins. He also recently became the first non-classical artist to record with the National Orchestra of Belgium, as done on his most recent album Paramount.
Piet will be making a rare New York appearance on November 5th at the Morgan Library (225 Madison Avenue). A United Nations ambassador within the cause of human trafficking, this benefit event will include a Q&A, performance and reception. Prior to the event, on November 1st, Ozark Henry will be performing at Rockwood Music Hall. I had the pleasure of conducting Q&A with Piet with regards to these and other upcoming events for him.
Photo credit: Jessica Yatrofski
What do you remember about the first time you ever performed in New York?
Ozark Henry: I played a showcase at a very small bar on the first floor of a Manhattan building. I don’t even think 50 people fit in. I started in an empty room and managed to get it packed. At that time I already had done arena shows in Europe, but it was a great feeling: starting over.
Regarding your upcoming show on November 5th at the Morgan Library, I believe you’ll be involved in a Q&A before performing. What can you tell me about the talking portion of the evening?
O: I’ve been recently appointed as United Nations Goodwill Ambassador against human trafficking. My main goal is to create awareness about human trafficking and its victims in my shows, in interviews and by creating new work around the theme. I will also support the Blue Heart Campaign, an international trust fund that supports local NGO’s in fighting this crime and caring for its victims.
How did you first get involved with this cause?
O: I witnessed children forced to beg in capital cities in Europe and I wondered who’s protecting and defending these kids. How is this possible in our society? Human trafficking is a crime that shames us all. Every year, thousands of men, women and children fall into the hands of human traffickers. Every nation in the world is affected by it. The current migration streams in Europe are a feast for human traffickers. They always target the most vulnerable in our society.
Any idea about the music you’ll be performing at this event?
O: I’ll be presenting music from my latest album Paramount, which I’ve recorded with the National Orchestra of Belgium. On the 5th of November, I will present it with a minimal set up of six musicians including myself and a string quartet from the National Orchestra of Belgium. All the songs have been specifically re-arranged for this setup. It catches the spirit of the orchestral songs, but with six instead of 90 musicians onstage.
When David Bowie publicly praised your debut album so highly, what was that like for you? Did you feel pressure because of it?
O: I’m a big fan of his, so it gave me the courage to further develop my own musical identity no matter what.
Where did the idea come from to record with The National Orchestra of Belgium?
O: I was invited by them to celebrate their 75th birthday. Due to a great response on that collaboration, they gave me carte blanche to curate an evening based on my work. I am the first non-classical composer to have this honor.
Much like how you worked with Elisa last year, do you have any new collaborations outside of your solo career in the works now?
O: None that I can mention. (laughs)
What can you tell me about the Gutterdammerung film that you’re part of?
O: It’s a great new concept of a concert film with an impressive cast. It’s great to have such an opportunity and appear amongst artists I’ve admired for so long: Iggy Pop, Grace Jones, Henry Rollins to name a few. We’re going to do the first live teaser in London on November 12th. I’m very much looking forward to that one.
With regards to your work as a designer, are there plans to have any of your designs available in the United States?
O: Music comes first, but yes, why not?
Who is your favorite Belgian artist that our readers may not be familiar with?
O: Stromae, but I’m sure your readers already know about him.
When you’re not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?
O: I can relax best when doing sports: running, biking, swimming. I love champagne, good food, art, literature, traveling, and architecture.
Finally, any last words for the kids?
O: Go for what you believe and what you’re passionate about. There’s a Mexican proverb that says, “They tried to bury us; they didn’t know we were seeds.”
-by Darren Paltrowitz
