Interview: Singer, Quentin Elias - From French Boy Band to New York Big Boy

Formerly of the multi-platinum French boy band Alliage, Quentin Elias is now a New York City transplant who has worked alongside artists ranging from Junior Vasquez to Spike Lee. With an incredibly sexy stage presence, Elias has been leaving audiences gasping for more while performing his original singles like "Serve It Up!" This unbelievably handsome and charming performer recently chatted with HX about his homeland, the perks of being in a boy band, and fighting with Diana Ross for photo ops.

Matthew Ray: You were born In France? Do you get back often?
QE: Not as much as I want. Last time I was there, it was for a TV show to promote "Serve It Up." It was 2 years ago already !! Wow, times fly.

When did singing come into the picture?
Singing came naturally. I wanted to be a dancer at first, then when I moved to Paris I started singing classes and singing on stage. When I got my first record deal at 16, I took it more seriously and practiced my voice as much as I could. I think singing and dancing are the best combination for me.

You really slept on the streets of Paris when you first moved there?
Yes, I did, unfortunately. Leaving Marseille for Paris was a sudden decision, I left without thinking. Once I got to Paris, I realized I had nowhere to go. It was the summer, so it wasn't that bad. It makes me stronger and more appreciative of having a nice comfortable bed! Thankfully, I eventually got some work as dancer at the Moulin Rouge and I could afford to get a room.

Tell our readers, who might not be familiar, a little about Alliage.
Alliage was a boy band like N'Sync or Backstreet Boys, very popular in France. We sold over 5 million CD's. It was a great experience for me, but I had no private life. After 4 years, I left and moved to NY. I was tired of touring and working 24/7. I needed a break.
Did you have mostly female fans, or were there some gays boys out there buying those CDs?
Well, everyone bought the CDs, I can't tell you who was who. But we did get a tremendous amount of support from the gay community. Music is a universal language. I don't believe that there is straight or gay music.

Wow! So why'd you give all that up?
It was a great experience, but I needed to find myself and experience life on my own. I wanted to have a different sound to my music and work with people in the U.S. I wanted more. It was time for me to develop my own sound and my own identity.

So you made the leap to America...
There is no place like home, and when I say home I mean New York City. Since I was a kid I always wanted to come here to the U.S. I can't explain it. It was a dream and a challenge. I've been living here for the past 10 years, I am a New Yorker now!!

You were involved in the WE ARE FAMILY project (for the victims and families of victims of the September 11th, 2001 World Trade Center disaster.) Any gossip from behind the scenes?
Oh my God, that was huge deal for me. I mean, being in a room with 50 stars! It was a once in a lifetime moment. I remember I had a great spot for the video, Spike Lee put me right in the middle. Then here comes Diana Ross right in front of me with her big hair. She totally blocked me! I was like, "Hell no!" So I secretly pulled her hair all the time at the rehearsal until she changed places. So when the camera started to roll, I was front and center. Hey, sorry Diana, that was my spot!

What was it like to work with Junior Vasquez?
Junior is an icon in the club scene, a legend. I have nothing but respect for him. He has influenced a lot of people through his work. He has worked with so many big names, it was an honor to work with him and associate my name with his. Besides work, he is a great human being.

How would you describe your music?
Lately, I'll say my music has become very sexual. I'm in a phase of my life where I find myself sexy, and I want to talk about sex and life and what I am going through right now. I never felt that way before. I am growing up, and I am feeling it. I'll say my music and sound is more urban that it was before.

You're incredibly handsome, are you single?
Wow...incredibly good looking? I am blushing now! I am very shy, and unfortunately I am desperately single. I scare people away!! My biggest wish is to meet my real love. The love you meet once in your life. I am still waiting and still believe in it.