D.E.E., an upholder of consubstantiation (tyfc: the doctrine, proposed by Martin Luther, that the substance of the body and blood of Jesus coexists with the substance of the bread and wine in the Eucharist. That's what the dictionary says. We didn't know either), does not compromise. When asked about sin: “How do you deal with the fact that, as an American, you were born from the Native American genocide and slavery implemented in the name of God?”, he answers: “All peoples, countries and races are equal in their corruption, and aspire to redemption”.

«Prashnom moldich svetoven/Vashene osh miashte», what language is that?
DEE: It is made up from many languages, Indian, European and Scandinavian dialects… It is not supposed to mean anything, but to convey an image.

“A double minded man/in all his ways unstable”, does that refer to you?
It comes from the Scriptures. It is a recurring experience of mine.

Mosaic overflows with compassion. Where does it come from?
The Holy Spirit shows us the stain upon us, and inspires us to do penance. It is a mortifying process, yet it is full of promised joy, peace and hope.

“Full Armour”?
Again, it is from the Scriptures: it represents divine, spiritual love. Sound tends to convey this idea.

All your songs are prayers, aren't they?
They do contain elements of prayers, but at the end of they day, they're just songs.

What does Mosaic mean?
My wife came up with the title. And it suits my songs. It also refers to Divine Law.

How did you come to play music?
I used to sing in church when I was a child. My mother used to be, and still is, a wonderful choir singer. I think I learnt a lot from her, like I did from my grandfather, who was a choirmaster.

What is your favourite song on Mosaic?
Little Raven, on which my son Eli plays his little harp with me.

How do your songs come to you? As you sleep, as you work? Do the lyrics come first?
Lyrics and music come as they can. It's never intentional. I think that most of the time, they are born out of nostalgia.

How do you make a living?
With my music, since 1995. I feel thankful, and I know some people rely on me.

“No help to me”, is there no salvation?
Only the Lord dispenses mercy and redemption as befits his perfect saintliness.

What are your musical tastes?
Above all, Brian Eno. Medieval music also. Sufjan Stevens' Seven Swans and Danielson's Ships. Einsturzende Neubauten live in Colorado.

Tell us about your European origins.
My ancestors on my father's side came from Ireland, they were evangelist preachers with the Native Americans. And on my mother's side, they came from Scotland.

Who is your favourite writer?
Cormac McCarthy, Martin Luther.

Where are you e-mailing from?
A dry, scorching place, which could turn into a blaze.

Translation by Magali