Your debut album ‘Truth is a Wolf’ was released in November last year. What has the response to it been
like?
It’s been great. I’m so
unbelievably lucky. It was terrifying. I didn't read any of the reviews for a
while, I was too scared. I’m aware my surname brings huge
expectation but I was hopeful my music would be accepted which luckily it has
been.
You are a
very talented singer-songwriter. Would you say that you have a particular
writing process?
Firstly, thank you! I used to, however recently Sam Tanner and I have
been trying new things out for the next album and its been working well. Its
normally always melody first then structure then lyric but I'm enjoying it and
just seeing what happens and letting it come as it does.
I do sometimes have the need to write but get blocked. I was told by a
mutual friend that sometimes when writing, Stevie Nicks sings a new melody over
an old song and then changes the odd chord, write new lyrics and by the time
its left the studio its a completely different song and you'd never connect the
two. I tried it.. it works.
The songs
on the album all seem very personal. Where do you draw your lyrics from, do you
write from experience or write stories?
I never write stories as I can't connect to it. I have to write from the
heart otherwise i don't see the point. Im a private person so it doesn't come
easy putting things out there but i force myself to get it out purely for a
cathartic need. A lyrical self harm sometimes.
When you’re in a stage of writing is there anything in
particular you listen to, or do you avoid listening to music? Just any
listening habits!
I do for inspiration. Depending where my head space is at the time or
what vibe I'm in for will depend on what i listen to. Chris Cornell will always
appear but then the poetry from Ben Howard or Florence Welch will pour in and
the rawness and picture painting Lana and Alanis complete it all.
Im back listening to Ann Peebles a lot at the moment but then ill mix it
with Nine Inch Nails for that Electro Rock vibe. I don't want to sit in the
classic 70s Rock n Roll as I feel its been done to death.
What
would you say is the song that holds the most meaning to you from the album? Or
is there a song you’re
particularly proud of?
Transformer. All the others on that album I'm emotionally done with. Im
over those situations except that one. Also Im proud of the poetry of Armour.
It holds some of my favourite lyrics. Im proud of them all really
You first
started performing aged just 12 and have had an exciting career since. What
would you say has been your biggest highlight?
Oh gosh. So many. I can whittle it down to two. Firstly, being part of
The Old Grey Whistle Test Anniversary was incredible. What an honour to be part
of such a legendary show in Musical history! I was so proud of Bob that day. He
was just so focused and inspiring.. It was a real family vibe and doing the
show with my dear Pete Frampton and was just a beautiful thing .
Also, sharing a stage with Planty. Magic!
You have
a big gig coming up at The Water Rats in Kings Cross on the 5th of July. What
can your fans attending can expect from the night? How would you describe your
stage presence?
Hopefully a release to what ever stresses and strains
they have. A LOUD night of fun with a soul of its own that only we will
experience and no camera phone will haha
The
Second Echo and Siobhan Mazzei are your support acts on the night. Why did you
choose these two acts to support you?
My manager introduced me to The
Second Echo. They have a cool Arctic Monkeys meets The Temperance Movement
vibe. I held a competition for a acoustic support act where they would have to
send in a cover of one of my tracks off of Truth Is A Wolf. Siobhan did Control
and put her spin on it and i loved that.
You have
previously cited Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alanis Morissette as your
influences. Is there anyone else you would say has inspired you?
Im a HUGE Ben Howard fan. He's the only
artist I've left the country for. He is my ultimate escape and he hits my core
like no other. Also Lana Del Rey. I love how you dont hear from either artist
unless theres music involved thats how it should be
and not about your new bag or
what you're having for lunch. They don’t give a shit.
I am also a Hip Hop fan and have loved Eminem since his first album. He
is a god damn rhythmical genius. Have you heard Rap God? Ridiculous!
When you’re not making music yourself what do you find yourself
listening to?
Łoving an artist called IAMX. His
voice is incredible. So pure and as I stated before, i’m liking
the electro gothic vibe at the moment. In fact Ben Howard has a song called The
Defeat which is making my ears happy which has this sound has a hint of Hearing
Damage by Thom Yorke to it. The Prodigy, Audioslave. Also im loving the rise of
women in rock at the moment. The Beaches, Dorothy and Deap Vally are al playing
in my house at the moment.
‘The Jam’ legend Paul Weller features on the track ‘King of Hearts’. How did that connection come about?
Ive known Paul since I was 15. I adore him. You know where you stand
with him. No bullshit. He has been a rock with this album and my career. I
wanted to work with his Producer and my dear friend Jan Kybert and Jan said we
should speak to Paul. Paul gave us his studio and then offered to play on it
which obviously i was so touched by.
What was
he like to work with?
Great! He was encouraging and didn't take over just wanted to help make
music. Its great to see him still get nervous too. Hes very passionate about
music and writing and it was an honour to work with him and Jan.
Do you
have any dreams you’d still
like to achieve in terms of your music career?
Of course. Brixton Academy and Eventim Apollo Hammersmith are my venue
goals. I love those venues. More albums and collaborations. Also to tour out of
the UK.
Finally,
what else have you got planned for 2018? What can we look forward to
seeing/hearing from you?!
I have another tour coming up the end of the year and hopefully new
music as thats where I am at the moment. Back in the studio.
Interview by Molly Thompson
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