Beautiful and talented, mighty things are
expected of the DJ turned artist, singer and songwriter from Glasgow. Here she talks
to me about honesty, hard-work and going it on your own.
We
are in the midst of an explosion in young British music. What has made this
generation of new UK music-makers, including yourself, so special?
It’s a DIY generation. We have new forces
like the internet, everyone’s get a laptop and makes music. It means you get
flooded, but people rise to the top through work ethic, through talent. We have
a huge range of influences, listening to diverse radio stations. I think that’s
why we’re going through such an exciting time.
What have been your biggest influences, from early on to recent
collaborations?
I grew up listening to hip-hop and rap. I was
just drawn to it because it was so honest. So raw and uncensored. They said
anything. It wasn’t bubble-gum pop it was real. I’m always drawn to honesty -
my favourite album of all time is ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.’ Today I’m
inspired by a lot of my peers – people like Labrinth, like Ed Sheeran – these
people worked so incredibly hard and they’re so talented and grateful and
humble about everything. That’s really inspiring.
How
would you describe your music?
Er….. what the fuck music. So when you hear
it you can say what the fuck is that!?
Tell
us about your DJing and how it has affected making music?
I started DJing at the age of 17. It’s
extremely important in being an artist. I grew up listening to so much and I
have so many references and inspirations – so much greater than if I’d have
just been a music fan. You obviously have a grasp of what works in a club situation
– you can judge styles and everything. It’s really helpful.
Throughout
your career you have worked with a variety of artists and producers – from Labyrinth, to Devlin, to Jamie XX. How
important is collaboration in the creative process?
Me personally I don’t produce so I’m
always going to collaborate with people. It’s all about finding someone who
works with you, somebody that sees your vision and has the confidence to add to
it. I view making music like making babies – you wouldn’t just have a baby with
anyone; there’s specific qualities in a person that you’d want. And that’s how
I go about choosing people to collaborate with.
What
was it like touring with such seminal artists as N.E.R.D and Eve?
I was DJing. It was really good. It was a
great introduction to the life of touring. More recently I’ve supported Chase and
Status and Eliza Doolittle as a singer. I love supporting artists that I’m a
fan of especially. You learn a phenomenal amount. Touring with Eve was so great
because she’s a female rapper and at the time I was a female DJ. To be a female
in such a male dominated world she gave me a lot of confidence – she’s a very
inspiring woman. With Chase and Status the live set is so incredible and
mind-blowing – they’d watch my show and give me some pointers – that’s what
it’s about – I’m still learning so much.
You’ve
recently been in Ibiza. How is R’n’B and hip-hop changing, perhaps becoming
more integrated into dance music?
Yeah, I can’t say I’m happy about
it. There is a lot of this kind of hip-hop R’n’B David Guetta stuff. Personally
it’s not my taste. I’m a huge fan of the 90s – using samples – it was such a
craft. The hip-hop’s come back but I’m waiting for the R’n’B. I’m waiting
patiently.
Debut
single ‘On my own’ seems influenced by trip-hop pioneers massive attack,
whereas new track ‘Light Up The World’ has a sped up garage sound. Do you enjoy experimenting with musical genres?
Yeah definitely. When I started making music I
never thought I had to find one genre. I like being unidentifiable. I like
mashing together but not in a contrived way just what feels like the right
thing to do at the time. With the horns and strings ‘On My Own’ is very
influenced by that trip-hop sound. With ‘Light up the World’ I kind said to Shy
Fx just give me breakbeat and reggae. I thought it showed a different side of
me – I like to go out and feel good. It was time to reflect that different side
of me.
Tell us about
your upcoming debut album.
It will be out maybe first quarter of next year. I’m working on it. Debut
album – it’s such a big deal. Being close to your music it’s very hard to be
like ‘yeah ok I’ve finished it.’ There’s a lot about independence. I’ve spent a
lot of time on my own. I want to inspire other people to take risks, and be
brave and adventurous – to go for what they really want. Sonically, there’s a
lot of reggae and breakbeat. There is also a couple of acoustic moments – I just
kind of let the songs do the talking. It’s honest. I’m excited about people
hearing it. There are a couple of ex-boyfriends who might be pissed off when
they hear it.
What gigs and tours have you got lined up?
I’m doing some headline gigs in November,
there are also a couple of festivals left. I’ll be doing loads of shows – I
love performing with my band. I’ll definitely be on the road.
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