What do you think makes a successful song—what is most important in music?
I think a song should be relatable, lyrics that reflect feelings are important to me.
How did you start writing songs—were you classically trained? How early were you bitten by the musical bug?
I started writing songs when I was 11 because I just felt inspired one day! I haven’t been classically trained at all; my father plays guitar so I used to jam with him.
I just remember going to pubs with my family on a Sunday afternoon and seeing really good live music and wanting to get up and perform. Music was and still is a big outlet for me—I’m a lot more emotional in my songs than in person!
What inspires you when writing your music?
I’m inspired by loads of different things—words are a big part of it, news headlines or things people around me say can set off ideas.
Describe your personal style:
I like a bit of boho in my style! A cool dress and leather boots are typical essentials for me… Or anything that involves a pineapple.
Where is the best venue you have performed/what is your proudest moment so far?
I played at Bush Hall opening for a band called The Rails and thought it was beautiful.
I’ve had some really cool opportunities, I opened for a singer/songwriter called Dan Wilson who was in the band Semisonic—I was really chuffed to play before him because he’s such a brilliant writer and performer.
Do you prefer smaller, intimate events or larger ones? What venue would you most like to play?
I love playing small venues where I can really tell a story, but large crowds are so much fun. I’d be just as happy playing to my cat though!
I love The RoundHouse in Camden, I think the history of the venue is amazing and I’ve seen some of my favourite acts there.
Who/what would be your dream musical collaboration? (Dead or alive!)
I would probably faint if I could collaborate with Kate Bush! She’s a goddess, she has had a fantastic career and really pushed boundaries. I also think working with Pharrell Williams would be pretty epic.
How would you describe your own music?
I write about my life and my friends’ lives. I would describe it as pop—I put a lot of thought into my lyrics so I guess it’s like storytelling pop.
What do you find the biggest challenge?
When I have writer’s block I can really get stuck for a while, but I gather words and quotes that I like to spark an idea again!
Favourite summer song?
I love anything Beach Boys—they’re summer in a sound! Disney Girls is a great song.
What was the last album you listened to?
James Bay’s Chaos and The Calm and I LOVE it.
What was the last book you read?
I read The Fault in Our Stars after watching the film, really sweet and sad!
If you weren’t making music what else might you have done career-wise?
I have no idea—I wanted to be an architect until I realised how much maths would be involved and how awful I was at maths!
Where are your favourite places to relax, eat and be entertained in west London?
I adore The Distillers in Hammersmith because upstairs there is a beautiful venue called The Regal Room, where some insanely good people play!
What is your philosophy on life?
I’m a pretty free spirit, I think taking each day as it comes is best!
What gigs do you have booked coming up that you’re most excited about?
I have some pretty exciting festivals this summer! I can’t say what they are yet but I’m going crazy biting my tongue—I love festivals!
What would your perfect day out in London involve?
I work in a studio in Parsons Green, so my ideal day would start there, followed by going to a gig. I saw Kate Bush at the Hammersmith Apollo and that was a perfect day to me!
Any funny fan stories to tell us?!
I’m a huge Pete Burns fan. I met Pete Burns once in TopShop and completely fangirled! Then realised we were both holding the same dress…
