Where do you live and why?
I live off the Harrow Road, between Westbourne Park and Kensal Rise. I’m in love with west London and always have been, and consequently most of the places I play at are west London-based, such as The Troubadour in Earl’s Court.
How would you describe your singing style?
Wordy, ethereal, odd.
Your new album I am not the night has just been released. Can you explain the inspiration for the title?
I always loved the band Morphine and their album The Night. Its eponymous title track was sung to a woman, Lilah, saying, ‘You’re the night’. As the years went by I kept listening to the song until I decided she should be able to reply so she does in my song Lila (no ‘h’!), by saying that she is not, in fact, the night. Most of my songs explore a feminine/feminist perspective.
What was the last play you saw?
I last saw the National Theatre‘s production of The Cherry Orchard, with Zoe Wanamaker, which I adored.
What do you think is the best thing you can do in London for free?
Go to Embankment, cross over the bridge (throwing a penny in and making a wish), then walk from the Southbank Centre to the Tate Modern and stop at as many places as possible. Or take a bottle of wine to the top of Primrose Hill at midnight and philosophise soulfully while admiring the view.
You played Bestival this year. What was the most memorable moment?
Playing Lovecats by The Cure while everybody danced and the big tulip lights glowed in the night sky – The Cure were headlining the next day. The venue I played at was called The Swamp Shack, a kind of Louisiana bayou complete with rusting cars and rocking chairs. It was amazing.
Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with?
I would really like to work with Larry Klein, who produced many of my favourite albums. I’d also love to collaborate with Hurts – I love what they write. If I could support an artist live, it would be Ani diFranco. She is my heroine.
Where’s your favourite place to see live music in West London?
The Troubadour, where I play a residency. I go there and imagine rosily that it might not have changed too much since its days hosting Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. The Regal Room, at the Distillers on the Fulham Palace Road, is another excellent venue for acoustic music, and I love The Tabernacle.
Do you have an on-stage persona?
I think on stage is the closest I get to being my genuine self.
What would be your Desert Island discs?
Disintegration by The Cure, To the Teeth by Ani di Franco, The Night by Morphine, Blue by Joni Mitchell and Give by The Bad Plus.
What’s been your most memorable meal?
I think my favourite meal experience is going to La Famiglia with my grandmother. I think I’ve been going there since I could talk. Their mozzarella in carrozza is unforgettable.
What are your plans for the rest of the year?
I’m writing my next album, but we have some exciting things planned for I Am Not The Night, so watch this space… I’m also learning to play the harp. Slowly.
What’s your life motto?
Don’t be afraid.
