What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
I grew up surrounded by classical music as my mum was a pianist. I sang classically as a child and even though I became a designer in theatre and film I always felt I should be singing. I guess it was in my DNA.
Tell us about your musical history.
As I said I grew up singing classically until I was about 20 then had a massive break and couldn’t find what I liked…I even dabbled in opera lessons for a while but eventually came to jazz training which has given me the technique and creative musical freedom to bring to my music.
Name me your 3 favourite Albums?
My taste is broad and changes but at the moment its ‘Loredana’ by Emilia Martensson, ‘Forge’ by Fassine and ‘Twelve’ by Ellie Dorman.
What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?
I think it’s hard to say as I’ve had all kinds of influences from quite young like classical, jazz and I loved dream pop and trip hop stuff in the 80’s. The first album I bought was by The Police!
The music industry is the hardest industry in the world to progress in, How do you feel you are doing?
I think it’s totally a state of mind! You just keep going step by step because you love what you do and you feel like you have something to say and want to connect to others. This is my first single so I’ll let you know when I’m on the next one!!
As you develop as an artist and develop using socials what ways do you get new ears on your music? Any tips?
I’m literally just learning the landscape at the moment! I think playlists are important these days and influencers seem to have wide reach if you want your music heard. You also need to decide what’s important to you and what success means and also what light you want it seen in. There are various online hubs to connect with content creators too which centralises things which is helpful. But I also connect with people at gigs and get emails to send newsletters out so that people get to know you and you build a core fanbase. It’s also just really nice to speak to people personally that like what you do!
What was the worst experience on stage?
Oh, I think it’s always forgetting words or coming in on the wrong note!! I cringe when I do it but it’s amazing how quickly you find things again or make up some words on the spot that just fit in! – That happened at my gig last week.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
Maybe not surprising but I’m a single mum of amazing 10 yr old twin girls ☺
What makes you stand out as a band/artist?
I think it’s probably my mix of styles with a jazz approach plus a variety of folk and pop sensibilities but on a deeper level it’s the view I have of the world. I think that’s what we all have to offer as artists, our unique life experience. Just who we are.
I hear you have new music, what can you tell us about it.
It’s a cover of a beautiful song by the amazing Plastic Mermaids. It’s about seeing someone you love flounder in the face of hidden hurts and the difficult circumstances and emotions surrounding that. I was struck by its raw honesty, emotional impact, and vulnerability. I just knew I wanted to sing it.
I also connected with the experience of hiding emotions away having had 20 years of physical pain myself, and the impact of that on others. We all experience a yearning to understand and be understood during times of hard to express emotions. It’s this kind of complexity I’m interested in exploring.
What was the recording process like?
Really easy actually! The vocals were laid down very quickly at my friend and Bassist/Producer’s home (Jon Thorne – Lamb, Yorkston,Thorne,Khan) after I outlined my approach and concept and then we collaborated on the track from there.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
No. I think it’s important to like and accept what you’ve done. I love it and am proud of it but as a creative I think you are always learning and moving your ideas on…so onto the next new thing!
CHECK OUT HER WEBSITE HERE STREM // DOWNLOAD MILK HERE