Who are your musical inspirations and why?

Artists who explore different ideas and styles but always are uniquely themselves, like Grace Jones, Madonna, Elton John, Kate Bush, Björk, and people with truly incredible presence, vocals and songwriting like Aretha Franklin, George Michael, Mariah Carey ... I'm also a huge soundtrack fan so I take lots of inspiration from the worlds of Jerry Goldsmith, Stelvio Cipriani and other film composers.

 

 

What song of yours best describes you and why?

Maybe Boys Etc. as it's upbeat, fun, a bit camp a bit sassy but also is seeped in 80s and 90s sounds just like my apartment and personality and full of 80s and 90s references.

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If you could perform a gig at any venue where would it be and why?

I would love to play at Carnegie Hall in New York City as it's so iconic, and I would love to play at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Something about venues like that that have been around for so long, and had so many iconic artists tread the stage there.

 

What has been your best achievement to date and what would you like to achieve in the future?

Honestly surviving as an artist from 2006 to current day as an independent artist. I didn't think I'd still be surviving on my music alone, and certainly neither did any of the people who turned me down at every meeting I had with a label my whole career lol! I'm really proud I'm still here, still working, and just had the best selling album of my career. In the future I'd love to achieve a way to help platform up and coming artists and help champion them on a bigger stage than I have right now. I would love to create some kind of system or community for artists - with some funds and resources available - to help nurture new talent.

 

What has been the best gig you have been to as a fan and can you tell us about it?

Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour - no question. It's the most incredible thing I've ever seen. I can't believe it was created by human beings it was so perfect. Flawless, innovative, and so full of JOY. It was absolutely perfect.

 

 

What would you say is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Don't go for second best, baby, put yourself to the test.

 

What things do you like to do when you are away from music?

I love watching films, I love running, walking and being part of a city, and I love spending time with my cat - or any animals really.

 

Can you tell us about any tattoos you have and the significance of them to you?

I have one tattoo that is an outline of my cat Sunny who died last August. I had never thought about getting one, but his death really changed my life. I was so proud to be his companion and guardian, I wanted to mark his life with a tattoo so I commissioned an NYC based artist to make the outline and tattoo it on me.

 

If you run the country for a day what would you change about it and why?

I would make it illegal, punishable by prison for any political candidate to lie / sell misinformation to further their campaign. The damage these people have done is wild and there is no punishment good enough for them.

 

If you could say one thing to your fans what would it be and why?

Remember that kindness is the most important thing.

 

What would say to someone thinking about becoming a musician and getting into the music industry?

Get into music, don't try to "get into the music industry". If you make work you believe in and enjoy making it, you'll find a way to find your audience without trying to find a place in an industry. Focus on the music. 

 

If you could collaborate with any other band/singer or musician who would you choose and why?

I would love love LOVE to work with Grace Jones because she is utterly unique and one of the most incredible artists we've been lucky enough to have in this world.

 

If you could have written one song from history which would it have been and why?

A Little Bit Alexis by Annie Murphy for her Schitt's Creek character. I think it's the funniest and most genius song of the last 10 years.

 

What things make you uncomfortable?

When people ask me "what's my sign?" it just makes me feel like I'm about to be judged. I cannot STAND people asking what my sign is it makes me retreat from conversation as the assumptions that come with each sign are so weird to me.

 

What has the rest of the year got in store for you?

Lots of writing, plenty of shows (hopefully more coming in!), catching up with family and friends, and enjoying downtime with my cat Quince when I'm not travelling. I'm hoping to do a few more collaborations this year too, as that's my favourite part of making music.