How would you describe your music for people who don’t know you?
My style varies all the time. I love doing the emotional ballads, but then again I love writing upbeat and soulful tunes too. Overall I think that my style is pop/soul, and that probably describes my music as a whole. I love writing songs that everyone can relate to and I hope Loverboy has done just that.
You released your debut single Loverboy in September – can you describe it for us?
Loverboy is a soulful ballad with plenty of emotion. My main aim was to write something that people my age could relate to, as well as writing something that people would remember. Loverboy isn’t actually written about anyone in particular (much to everyone’s disappointment, haha!).
Was the single easy for you to write and record?
Loverboy probably came to me quicker than any other song I’ve ever written. I enjoy just jamming on the piano, and that’s where Loverboy started – I wrote the chorus first and then wrote the story from there. When I got into the studio I changed so many parts of the song and had so many more ideas, meaning it took forever to record! I am a real perfectionist when I am in the studio, so I picked up on all the small details and couldn’t let the smallest mistakes go. I loved recording Loverboy, as everyone had so many different ideas and we tried them all out.
Your single’s got a bit of a Birdy-meets-Lucy Rose vibe – who are your main influences?
Ah, that’s a huge compliment – I love their music! Loverboy was mainly influenced by Lana Del Rey. I love the simplicity of her songs and the raw emotion she puts into them, and my video for Loverboy was built upon many of her ideas. Although I have many influences, I try to write my music in my own style and make it. I LOVE Tom Odell, and after seeing him at Glastonbury festival I now listen to his music to inspire me when I’m writing – with that being said, I still always try to find something new and original to do with my songs.
Who’s your ultimate icon and how have they influenced you?
Amy Winehouse is my biggest icon. When I starting performing at the age of thirteen Valerie had just hit the charts and I couldn’t get enough of it. The small school band I was in rehearsed it like mad every day and then eventually we learned the whole album! I love the soulfulness in her songs and I love how different and unique she was.
What made you get into music?
I started singing at a stage school when I was young, but because I was pants at acting I decided I would just stick to the singing. I then started a small school band with my friends and my music teacher. We first played in the school talent show and then we started doing weddings, festivals and every school occasion going.
What do you hope to do in the next year?
In the next year I hope to have released my debut album, which I am currently working on. I have also just started recording my next single All Things Get Easier, which has a completely different feel to Loverboy – I hope to release this in January.
What’s the best thing about playing live?
Nothing beats playing live. I get such a buzz before we go on – it’s like having good nerves. I love the fact you never know who is watching or what might happen. I guess I’m pretty calm when on the stage, but I get so nervous about speaking to the crowd! My friends and family are so supportive and they come to all of my gigs, which make it all a bit less nerve racking.
What’s your favourite song to play live?
I love playing Jolene, because I play around with it and change it every time I sing it. It’s the song everybody will know and nod their heads to. I have also just learnt L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N by Noah and The Whale and I absolutely love singing it – the lyrics are actually really funny and it always gets the crowd going.
Any plans for a full EP?
Yes! I am currently writing and recording the EP. I have so many ideas at the moment and I can’t wait to release it.
Describe yourself in three words?
Happy, bubbly and driven.
