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Theoretical Girl
Before the release of her new single, we find out all about one of the hottest artists of 2008
What motivates you to make music?
I’m not sure. I’ve just always done it. For as long as I can remember I’ve been playing something.
What three aspects or parts of your latest release (single or album) are you most proud of?
Ummm. I’m not sure that proud is the right word! I hope to do better!
If time and money were no issue, how long do you think it would take you to make the perfect album?
Nothing is perfect! But to get as close to perfect as possible, at least six months. It takes that long for songs to really come together. When I’m writing, I often do a first draft of a song and go back to it again and again over several months, making tiny little changes that I’m sure only I would notice so I’m certain it would be the same with recording if I had the opportunity. I have hundreds of different versions of my songs, so many that I could probably release five or six albums of different versions!
What do you enjoy doing away from music?
I like making things; dresses, bags, cards, cakes, random props, picture frames, all sorts. They usually turn out so badly that I could never actually use them, but it’s the process that I enjoy rather than the finished product.
Which song or piece of music other than your own draws the strongest emotional response from you?
Northern Sky by Nick Drake. It gives me butterflies every time. That and an aria by Henry Purcell called ‘When I am laid in earth’ from the opera Dido and Aeneas. It’s easily the saddest piece of music I’ve ever heard. Not one to listen to when depressed!
Outside of recording and playing music, which part of the musician’s life do you find the most dull?
Having to talk about myself! People are very kind and always ask how it’s going, but it makes me feel very uncomfortable having to talk about myself!
Which instrument do wish you could play and why?
I think the harp is the most beautiful instrument. I intend to learn one day when I’m old and have lots of time on my hands.
Apart from music are there any other art forms you relate to?
I love all of the arts! But I love dance and film in particular. Anything that’s visually interesting or moving in some way. I always wanted to be a ballerina but didn’t grow enough. Very disappointing.
What role do you believe music plays in the world and how do you help to fulfill it?
That’s such a huge question! It has so many roles for so many people! I can only really answer for myself with an extremely cheesy answer along the lines of music being everything! It cheers me up, calms me down and everything in between.
With the rise of the internet fans are able to become closer to and know more about their artists. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
It’s positive for me as every now and then I’ll get a really thoughtful and encouraging message from someone, who likes a song of mine, and it means so much.
How do you think music will be distributed, exchanged or sold in 5 years time?
I’m hoping for a vinyl revolution! It’d be amazing to see the return of beautiful vinyl albums, with lengthy sleeve notes that you can read through as you listen to the album for the first time. Buying vinyl is so much more exciting than having some lifeless file transferred from one computer to another.
If you could rename your band, what would it be?
I’ve often wished I could change my name, I’ve become so sick of people asking me if I’ve heard of ‘Theoretical Girls’ (no-wave band from New York). It’s my fault though, I really should have thought of something more original! But then when it comes to thinking of an alternative, my mind goes blank!
Looking back on the last century, which decade had the best music?
It would have to be the seventies. Not because of one particular genre, but because of the diversity of the decade. You had bands and artists like Nick Drake, Neil Young, Big Star, Curtis Mayfield and Stevie Wonder making their most interesting music, alongside the emergence of the post punk bands that I love; Talking Heads began to work with Brian Eno and Orange Juice performed for the first time right at the end of the decade. So many great things happened musically in the 70s, from Rough Trade releasing their first records to the release of the earliest rap records like Sugarhill Gang. Not to mention the invention of disco. Am I waffling now?
In 10 years time, what will you be doing?
Hopefully, sitting in my peaceful country cottage, writing my eighth album on my grand piano.
Please leave us with your favourite lyric, line of poetry, quote or phrase.
Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures.
Theoretical Girl releases her new single on the 4th of February and to celebrate will be hosting a launch party at Madam Jojo's on the 5th.
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