In a nut shell…
I was born in London and lived there until I was eight years old, and I also spent a year living in Florence with my family. I then moved up to Glasgow as my dad got a job in Scotland and I lived there until I was 17. After school I moved London to study at St Martin’s and I have been here ever since.
Day to day…
I sing and write songs in my band 6 Day Riot, as well as doing some session singing and co-writing with other artists. I also do the odd bit of temp work.
An education…
I learnt to play guitar from my boyfriend, and I then taught myself to play ukulele and banjolele. I also learnt piano while I was a child so that helped. In terms of writing songs, that is just something that I have naturally developed although I have had a fews singing lessons to help develop my range.
Twist and turn…
I was an international gymnast as a teenager and I trained up to four times a week. I think that gave me my love of performing. I have always been very driven to achieve my goals and I think that began when I was young, with my gymnastics.
A little bit of praise…
I am not sure when I realised I was actually good at doing what I do, but I do remember being quite surprised when I first started singing in the studio and the producers liked my voice. To begin with I was singing other people’s songs, but gradually I realised that I could write just as well or maybe even better, but it has taken me years to get to the level where I am creating something I am proud of.
Currently…
At the moment we are about to record the new 6 Day Riot album. I run our record label as well so there is a lot to organise at the moment, not only the writing but also the release dates, studio schedules, distribution and budgets. Our single will be released on 7th June. I am also working with an artist called Deadly Avenger alongside Craig Gannon on some cinematic tracks that we are hoping to sync as well as a session singing job… so quite busy.
Love and hate…
I love the fact that I get to do something I love – gig and tour and play in front of large crowds. I love the writing process whereby you begin writing about one thing and you see where your head really is at at the time – you see what words spill from your sub-conscious. But it can be a struggle to survive in the music business, especially with the free download situation, which affects bands at our level much more. And because we are running the label ourselves we are always the little guys, and we struggle to gain ground compared to the moneyed major record labels.
Life support…
My family and friends have always been massively supportive of what I do. Whenever we play home gigs my mum, dad and sister will be in the front row in the band’s T-shirts. My family are very close and supportive of each other, my parents have always encouraged us to strive for what we want in life and I think that has allowed me to not panic at the prospect of doing something more creative and less stable. My grandma was a painter and I definitely get my artistic side from her. I paint all our artwork. My sister also gets involved with the tour management side of things for us. My friends also come along to gigs, and get some perks like Glastonbury tickets too, if they are lucky.
Advice…
Don’t give up.
Inspiration…
I watch films or read, I get a lot of inspiration from news stories, ones that confuse me and allow me to ask questions, such as when a father or mother kills their children. I find dark subject matters connects with me. I find it all difficult to comprehend but I want to try to understand it.
No place like home…
I love going home to Glasgow, back to my family home. I love the feeling of belonging when I see my front door. Music-wise I love Belle and Sebastian, their music touches me, but I particularly love their lyrics.
Worldwide web…
BBC News, The Guardian and asos. I love keeping up to date with the news and I also love reading music reviews on the Guardian website (though they have never reviewed us). And I also love shopping, so can’t help but have a peek on asos, and Dahlia who supply me with some of my live dresses. I keep checking their site to see what new clothes will work on stage.
If I could turn back time…
I don’t really believe you can change things, I believe that life has it’s own course.
The future…
To finish this album and release it in the next few months, then we will be doing a UK tour in the winter months.
Daydreaming…
I think I have started to crave living in the country but I am not sure that I would actually enjoy it if I was actually there. Perhaps in France, cycling around. I would love to be writing music and playing with my band for as long as I can continue, perhaps just making a little more money and being able to survive a little better.
Take my advice…
You need to stick at it for a long time and make sure you believe in yourself. Each year we have grown as a band and also I have as a writer. It takes time and it is not as simple as X factor makes it look.
6 Day Riot will be on tour across the UK from Wednesday 27th Octobern and their album On This Island will be availiable from November 1st.