Often, public perception paints a simplistic picture of individuals, especially artists. There’s a common misconception, as explored in a candid conversation, that some artists, particularly those delving into deeper emotions, might be perceived as perpetually melancholic figures – “some kind of sad poet walking around dressed in all black.” This image, while perhaps romanticized, is far from the complete truth. Like A Tattoo, a carefully chosen piece of self-presentation reveals only a part of the story, leaving layers of complexity beneath the surface. Artists, in their performances and public personas, naturally select what aspects to share, leading to interpretations that are inherently incomplete. The idea of an artist isolated in an “ivory tower,” perpetually consumed by sadness, is a recurring trope, yet reality is invariably more nuanced.
Music, at its core, is about evoking feeling. Whether it’s joy, sorrow, the urge to dance, or a sense of elation, the power of music lies in its ability to resonate emotionally. Even sadness, when expressed through song, can be a positive force. It doesn’t create sadness, but rather acts as a catalyst, drawing out emotions that were already present, waiting to be acknowledged. The song serves as a mirror, reflecting and validating our inner emotional landscape.
When questioned about romance, the artist reflects on its elusive nature. Romance, in its traditional sense, remains somewhat undefined for them. Instead, they describe themselves as a blend of contrasting perspectives: “a mixture of being really idealistic and hopeful, and really pessimistic about our future.” This duality is not a recent development but a long-held personal characteristic. Contemplations on the state of the world, particularly economic imbalances and the uncertain future, lean towards pessimism on a grand scale. However, this pessimism doesn’t extend to individual human nature. There remains a fundamental optimism about people, a belief in inherent goodness. This translates to a strong sense of intuition when it comes to trusting others, described playfully as “witchy; witchy woman.” Life experiences, however, have led to a necessary guardedness, a protective layer built over time.
The journey into music wasn’t born from a childhood saturated in melodies. In fact, the artist describes their early environment as “quite deprived of music,” as their mother wasn’t particularly musically inclined. While their father was a music enthusiast, he wasn’t a consistent presence during their upbringing. The pivotal moment arrived around the age of 13 with the discovery of pirate radio stations. These stations, unlike mainstream pop radio, became a life-altering influence. While acknowledging a childhood fondness for “Maggie May” at the age of ten, it was an isolated instance within the confines of standard pop radio which didn’t deeply resonate.
Pirate radio opened up a vast and diverse musical landscape. Genres like folk, rock, and soul, previously unheard, filled the airwaves, sparking a profound interest. This newfound exposure led to album collecting, a less common pursuit for girls at the time, who often followed the musical tastes of their boyfriends. Radio Caroline, a specific pirate station, stands out as a key influence. Hearing “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” for the first time was a revelation, a moment of musical awakening. Similarly, “Why Can’t We Live Together” made its first impactful entry into their consciousness through pirate radio waves. These early encounters with diverse and thought-provoking music laid the foundation for a lifelong engagement with sound and artistic expression, leaving an indelible mark, much like a tattoo on the soul.
