Music > Interviews
Interview with Lucy Rose
08/08/12
There’s something to be said for taking the plunge, sitting on stage staring into the harsh spotlight of an open mic night that doesn’t smile back. For Lucy Rose, you can only imagine that these forays gave her the confidence, validation and experience that would lead her to record one of the most virally successful tracks of the last year, and lend her vocals to Bombay Bicycle Club. Now, she comes to Norfolk as part of Jelly Festival 2012’s stunning line-up…
You were recently voted 'one of indie music's breakout stars for 2012' by Vogue Magazine! That's a rather prestigious title, does a title like that pile on pressure or encourage you to live up to the title?
It probably encourages me more than anything; support from anyone makes me want to continue and helps me believe there is a chance.
Do you think there is competition with British female singers or are you all like one big riot group taking over the industry?
It's strange how because we are girls and play guitars all of our music is the same; that would never happen with men. I think it's truly amazing that there are more and more successful females musicians out there. I'm game for taking over the industry.
You moved from cosy Warwickshire to the boisterous big smoke of London when you were 18 to pursue your musical career. Was the music scene not quite happening in Warwickshire?
I had never been brave enough to play my songs in front of people from back home and I was ready to move to another part of the world and experience an independent life. My family and friends are so supportive but I'm sure they would be whatever I'd chosen to do. I'm sure there are some skeptics back home who think I'm crazy chasing the rainbow.
Being an artist I suppose you get a better class of toilet at festivals, but when you're not living in the lap of luxury during a festival, what are your must-haves?
There aren't always nice toilets, so toilet roll is an essential. And wellies. My bass player Simba forgot his and ended up walking around in Sainsbury’s carrier bags.
You played Latitude this weekend and Jelly Fest next month - although at different ends of the size spectrum, they both balance chilled out fun with partying when the sun goes down - how does that sound to you?
Latitude was such a great festival and like you said very chilled out so I'm now very excited about Jelly Fest. Sometimes the smaller the better. At Latitude we got there late as we had to drive 4 hours from 2000 Trees, so I only caught a bit of Battles before we played and had to leave straight after. I wish I could have seen more.
So, what's it like being the unofficial fifth member of Bombay Bicycle Club? And how was the tour? Any highlights?
I love singing with Bombay Bicycle Club; every tour with them has been amazing but the US/Canada tour was one of the best months of my life.
Can I just add you've got the coolest merch I've ever seen; a T-shirt of just your haircut and your own brand of tea! Do you get to initiate these ideas, and how does the tea taste?
Ha, I'm glad you think so. It's all a bit DIY. Me and my housemate came up with the hair t-shirt late one night and started painting on clothes. And the tea, well I love tea and this blend especially so I thought I could try it as a bit of a merch idea.
And finally, we know you've just been to Suffolk, but have you graced our fine county of Norfolk before? If not, how can we welcome you in?
I've played in Norfolk before and loved it and spent a weekend there when Bombay were writing their 3rd album in a cottage in the middle of nowhere. It's a beautiful part of the world and I'm looking forward to returning.
Freja Hoskins
Lucy Rose performs as part of the Jelly Festival 2012 line-up, taking place on 17th & 18th August. For tickets and more info, go to www.jellyfestival.co.uk.