We've fallen pretty hard for the delicate musical stylings of London-based songwriter Blackbird. A juxtaposition of honey dipped vocals floating over complex and layered guitar-work, her deep, thoughtful and sometimes bizarre lyrics paint a vivid picture from a character that clearly wears her heart on her sleeve. News recently surfaced that work on her sophomore album is well under way, and to quell our impatience until this new offering - described by the woman herself as "more grungy, less folky" - hits the shelves, we caught up with Helen Blackburn for a quick Q&A.
If I had to describe my music in 3 words…
Upbeat party jams.
My favourite film ever is…
True Romance is pretty special to me.
The most famous person I’ve met is…
I walked past Ian McKellan in Notting Hill once. Does that count? I think we briefly made eye contact.
The best venue I've played so far is…
I don't want to throw over the Royal Albert Hall or anything, but I played in a bar in Berlin once where all the furniture was on the ceiling.
The song I hate the most is…
It used to be Sultans Of Swing because growing up, my dad couldn't get in a car without Dire Straits being jammed in the tape deck. But then something weird happened and I started wanting to put it on for long trips to be 'ironic.' I suspect that I have genuinely drunk the Knopfler Kool-Aid. I hate it. I hate that some part of me doesn't hate it.
The worst job I’ve ever had is…
Working 'on the door' for a male musician who shan't be named here, much as I'd love to publicly shame him. His first words to me were a condescending "well, you look the part" and it was downhill from there. He tried to bully me into ejecting people from the venue (something that was very much not in my job description and that he chastised me for until I cried when they refused to go) and kept me waiting until 2am to be paid, among other things. I had to walk home afterwards and start my other job at 6 the next morning. That definitely sucked.
If we were in a tribute band it would be…
I really want it to be Craig David but I can't think of a good pun on his name, and that's the crux of a tribute band really, isn't it? Thus, Hel Hel Cool J is born. I spent the morning dancing alone to Phenomenon in my kitchen so I've got a start.
My favourite word is…
Darling.
If I had a super power I’d want it to be…
Healing.
If I could play a gig anywhere it would be…
In a tree.
I think you should listen to…
Nadine Shah, Lianne La Havas, The Big Moon, Spring King, Jenny Hval, Mabel.
If I could see anyone play live it would be...
Beyonce.
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Blackbird plays Guy Garvey's curated Meltdown festival on June 18th.
