Paloma Faith talks to eGigs

eGigs caught up with rising star, Paloma Faith. The glamorous singer-songwriter has a debut single, 'Stone Cold Sober' out now and her debut album 'Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful' is due out in September. Paloma has been attracting an increasing amount of press interest in recent months...

There is a lot of interest in Paloma the singer at the moment, and you are also an actor - which do you think of as your "proper job"?
I think they are both my proper job but currently I am concentrating on promoting the music as it is my first ever release. But in the long run, I would love to give equal attention to both aspects of my career.

Have you had any 9 - 5 jobs?
Yes! I worked in Agent Provocateur for 3 years but that was 11 - 7pm, and I also worked in a cafe boiling chicken on Saturdays which made me feel as though I had joined the rat race.

Could you relate to the character of Andrea the Emo who you played in St Trinians?
In a way yes, I mean she was very cynical yet quite vulnerable at the same time and I guess that is the way I am too.

You were also in the Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. What was it like working with Heath Ledger on his last film?
Well at the time we didn't know it was his last film. I only met him for two weeks but in the short time I was on set with him, I realised how dedicated he was to his art. He was very focused and very driven.

You're an East London girl, does living in London help with the music and acting careers d'you think?
Yes definitely. There is so much going on in London. It is not uncommon to meet influential people socially or in bars or whatever. I met quite a few people who helped my career just by working at Agent Provocateur. But I think it also helps to be quite sociable and talkative too.

I've seen you play at festivals a couple of years back and wondered how long you've been gigging?
I have been gigging for about 5 years I think.

You always look very glamorous, where do you get the outfits from?
Vintage clothes shops, costume places, ebay etc.

There's quite a theatrical element to your live shows, what can the audience expect at a typical Paloma Faith gig?
There is no such thing as a typical Paloma Faith gig. I try to make every show different and unexpected while sometimes having references/homages to past shows. I place as much emphasis on the visual side of my performance as the audio. Expect a full on sensory experience.
Who are your main musical influences, past and present?
Etta James, Peggy Lee, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Tom Waits, Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, D'Angelo, Noisettes, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles - the list is endless.

The London Metro paper mentioned your name recently and said that Lady Gaga, Lily Allen and Katy Perry better watch out - do you think of them as rivals?
I am not a very competitive person. I just want to do my thing and I hope people like it. I think there is space in the world for everyone!

Do you have any festivals lined up this summer?
I am playing Bestival, Latitude and Standon Calling. I would like to do more but I haven't been invited.

Have you got a favourite song on your forthcoming debut album? and why?
My favourite song is 'Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful?' - it is the title track of the album and I think one of the most true to the "real" me. It is about the notion that most of the time, people prefer a myth to the reality. It is rare that one is accepted for whom they really are without criticism or contempt and mostly we go through life presenting a myth to the outside world for fear of getting hurt or being rejected.

The new album features collaborations with people like Ed Harcourt and Jodi Marr (who co-wrote Mika's 'Grace Kelly') – is the songwriting process more difficult when collaborating?
I have no choice but to collaborate as I don't play an instrument. I have never experienced anything else.

Is there anything else you want to say to people about the new album which is due out in September?
I like to think there is something on the album for everyone. It is not genre specific, it is multi dimensional. There is classic pop, there are thoughtful songs, there is light and there is dark. It's a journey. I just hope that people will buy it and enjoy it.

Thanks so much for your time Paloma! It's much appreciated. I look forward to the ICA show next week.

FUTURE GIGS