INTERVIEW:
Libby Whitehouse
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I am starting off the day by speaking with Libby Whitehouse…
who has been telling me about her single, New Boy, and its inspiration. I ask her whether there is more material coming and what sort of music compels her; what Brighton is like as a base and the rising artists we need to get involved with.
Whitehouse tells me about her music idols and albums that mean the most to her; if there are gigs coming up and whether she draws a lot from personal stories/moments for music – she provides some useful advice for songwriters coming through.
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Hi, Libby. How are you? How has your week been?
Hey! Very good, thank you. How’s yours been?
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
Sure! Hi. I’m Libby Whitehouse. I’m an eighteen-year-old singer songwriter from Brighton and my music is a mix of Pop, R&B and Dance music. I like to think of my music as empowering to girls all across the world (smiles).
New Boy is your new single. What is the story behind the song?
I wrote New Boy based on one of my friends getting treated badly by a boy and, like all boys do, he came running back. It’s a message stating girls won’t wait around forever and she’s much happier now.
Do you draw a lot from your personal experiences when it comes to music?
Yes, definitely, but also my friend’s experiences - and I like to put myself in other people’s shoes too!
Might we see more material next year? How far ahead are you looking?
Yes, definitely! We’ve already had talks about releases, shows; E.P.s and videos for next year so you’ll have to wait and see.
Being based in Brighton; what is it like there in terms of music? Is it a great place to create and think?
Brighton is an amazing place to live but also a really nice place to write and create music. I love London as it’s so fast-paced and motivating, whereas Brighton is buzzy but is a bit more relaxed. Writing music in the summer is so easy living in Brighton as we’re right by the sea.
Do you have particular music idols or artists you grew up around?
I have lots of artists I look up to, one being Alicia Keys (ever since I was little). Right now, I really look up to Raye and Ella Mai.
What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?
By the end of 2018, I hope people are just excited about my music as I am! Especially for 2019!
Do you already have plans for 2019?
Yes. Lots of plans for 2019!
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
Yes, definitely, there’s a few. one being the music video; one being the video featured on Clash and the others basically being anytime I get to perform! Sorry, I couldn’t pick one!
Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?
Nothing Was the Same by Drake (it brings backs so many memories from growing up and was the first album I ever got into); Purpose by Justin Bieber (lots of memories too and was one of the first albums that I would listen to when I started writing music to get influence). I love Rihanna’s ANTI album and Frank Ocean’s Blond album (sorry, I over picked again. Haha). They’re my favourite!
Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?
I don’t have any tour dates at the moment actually but that’s something I would love! (Smiles). You can catch me on 13th November at The Haunt in Brighton for my E.P. launch party.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
Ooo, good question! I would love to support Khalid, Raye or Dua Lipa as I love them all as artists and their audiences are similar to the audience listening to my music I think (smiles). I wouldn’t ask for much - just for lots of sweets and a personal photographer.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
My advice to any artist starting off would be to never compare your journey to anyone else’s and always remember exactly the type of music you want to do and the artist you want to become. Don’t let anyone change that; also that it’s not going to always be easy but that’s how you pick yourself back up!
IN THIS PHOTO: Grace Carter/PHOTO CREDIT: SHOT BY PHOX
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
Yes. I’m loving Imani and Grace Carter at the moment. Grace is also from Brighton so have to share the love.
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
Even when I have days off, I’m still coming up with ideas. I usually see my friends and boyfriend but spend most of the time with my dog. He’s my real best friend.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Oh, perfect! I love Better by Khalid or Happier by Marshmello and Bastille, so whichever one you prefer out of them (smiles).
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