INTERVIEW: Louise Golbey — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Louise Golbey

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SPEAKING to Louise Golbey…

and one gets that instant sense of place and passion. The talented songwriter tells me about her latest single, Still, and what the story behind it is. I ask her when music came into her life and what it has been like performing with some of music’s biggest names – she reveals a few albums that have impacted her particularly hard.

Golbey reveals what the positive reaction to her E.P., Love It or Leave It, felt like and what her plans are going forward; where we can catch her perform; what she would tell new artists breaking through; how important the stage is to her – Golbey reveals her favourite memory from her time in music.

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Hi, Louise. How are you? How has your week been?

Not bad, thanks. Had a good, but it's been busy week promoting my new single.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I'm an independent artist based in London. My sound is Neo-Soul/Soulful Pop.

Still is your new single. Can you tell me what the background to the song is?

It's a song about unrequited love - but with a hopeful message!

What was it like working with producer Ross O’Reilly on the single?

It was great. We are good friends, so it was really nice to finally work with him. He is a very talented songwriter/producer.

Love It or Leave It, your E.P., gained a lot of great reviews. Were you humbled by the reception and love is acquired?

I was very humbled. It is so nice when you work hard on something and then put it out to the world; hope for the best and it goes well!

When did music enter your life? Which artists did you admire growing up?

I have always been surrounded by music as I grew up in a very musical household. My brother got me into Hip-Hop and R&B when I was little, so I grew up listening to a lot of classic R&B and Soul. I loved De La Soul, Salt-N-Pepa, Erykah Badu; Jill Scott and D'Angelo.

I used to listen to my mum's old Motown records. In fact; that is one of my earliest memories.

You have performed with some big stars and are one of the most in-demanded openers on the live circuit. Do you think your natural stage presence and experience is the reason so many venues and artists gravitate towards you?

Thank you! I think my reputation on the live music scene has definitely helped me get the support slots. I'm so honoured to have worked with the artists I have and to have opened for such big names.

Do you have any gigs lined up? Where are you heading?

My next big gig is in Hamburg in May, then a couple of small London festivals and a big gig at the 606 Club in July with my full band.

Just how important is it getting on stage and putting your music out there? Can you describe the feeling you get being up there?

It is extremely important. Gigging is great to build your stagecraft and performance skills, work out what songs work well live and what audiences want. Social media plays a huge role, especially as an independent artist, so you have to use all the tools you can to get your music out there.

The feeling I get on stage is why I do this. I love performing and the buzz I get when I’m on stage, and it feels like every single member of the audience is with me, is the best feeling ever.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I hope that the new single helps push my music to a new audience and I hope to continue pushing forward with bigger and better gigs and working on new music. I have an E.P. coming soon, too, and a soulful House track with a house producer which should be out in the summer.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

My favourite memory is opening for George Benson at Kenwood House. It was the biggest crowd I have ever played to. Oh…and supporting En Vogue a couple of years ago at Indigo2 was pretty special!

If you could select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

Beyoncé - B’Day

I love Beyoncé, but this first album she did is, definitely, the best one musically and holds loads of memories for me,

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill – Lauryn Hill

Amazing album. Oddly enough; I have been told my voice sounds a bit like Lauryn Hill!

D'Angelo - Brown Sugar

The grooves and harmonies are just incredible and it was, probably, my introduction into a Neo-Soul style that I ended up adopting in my own music. The musicianship on this album is incredible, too.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Keep on keeping on.

It's tough out there but, if you love music and believe in what you're doing, just keep working hard. Do as many gigs as you can, hone your stagecraft; write with different people, go to gigs and support other artists on the same scene as you. Learn from each other.

IN THIS PHOTO: IAMDDB

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I went to an amazing AMP night at The Jazz Cafe quite recently. IAMDDB was supposed to be headlining but she didn't do it in the end. The other acts were great - Ms Banks, especially, and she is doing really well at the moment. I think she is touring with Nicki Minaj soon!

Otherwise, on the live music scene in London, I’m always blown away by the artists I get to share the stage with on unsigned nights...too many to mention!

IN THIS PHOTO: Ms Banks

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I’m pretty busy, so rarely find time to chill and, being an independent artist, there is always something I could/should be doing music-wise in my downtime! But, when I do get a chance to unwind, I like relaxing at home. Weirdly, I find writing songs relaxing. If I have time on my own at home, sometimes, that's when inspiration comes!

Also; I love socialising with friends and exercising. I go to the gym a lot and recently started swimming as well - which is quite relaxing!

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).

Please play Getting’ in the Way by Jill Scott