INTERVIEW: Lucy Whittaker — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Lucy Whittaker

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THE amazing Lucy Whittaker…

has been talking about her new single, Who’s Gonna Know, and working with Yizzy on it. The songwriter reveals albums that mean a lot to her; support Pride and what that live experience is like – she talks about the artists who led her into songwriting.

I ask Whittaker whether there will be more material coming and if there will be tour dates approaching; what she hopes to achieve before the end of the year – she recommends some artists we need to get behind and support.

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

Hey, guys! I’m really well, thanks. It’s been a busy few weeks getting everything ready to release Who’s Gonna Know but we’ve made it!

Who’s Gonna Know is your new single. Can you reveal the story behind the song?

Who’s Gonna Know embodies my new sound – it’s darker, grittier and more honest than anything I’ve released before. The track is about the dark desires that everybody feels at some point and trying to keep those feelings hidden (whilst also giving in to them). You can use your imagination!

What was it like working with Yizzy on the song? How did you two hook up?

Yizzy is a really cool guy and he’s doing amazing things for Grime right now. I’ve been following him for a while and knew that his sound would be perfect for the song. I showed him the track, he did his thing and it all came together pretty smoothly.

Do you know where you head from here? Are you heading in the direction of an E.P. or will there be more singles?

Yes! I’ve got so many new tracks ready to go and I can’t wait to share them. My sound has definitely developed so I hope you’re ready for something new. Expect another single before the year is up.

Who are the artists that inspire you and led you to get into songwriting?

I grew up listening to a really eclectic mix of music, so my influences are from all over the place. I would say the artist who inspires me the most is Michael Jackson - he’s just magical to me. I also love artists like Madonna, Rihanna; The Rolling Stones, Billy Joel; Justin Bieber, Charly Black and Bruno Mars - a weird mixture, I know!

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

I want to play more shows around the world, release more of my new music and reach more people who haven’t currently heard of me. It would mean a lot to have more of my music heard!

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

For me, it’s probably when I supported Craig David in November. The event sold-out and there were 15,000 people there. The atmosphere was like nothing I’ve ever experienced and to get up there and do my thing was the most amazing feeling.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Bad - Michael Jackson, The Fame Monster - Lady Gaga, Jazz - Queen

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Drake! He smashes it every time and to support him would just be insane. I feel like I would definitely push the boundaries on a Drake rider.

Can we see you on tour soon? What dates are coming up?

I’m on a U.K. tour right now! I’ve been playing some amazing shows and have met so many cool people along the way. I’ve still got more shows to go before summer is up - you can catch me at some of the U.K.’s biggest Pride festivals (Manchester, Leeds etc.); at my hometown in Cheltenham and we’ve got a few more surprise dates to release.

I know you have been performing during Pride season. What has that been like? How important is it to get your music heard there?

Prides are the best! The crowd is always so fun and the atmosphere is always positive. Everyone’s there to have a good time and celebrate who they are and it’s a really liberating feeling. The fight for equality is so important and to be able to stand with my community in solidarity is always emotional for me. London Pride was a highlight for me as it kicked off the summer tour and it was the first time I performed my new music to an audience. It felt so good!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Be smart and keep going.