INTERVIEW:
Izzie Derry
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MY final interview of the week...
is with Izzie Derry who has been talking about her new track, Learn to Grow, and its background. She reveals a special musical memory and which three albums mean the most to her; some rising acts we need to watch out for and where we can catch her perform.
I ask how important it is being on stage and whether she grew up around a lot of music; who she’d support on the road if she had the chance and whether she gets time to chill away from music – Derry selects a classic song to end the interview with.
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Hi, Izzie. How are you? How has your week been?
I’m really good, thank you. How are you?
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
I’m a twenty-year-old Folk/Country singer-songwriter from Coventry, now based in Brighton.
When did the song, Learn to Grow, come to you? What is its story?
I wrote Learn to Grow about a year ago now. Things kept going wrong and I think I was feeling a little bit lost, so I wrote Learn to Grow to kinda say that, no matter what’s thrown at me, I will carry on, learn from my mistakes and become a stronger person for it.
Is there more material coming down the line do you think?
Yes. Learn to Grow is just a little taste of my new E.P., Lost At Sea, which will be release on 24th April.
Did you grow up around a lot of music? Which artists were your favourites?
My parents are massively into music, so there was always something being played. I think my favourite when I was small was Melanie. My mum had a cassette of hers in the car and we’d sing along to Alexander Beetle on the way to school. Then, when I got a little older, it was James Taylor, Neil Young and Joni Mitchell.
PHOTO CREDIT: Russell Whitehead Photography
What does it feel like when a great song comes to you? Is it easy to describe that moment?
Sometimes it can be a very short release of emotions and, other times, it can take a lot longer and I get a little bit obsessed with it. But, once I’ve finished writing something, I always feel a lot lighter.
Can you describe what music does to you? Is it a form of emotional release?
It’s definitely an emotional release for me; it feels so positive to turn potentially negative experiences into songs that people can find joy in.
Do you have a standout memory from your time in music so far?
I’ve been lucky enough to support some pretty awesome artists but I think the most incredible moment was just a few weeks ago. I’d just played a really intimate gig in Leamington Spa and the organiser came up to me and asked if I’d like to support Fairport Convention. I think my mouth hung open for a solid five minutes.
Being asked to support a band I’ve listened to and loved since I was a kid was just a massive shock to the system.
Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?
Firstly, Sweet Baby James by James Taylor
He’s a personal hero of mine and I was lucky enough to meet him when I was sixteen. When I met him, that was the album I took for him to sign - and it sits on my bedroom shelf to this day.
Secondly, Trouble by Ray LaMontagne
There is just so much emotion in every single song; it’s my go-to-album whenever I’m feeling sad. I can just belt out the lyrics and instantly feel better.
Finally, Harvest by Neil Young
It’s just so raw: nothing is there that doesn’t need to be. I think, sometimes in more modern music we try and put as much stuff in as possible but I really love how much space there is on this album.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
I would have to say James Taylor and (for the rider) probably something simple like hummus and carrot sticks.
What are your plans regarding gigs/touring?
I’ll be doing a small release tour when the E.P. comes out…
24th April - Brighton; 4th May – Coventry; 5th May - Tynemouth; 7th May - Leamington Spa; 11th May – Stafford.
Is the stage somewhere you love to be? How important is it being up there?
I always love going back home and playing shows there because there’s always so much love in the room. So, I guess venues back home such as The Tin, Temperance Bar and anywhere else really.
IN THIS PHOTO: Courtney Marie Andrews/PHOTO CREDIT: Laura E. Partain
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
I would definitely recommend Courtney Marie Andrews and John Craigie.
IN THIS PHOTO: John Craigie
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
I don’t get much time to chill as I’m studying for my degree; I have a job and doing music too but I live on a boat so, when I do get some free time, I like to spend some time out at sea.
A lot of musicians find little space to detach and relax. Is this a problem that we need to address or do you think it is good having that passion and drive?
I can’t speak for everyone but I feel quite lost when I’m not working towards something in music so, for me, that passion and drive gives me a purpose and makes me feel positive.
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).
Let’s go for a Fairport Convention one given the recent news: Who Knows Where the Time Goes?
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