We think that folksy singer/songwriter Lucy Rose is absolutely brilliant, so we were pretty chuffed when we were able to catch up with her to chat all things festivals, songwriting, and South America:
You’re playing Bestival this year! Are you looking forward to it?
‘Yeah, I’m really excited. I’ve always been a massive fan of this festival and made it my mission to be able to play there this year. I’ve had a lot of great times at this festival and look forward to making some new memories.
Do you approach a festival set any differently to how you’d approach a regular, headline show?
‘I guess so. I think I’m trying not to in ways, because I used to not play any of my quieter songs – like Shiver, for instance – at festivals, but my new record has got a quiet side to it and I want those songs to get a chance to be heard, so I think I’m going to play them anyway. Festivals can be more of a challenge, but also the crowds tend to seem more up for it than they do at a normal show.
What’s your favourite thing about playing festivals?
‘Seeing other musicians play. I love to have a wander around the site before I play and catch other bands, that’s always so cool.
You’re also doing a tour of UK cinemas this summer, and you’re showing a documentary you made last year before your set – tell us more about your documentary?
‘The documentary is about my eight-week-long trip around Latin America, where I lived with my fans and they booked me shows. It was honestly the best experience of my life – it’s given me a whole new perspective on life and music, and it’s influenced my new record massively, so I think it’s really important for people to see it before they hear the new songs.
How important do you think it is to ‘break down the barriers’ between the fan and the artist?
‘For me, it’s really important. It’s not necessarily about breaking any barriers, but about getting to know each other on a deeper level. Even my favourite part of gigging is meeting fans after the show, but I probably only get a couple of minutes with each person. Spending three or four days with my biggest fans – and spending that time getting to know them – was an amazing experience for me. I really learnt why music was important and why I needed to go home and keep writing.
You’re just about to release your new album Something’s Changing, too – how has your South America trip influenced the album?
‘Nearly entirely. So many people I met I felt life had been hard on them, I kept thinking of things I could do to help, but I realised that the best thing I could do was to keep writing and make a record for them with a message that meant something to them.
How would you describe the album?
‘Wow, tough question. I would say it’s the deepest I’ve dug into myself when it comes to the lyrical content and the realest thing in terms of how it was recorded. Most of it was done as live takes, so it’s all about feel and capturing that moment. It’s definitely got a folk, soul, country vibe to it.
What’s your favourite track from the album, and which are you most excited to play live at this summer’s festivals?
‘It’s so hard to chose a favourite track, but I think I Can’t Change It All means the most to me and the one I enjoy playing the most from the record is probably Second Chance.
If you could be in any band, which would it be and which instrument would you want to play?
‘Potentially Haim. I would love to be their drummer.
Out of every song ever recorded, which do you wish you’d written and why?
‘It would undoubtedly have to be A Case Of You by Joni Mitchell; it’s possibly the most beautiful song ever written.
Describe yourself in three words?
‘Decisive, indecisive, hungry.