If I make a song where I'm happy, I sound completely mad - I think my voice is better-suited for sadder songs.
Good music shouldn't have a shelf life.
I love Barbra Streisand and Sade who've both had careers in soul and I want my music to have that timeless quality that isn't necessarily now.
I don't think I'm prepared for life in the spotlight. I don't even think I'm really prepared now, but I still don't really feel like I'm in the spotlight a lot. I'm not a household name. I'm not followed around by paparazzi. I still have a very normal life. I'd love as many people to know and like my music as possible, but there's something quite lovely about being able to still go and watch your boys play football.
I did my dissertation on Kafka.
My grandfather was a Russian-Jewish immigrant who lived in Northern Ireland and apparently when he sang in the synagogue he made everyone cry.
I like how strong Sade is and how she doesn't give away too much.
Earlier in my career I just thought "I'm not very confident, I don't like singing to people." But people had some faith in me, and here we are. Sometimes I think "Oh maybe I should just be a backing singer." But I've got an amazing team of people who tell me to shut up when I'm like "Oh god, I can't do it." But now, I can't really imagine it being the other way.
I want to be as feminine and classic as possible.
I would like to think I am feminist in some sorts.
Dance music has pushed its way into the mainstream. Which is good for me.
I always have to pretend I'm somebody else to give the best performance. It kind of feels like I'm acting; it's definitely an exaggerated version of me. I'm a very normal, down-to-earth person, but I wanted the videos to be striking, so I have to lay it on a little bit.
I'm not a complicated person.
Ice cream is my comfort food.
If you're from South London you feel like you're always trying to win people over, so perhaps that underdog passion comes through.
Meanwhile, I get to make an album. I feel like I've been very lucky. There is a guilt when I see people I know who work really hard, then I'm like, "Oh, I've got to do an interview today." I'm so appreciative of all of this, but it does feel like the bubble will burst at some point and it will all have been a dream.
I guess I'm a real fan of older music, and that's what shaped my taste and the way I sing.
I don't think too far ahead because I want to appreciate what's happening now.
I dress in a sophisticated and classy way - I always dress in a way I know my mother wouldn't be embarrassed to see.
I always liked how people like Grace Jones and Annie Lennox pushed it with the videos. I'm not the most stylish person at all, but there's something about playing dress-up for the day and playing the role of a singer.
I've become one of those annoying people who brings their own food on to planes.
I had just finished a run of shows in the States and went to NY to work with BenZel for a couple weeks, mainly as a different focus to touring. I didn't have any expectations or pressures with what would come out of those two weeks, and think 'Tough Love' sums this up. It was me experimenting with my voice and having fun with it. It just felt right and kind of dictated the route of the next album, much like 'Devotion' did on my first album
For me 'You & I Forever' is celebrating the person you love being by your side. This is what it means to others
A female vocal can lift a song.
I am just trying to keep it real.
