The songs on the album touch on many different topics but the title of the album was inspired by that very sad fact. It embodies a feeling that runs throughout the album even when the songs don’t speak on it directly. There are feelings of sadness, self-reflection, strength, rebellion, feminine focus, confrontation, abandonment of hierarchical views and forces. But also an optimistic feeling that we can do this, we can change what needs to be changed, individually and collectively. We got this!

It’s funny you should say that because I did write a lot of the album in lockdown and that time was a real wake up call for many of us all I’m sure. The pace we were going at before was unhealthy and possibly even unproductive. I’m loving the talk of a 4-day work week, I want to get that idea promoted to a zero-day week! How beautiful would it be if we lived in a society where everyone chipped in with tasks, worked with our natural strengths and spent more time having fun and being creative!

The creative process for me and Finlay Robson (my music partner) is usually starting with a beat, then adding bass and chords. Eventually the melody and lyrics follow but sometimes we start with chords first and some of the time I’ll have an idea for a lyrics beforehand but usually that’s the last part of the puzzle for us.

I do feel a huge amount of responsibility, I’ve always felt that, but my purpose has become a lot clearer as I’ve got older. I’m always hoping to connect with what I see going on in the world, in my community, within my personal relationships and myself. Putting those observations into my music. In all the song’s there are calls of freedom and openness that I try to live by, as well as sing about.

The major benefits from leaving a major label are that business and industry take a back seat.  Creativity and music have always been where my heart is and being in an environment where business and numbers are the priority was tough. I respect it if that's your bag, but it was never mine. Life feels more peaceful. I get to move to my own rhythm, without male heavy, pop industry criticism following me around. It’s a much freer place to be in.

There are many behaviours and actions that I’m calling out, my own behaviour included. The song was written about a specific situation but it’s so much more than a single person I am singing to. This is the society we’ve created, where these dreadful things occur and if I’m singing these words to the person involved in these loveless actions then I must also sing these words to myself.

That side of things is totally out of my hands, but I hope the music makes people feel strong and powerful and loving in the way it has for me when making it.

I have no idea, but I sure hope it does trickle down! Because I love them all so much.

I would describe this album as confrontational, whereas my last album A Real Romantic was more escapist. One thing that always seems to run through the music is rhythm and groove. So maybe that’s what we should call it!? Ha! I’m not big on labels and boxes but I do love the word “Soul.” If anyone is connecting to the soul of things then they’re on the right track so I’m happy for it to be described as that!

I’ve been listening to the Comfort to Me album by Amyl and The Sniffers. Love it.

I do think quite a lot about what the world would look like if something were to happen to us, I suppose it already is happening. I hope for some harmony. 

Music-wise, the vinyl for A Sky Without Stars comes out on November 18th. I’m going on tour across the United Kingdom and Europe in February and March 2023. More music is always on the horizon too!