06 March 2013 (released)
09 March 2013
A Brit nominee with two platinum albums to her name, Paloma Faith’s come a long way since her debut single Stone Cold Sober in 2009.
The pint-sized Hackney born singer-songwriter won our hearts with her big hair, power brows and cooky fashion sense. But above all her unmistakable and soulful voice, which has featured in numerous TV commercials and films to date.
Following on from the success of her second album - Fall to Grace - which charted at no. 2 in the UK album charts, Paloma has just finished her tour, and is now looking forward to laying down tracks for a 3rd album.
Music News caught up with Paloma post her acoustic American Express Platinum Cashback Gig in Islington, ahead of her big date at The O2 in June.
Music News: Firstly congratulations on the recent gig at The Union Chapel. We were there and it was just amazing. How did you find it?
Paloma: It was a really great gig and hope to fill my life with more gigs just like it. It was quite highbrow and I was a bit nervous, as we didn’t get time to rehearse it. But I really enjoyed it and the acoustics were amazing. I think the venue itself worked really well with that type of music.
MN: How did you come to be involved in this charity gig and why’s it of importance to you?
Paloma: I got involved with the gig through Amex. I’ve always given my record label direction to say ‘yes’ to anything to do with children’s charities, so it was a definite for me and I was really pleased to do it.
MN: How did the gig differ for you as a performer to other gigs you’ve staged as part of your tour?
Paloma: The most obvious difference was the band set-up. As I say the acoustics in the room were amazing. And it was a lot less beat driven.
MN: What was it like returning to the first stage and venue you ever performed on?
Paloma: It was nice. I have played there a few times since my very first performance and I’m always quite moved when I’m up on stage there.
MN: Your new album – Fall to Grace – seems to feature more agony and suffering than the last. And it seems to have pulled on the heartstrings more than the first. How do you think it differs in terms of sound and how it’s been received?
Paloma: I’ve always wanted to make records and that’s what I’ve done. I think sticking with the same production team has been really important to me, as it’s allowed me to be consistent in the music I make, write and record. I think the second album is much more recent and a lot more relevant to what’s been going on in my life. It came together and was recorded in less time than the first album too.
MN: Is it true you’ve been working on a 3rd studio album while in the States?
Paloma: I’m about to start my new album, yes. I’ve been in the States putting the feelers out, jotting down thoughts and ideas in little notebooks and thinking about people I want to write with.
MN: When’s it likely to be released and what can fans expect?
Paloma: We’ve no release date in mind just yet. It takes as long as it takes. What can fans expect? I don’t even know what it’s going to be like, so they can’t possibly know what to expect from my next album.
MN: As an artist Paloma, when are you at your happiest?
Paloma: On stage. I think it all goes hand in hand. But I’m happier when I’m on stage and everyone knows the words to my songs. I think I’m happiest when I’m on stage because it’s the only time I can really disconnect with reality. For me it’s like a little holiday from life, when I can just be me and in the moment. That’s why it’s so important for me to perform live.
MN: If you could collaborate with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Paloma: André 3000. I think he’s an innovator and really open-minded and unusual. I’d love to work with him on stuff. He’s so elusive and hard to get hold of though.
MN: What’s next for Paloma Faith?
Paloma: Well I’ve now finished my tour. And I’ve got this date coming up at the O2. The O2’s a big deal for me and I’m just hoping lots of people come to see me.
