Define your genre in five words or less:
Lyrically twisted punk cabaret pop.
What do you love about making music?
Everything: the entire process, from the moment of inspiration – be it emotional/musical/lyrical – that leads me to writing a great song, through to the completion of the circle, when the music is heard by another person.
If you could travel back in time and show one of your musical heroes your stuff, who would it be and why?
Oh my, I find it so hard to perform in front of people I admire. But let’s say Tori Amos or Tom Waits, because they have a penchant for crooked albeit poetic lyrics. And I’d love to perform on a stage with Patti Smith and Nick Cave.
How long have you been gigging and writing?
Writing since I was 12, so just short of a decade. Gigging since I was 17. A while now.
What inspires or has influenced your music the most?
Other peoples’ songs… and too much acid in my youth.
What makes you happiest about what you’re doing?
Never knowing what is going to happen next.
And what makes you unhappiest about what you’re doing?
Never knowing what is going to happen next.
What’s the strangest place you’ve ever played a gig, or made a recording?
On the very hot and uneven tin roof of a Parisian apartment block. We had drums, double bass and a very scared cameraman who would not stand up and film as he was too terrified. I was jumping on things and he was gripping the corrugated iron, paralysed by fear.
How do you balance making and playing music with your other commitments?
I make sure I am sleeping with at least one band member – that keeps love, friendship, exercise, physical and mental health in check. I also read Krishnamurti books after sex so that culture/entertainment and spirituality are covered too. This is my holistic touring technique to keep in balance.
NADEAH plays The Toff In Town on Monday June 11. Venus Gets Even is out through Cartell Music.
