Helen Boulding Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Mar 17th 2010 2:33PM by Paula Whitworth
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This singer-songwriter from London is bringing her acoustic show to Austin, Texas. Her debut album, 'Red Dress,' was released February 11,2008. She has already felt success with a number 4 hit on the British charts. Spinner.com recently had the chance to chat with her about her gig at Austin's SXSW festival.

Describe your sound in your own words.

The sound on my last album was quite big and glorious (produced by Youth so it had a similar big sound to the Verve). My new album is also glorious sounding in its celebration of the songs, but I'd say it is more artistic sounding and more delicate and electronic in places and I love it. I can't wait for the release later this year.

Who are your musical influences?

My musical influences are very much in the singer-songwriter arena. I had an access to my parents record collection and got to love artists like James Taylor, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Carole King, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Neil Young, the Carpenters, more recently I love artists like Coldplay, MGMT, Kings of Leon, Adam Green, Postal Service, Doves, Radiohead, Arcade Fire, Rufus Wainwright....I could go on forever!

What is your biggest vice?

My biggest vice is coffee, I love coffee!

Who was your first celebrity crush?

My first celeb crush was Leonardo DiCaprio.

What do you hope to gain from performing at SXSW 2010?

In Austin I want to let as many people as possible hear the new album, as I am looking forward to a US release on this album.

What is the craziest thing you've experienced on tour?

The craziest thing I've ever experienced on tour was when we got locked into the venue grounds, and had to call the promoter at 3am to come and let us out! it was minus-five degrees and we were thinking we would freeze sleeping in the car! I rang the wrong promoter by accident - I rang the promoter for the gig the night after. He had fallen asleep on the sofa after a few drinks and my call woke him up. Anyway, when I saw him at the gig the next night, he said I'd probably saved his life because the carpet was on fire from an ember [from the fireplace] and he'd never have woken up if I hadn't repeatedly called him! Freaky! It was meant to be.

What emotion most motives your music?

The emotions that motivate my music the most are probably emotions of love and relationship experiences, but lots are about other things too.

Beatles or Stones?

Wow Beatles or Stones that is hard! I like the anarchy and roughness of the Stones, but ultimately for me I'd have to say Beatles over Stones.

What is your musical guilty pleasure?

ABBA

How did you get your start?

When I left school I was sending out material and Sony made me a publishing offer but then Warner/Chappell came in with a better offer and I signed to them. I had my first hit four months later - #4 on the British charts.

Do you travel with a band?

Sometime I travel with a full band but for SXSW I've just bought my guitarist , Matt Chandler and we're going to play an acoustic set.

Paula Whitworth is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.