aaamusic | On 20, Nov 2010

AAAmusic had a chat with the talented Claire Nicolson ahead of the release of her single ‘Toothpaste & Whiskey/Scorpion’. Here’s what we found out!

AAAmusic: For our readers who know little about you, can you tell us a little bit about your story from the Royal Academy of Music to now?

Claire Nicolson: Well the Royal Academy was classical but I knew I always wanted to do rock n roll. So as soon as I could, I picked up the guitar and started teaching myself, started playing in lots of bands and moved to London. Got myself an agent and starting playing lots of amazing gigs. I’ve been very lucky. At the same time I got some great gigs singing with the likes of Kula Shaker and Mel C, which was when I realised I wanted to release my own album.
AAAmusic: When did you know that you wanted to write and perform songs?

CN: Actually, it was during the time I was playing with Mel C. I really didn’t think I would be able to do it, but I was getting a lot of attention from the fans and suddenly had a desire to be in the centre of stage! So I started to write my own music. It wasn’t an easy transition though. I didn’t have that much confidence at first, suddenly being at the front of the stage was terrifying. It took a while to build up confidence with lots of small gigs, before I was ready to face a big crowd. Now I love it.
AAAmusic: There is a real focus on a return to song writing as the focal point of music at the moment; do you think that this gives you an advantage given the tough situation the music industry finds itself in?

CN: I guess it does yes. I’ve not really thought about it before to be honest. I just write the songs I want to write, and regardless of the state of music industry, I’d still be writing them. I’m really pleased with the album though and I hope my song writing gives me an advantage!
AAAmusic: It is often said that all music is influenced by other music; do you agree with this and who would you say has influenced your music?

CN: I do and I don’t. When I write I don’t listen to anything else. I’m definitely influenced by something, but I don’t think it’s easily pin pointed to one particular artist. I love lots of different types of artist, and listen to everything. If I had to pick some of my main influences, it’d probably be artists like The Velvet Underground, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Karen Daltan…

AAAmusic: How did you come up with the sing for your supper tour?

CN: Well I’ve been doing it forever! People have always asked me to play, but more often than not they couldn’t afford to pay me, so I was paid in food and beer. I’ve been doing it for years. This year we did it officially across Ireland and the support was amazing, people really loved it.  I thought I might as well have some fun with it and go for it. Especially with the recession, it’s a good way to get your music heard, as long as it doesn’t cost me anything. We’re starting the official UK Sing for Your Supper this December. Me and my dog and my camper van, starting in St Ives and working our way up to Oxfordshire. Can’t wait!

AAAmusic: Is touring something that you enjoy?

CN: I love it. That’s the pay off for me. The complete pay off. The studio stuff is great, but the best bit is gigging. I get depressed if I’m not gigging. It’s the best way to get things out your system. I’ve always enjoyed playing live, and it’s always a bonus if the crowd likes it!
AAAmusic: What can we expect from ‘52 Card Pick Up?’

CN: Variety. Highs and lows, peaks and troughs! It’s not just one style, it really is an eclectic album, but with my sound running all the way through.

AAAmusic: Are there any current acts that you really admire?

CN: I really love KT Tunstall’s new song. And I really love the Villagers too and Charlie Winston, a friend of mine, he’s really good. Pete Molinari is really good too. He sounds like he’s from Nashville but he’s from Kent!
AAAmusic: What are your plans for the future?

CN: Keep gigging! Keep writing! Just keep on trucking! Keep on doing music. I’m working on a duet at the moment too, which is really exciting.

And of course I have the album out next year, which I’m excited about finally getting out there. And I’m going to be busy with the Sing for your Supper tour, which starts on December 1. I’ll be doing lots more of this too, so keep checking my website for where I am – www.clairenicolson.com

Author: Josie Payne