aaamusic | On 12, May 2011

AAAMusic chatted with the lovely Delta Maid, a girl with a very clear head…

AAAMusic: It is unusual that a young woman such as yourself should write a blues record. How were you introduced to this genre?

Delta Maid: I don’t specifically categorize the album as Blues record myself, I’d like to think it was influenced by an amalgamation of all the particular genres I’m into, Blues/Country/Soul/Singer-Songwriter. I was introduced to Blues as a genre however through my Mum and Dad’s record collection and one stand-out record by Rory Block, “Best Blues and Originals”. There’s no denying it has played a huge part in my musical journey.

AAAMusic: You are from Liverpool. How has this “influence” impacted on your music?

DM: That’s a hard question because it’s difficult to know these things and analyze them yourself. I can only guess that since Liverpool has such a rich musical history it has inadvertently had an impact on the exposure I have had to more roots based music.

AAAMusic: How long did it take you to write the album? Was it something you wrote almost overnight?

DM: Not really overnight, although it feels that way looking back now! I’d say it was over a period of two years, on and off pending on how I felt at a particular moment in time. I write on feel so I like to describe the album as a document of a roller-coaster of emotions I went through during those years.

AAAMusic:  Outside Looking In is a remarkably personal record, tell us something about yourself that is outlined on it.

DM: I think it’s clear that I’m quite introspective and dwell on things an awful lot. I don’t make any apologies for feeling down when I do!

AAAMusic:  The tracks have almost minimalistic arrangements. Would you like to go for something more elaborate for the next album, perhaps an orchestra?

DM: The thing is I started out just me and an acoustic guitar so some songs that are more embellished than others were kind of a stretch for me! I’m up for instrumentation but I’ve learnt that it has to really add something to the song itself, it really must say something, if it doesn’t then why add anything if it doesn’t need it? I’m not ruling out an orchestra in the future if the song dictates that it needs it though.

AAAMusic:  If you could pick three classic blues songs and recommend them to a younger audience, which ones would you choose?

DM: Tampa Red -It Hurts Me Too, J B Lenoir – Slow Down, Bessie Smith – Ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do

AAAMusic:  Who better represents the genre amongst contemporary artists?

DM: I really think The Black Keys have that raw blues essence whilst putting their own modern slant on it. I’m a fan of C.W. Stoneking also.

AAAMusic:  With whom (in reality or just a dream) would you like to duet?

DM: There’s loads! I’d love to do a duet with Eric Bibb. I’m a fan of Jewel and Natalie Maines, that would be awesome. On a dream level Randy Newman now springs to mind, massive fan of his songwriting.

AAAMusic:  What do you think of shows such as the X-Factor?

DM: For me as an artist it’s all about the songwriting so it was never something I’d personally contemplate. Although I’ve got no major gripe against it as someone with an amazing voice can potentially be discovered. I think when it’s becomes all about just being famous then it becomes a bit of a detraction away from music.

AAAMusic:  Do you prefer acoustic shows or the support of a full band for your live performances?

DM: Right now I’m going out there either solo or as part of duo/trio. I’m a singer/songwriter and I feel I can get my own songs across on a more grass roots level.

AAAMusic:  Any tour plans for the summer?

DM: I’m more than pleased to say that I’ll be touring with The Pierces starting in June, doing a good few dates with them. Then doing the festivals. Performing live gives me a huge buzz, I can’t wait.