Indiana

Indiana's long-awaited debut album No Romeo is out now

Hi, what have you been up to today?
My sister came over, I am producing an EP for her so we've been in my studio recording vocals all day.

Solo Dancing has been re-released after initially reaching the Top 20 last summer and has been A-listed by Radio One. What does getting the support of Radio One mean to you?
It's great. I am beyond appreciative of all their love. It's great that they support new artists and play fresh new exciting music. The playlist is a healthy mix of chart toppers and stuff I enjoy listening to myself.

You are still a relatively new artist - how do you feel you have grown and changed as a performer and writer since you first started?
I'm definitely more knowledgeable with production, I'm in my studio nearly everyday. I love discovering new music and taking those influences in to the studio. I'm a much more confident performer, I open my eyes and move around the stage now.

You’ve been working closely with John Beck ever since he discovered your version of Gabriel on YouTube. Do you ever think about what if you hadn’t decided to put your version up online?
Not really, I don't like what ifs. I live for the moment.

We are looking forward to hearing your album but want to know why the release date was pushed back a couple of times. Did you feel that it just wasn’t ready?
I felt the album was ready, it hasn't changed since the first release date. The time just wasn't right.

What was the creative and recording process when making the album? Did you have an idea of how you wanted it to sound before you entered the studio or did the sound start to take shape as the record was made?
Definitely just happened in the studio. I was influenced by the music I was listening. I'd take in references and build songs from there. Some songs started at home on my piano, some in the studio.

What music where you listening to when writing the album?
I was listening to a lot of Gary Numan and was obsessed with the Drive soundtrack. I have always loved MJ, Prince, Portishead, Radiohead. I love The Weeknd and Frank Ocean too.

Do you have any favourite particular songs or moments on the record?
Both my children made the albums. They made noises in takes sometimes and I left a couple in. You can't make them out but they're on there.

How do you go about trying to recreate the tracks live?
I have a massively talented band. The songs come alive on stage. They are quite different to the produced tracks but obviously still recognisable.

You recruited a band of Notts-based musicians after initially having a band made-up of London session players. Why did you decided to change the line-up?
It was hard to develop relationships with the old band as the lived so far away. I never wanted session musicians. The band are family to me, we care about each other and they care about my music.

What is going through your mind those few moments just as you are about to step on to stage?
How do my songs go again?

And what are you thinking about when you are up on stage?
I'm not sure. I'm on another planet up there.

You took Shelter Point with you on the last tour. What do you like about their music?
Its the kind of music I'm into: Electronic, minimal and emotional.

I’ve noticed in a lot of your photoshoots you enjoy hanging out on rooftops and in carparks. Would we usually be able to find you hanging out in these kinds of places? What do you like to get up to away from making music?
Generally me and my boyfriend James find something creative to do in interesting places. Like filming videos or taking photos, so quite possibly.

Have you reached the stage where strangers recognise you in the street?
Once or twice! Both times I had both my children with me and was in full mum mode.

Why should we buy your album?
Because if you don't you will die.

Once the album is released what does the rest of 2015 hold in store?
In May. Rock City woooooooo!

Indiana's debut album No Romeo is out via Sony Music on Monday 2 February 2015. She performs at Rock City on Friday 29 May 2015.

Indiana website