How have Portland and London inspired you?
Portland was the spot where I realised I was meant to be a musician. It’s a real weird and hippy place and they’re all about “be why you wanna be” and that helped me a lot. It’s hard to not be inspired by London though, it’s probably the mix of cultures that gives me the most inspiration.
When did you know you wanted to make music?
I’ve been playing the piano and the cello since I was 5 or 6 so music was always a huge part of my life, but it wasn’t till I moved to the US that I knew I wanted to do it full time.
What inspired the change from performing under D/C to your full name?
My music had evolved since I was first putting out music and I thought just using my name made more sense. That and because it was f*cking impossible to find me online!
What’s your favorite part of making music and performing live?
You know recently it’s switched to performing live. It’s definitely my favourite now for sure.
What was it like performing and working with artists like HONNE, Anne-Marie and Macklemore?
When you have people you can chat to and learn from, it makes all the struggles every new artist goes through a little bit easier. I’ve learned a lot from Macklemore in terms of both performance and entertainment.
What is something that, once you do it, you’ll feel like “Ok, I’ve made it”?
I dunno you know, I don’t think I’m ever gonna feel like I’ve made it. Like, I’ve got goals but I think the goal posts are always moving – and I’m the one doing the moving.
Who would be your dream collaboration?
Right now, Childish Gambino. I just think he’s a genius.
What was the inspiration behind “Trouble”?
I was talking to a friend after a night out about how “trouble always follows us,” but we’ve got each other’s backs.
And the music video?
I wanted to keep it as simple and as rooted in London as possible.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue music?
Patience – you need a lot of it. It takes twice as long as you think.
What’s next?
Putting out as much music as possible. That simple.
This interview was originally part of our Summer 2018 issue. Order your copy here.