Welcome to the first in a series of interviews with songwriters and musicians to mark M's Great Escape Week 2011.
Upcoming singer-songwriter Anna Calvi creates darkly theatrical music, her lyrics building a rich tapestry of surreal imagery and insight, her guitar-based compositions alive with raw instinct. Calvi's live shows feel spontaneous and untamed, and won her early support from Domino Records founder Laurence Bell, who signed her to his label last year.
She performed at The Great Escape 2010, just before her name became a permanent fixture on tipsters' Ones To Watch lists, and here she explains why her performance at the Brighton showcase marked a pivotal moment in her career...
Describe The Great Escape in three words…
Friendly, energetic, atmospheric.
What was the highlight of your trip down there last year?
The phallic shaped stage we played on.
What difference did it make to your profile at home and overseas?
I believe it was one of the first shows where there was international media, and I've been told that much of the press interest worldwide started from this show.
How does The Great Escape differ from other industry showcases?
It's great that the public can join in too.
Do you have any tips for building up a following for your band/act?
Write good music.
Do What is your favourite song to play live, and why?
Love Won't Be Leaving because there is a lot of improvisation.
You get to curate a showcase at this year’s Great Escape. Which three bands do you choose?
The Invisible
Alice and the Cool Dudes
Scott Walker
Anna Calvi will perform at Komedia, Brighton, at 22:15 on Friday 13 May.
Her self-titled debut album was released through Domino Records in February 2011.
Watch Anna Calvi perform Jezebel live:
Upcoming singer-songwriter Anna Calvi creates darkly theatrical music, her lyrics building a rich tapestry of surreal imagery and insight, her guitar-based compositions alive with raw instinct. Calvi's live shows feel spontaneous and untamed, and won her early support from Domino Records founder Laurence Bell, who signed her to his label last year.
She performed at The Great Escape 2010, just before her name became a permanent fixture on tipsters' Ones To Watch lists, and here she explains why her performance at the Brighton showcase marked a pivotal moment in her career...
Describe The Great Escape in three words…
Friendly, energetic, atmospheric.
What was the highlight of your trip down there last year?
The phallic shaped stage we played on.
What difference did it make to your profile at home and overseas?
I believe it was one of the first shows where there was international media, and I've been told that much of the press interest worldwide started from this show.
How does The Great Escape differ from other industry showcases?
It's great that the public can join in too.
Do you have any tips for building up a following for your band/act?
Write good music.
Do What is your favourite song to play live, and why?
Love Won't Be Leaving because there is a lot of improvisation.
You get to curate a showcase at this year’s Great Escape. Which three bands do you choose?
The Invisible
Alice and the Cool Dudes
Scott Walker
Anna Calvi will perform at Komedia, Brighton, at 22:15 on Friday 13 May.
Her self-titled debut album was released through Domino Records in February 2011.
Watch Anna Calvi perform Jezebel live:
