With her crystal clear vocals it’s no surprise that singer songwriter Delaire – Jenny Burdon to her friends – chose to name herself after a diamond.
Fresh from celebrating the release of debut single Belief with a hometown gig at The Finsbury in London, the electro pop starlet tells Matt Catchpole why she adopted the nom de plume and how her Dad’s record collection helped inspire her to pick up a microphone.
Why did you feel the need to adopt a stage name and why did you pick Delaire?
The decision to have a stage name came to me quite naturally really. I suppose it’s a way of detaching myself and being totally at one with the music rather than day to day worries going through my mind, when I am Delaire it’s all about the music nothing else. I wanted a name that meant something. Delaire is a type of diamond. It’s rough and strong and beautiful, exactly how I want my music to be.
What was the inspiration behind your new single Belief?
Belief is about a relationship in my life. It’s about the struggles of insecurity in love and life.
Can we expect an album soon? Is Belief typical of what we can expect to find on it?
I am hoping to start thinking about an album next year, I have spent the last year writing and trying to really find my sound as an artist. The album will have fluidity for sure and Belief reflects some of the musical ideas the rest of the songs will have.
Have you always been a solo artist?
I have indeed. Well except for my remake of the Spice Girls when I was 11 with my mates!
How did you first start making music? Did you always want to be a musician?
I started writing songs with an ex-boyfriend when he was on tour and it just sort of carried on from there. I knew I always wanted to be in the arts, but it was when I started writing that I knew that was where I wanted my future to be.
Please describe your songwriting process, how do the ideas come?
This question is always hard as it varies every time. I write with my producer Julian Simmons, usually I come to him with a melody and lyrics, maybe some hooks and music and we work together to make the final product.
How would you describe your sound?
I hate this question….I would describe my sound as electronic pop I guess, but that sounds so cliche. Some songs have way more edge and dark tendencies and some are really ’80s/’90s influenced so have a more uplifting sound I guess.
Who or what are your influences? Who do you most admire in the industry?
I take influence from all over really. I grew up surrounded my music as my Dad is really into it and engrained good music into me. I take influence from Fleetwood Mac, Blondie, Kate Bush and early Madonna, but I also love some of the more current stuff out now such as Lykke Li, FKA twigs and Rosie Lowe. I went through a drum and bass phase when I was younger so some of the new stuff has taken vibes from that too I guess. I love female singers I always have done.
Where are you happiest: live on stage or tinkering in the studio?
I am definitely happiest on the stage, that’s where I fell in love with what I do. I enjoy the studio too, but there is something very magical about totally smashing a live performance.
What’s your favourite thing about living in London and where is your top place to hang out?
I grew up in London so to me it’s all very normal and homely. I suppose the truth is I love a Camden pub on a Sunday with my mates and a roast, I used to be quite into the party scene so occasionally I love a big night out to some good garage music and old school drum and bass nights.
If you could choose to live anywhere in the world where would you go?
Hmmm… I would live exactly where I am now! My whole life is here and the music scene is unbeatable. Boring I know but honest.
REVIEW:
A confident debut from an established live performer, Belief feels almost Scandinavian, with its ice cool stripped down approach.
Producer Julian Simmons wisely avoids clutter, leaving the way clear for Delaire’s cut glass voice to dominate proceedings.
Powerful, but vulnerable Delaire’s vocals ably convey the narrative of the song, adding warmth and emotion to the ’80s-style keys and drum machine backing.
This is smart music from a smart lady – definitely one to watch.
