First it was an influx of male singer/songwriter’s that seemed to be knocking at the record industry doors but now it’s the female of the species. Right now we are overrun with female artists, take Amy Winehouse, KT Tunstall, Kate Nash, Katie Melua, Lilly Allen for example, they are taking over! So what has Theoretical Girl got to offer a nation suffocated by ‘new music’ pouring out of every orifice?
Well firstly her songs are memorising whilst being incredibly versatile, for example when you are longing to romanticise a listen to ‘The Boy I Left Behind’ will be just what the doctor ordered with its kitsch dreamy like qualities. However on the flipside if a more hyper dark punk tinged beat is your thing ‘Red Mist’ is a tune so sharp you could cut your hand whilst handling the CD!
Theoretical Girl a.k.a Amy Eleanor Turnnidge has been around for a little while building quite a fanbase on myspace, which is where Fused first caught wind of her blissful sounds. She has toured up and down England taking her unique electro-tinged folk pop to cheery audiences whilst a few overseas dates were slotted in stopping off at places like ‘Fish ‘n’ Chips’ in Rome, and the Fleche D’or in Paris. Germany however was a favourite for Amy, “the crowds there are so polite and enthusiastic, and they actually listen rather than talk all the way through your set!”
Fresh from touring with Maximo Park Amy was keen to reflect on her amazing experience touring with the Geordie favourites which she labels firmly as one of “the best experiences of her life, I didn’t want it to end,” she informs us glumly. “I had a tearful moment standing by the side of the stage at Brixton Academy, as it’s always been a dream of mine to play a venue like that - how soppy!”
Recently signed to XL Recordings, Theoretical Girl has a distinctive style that gives her a definite edge over many identikit female vocalists gracing mtv2 at present. Her style could be described as part mod, sprinkled with shine and a feminine overtone, however she assures us this is only when she can be “bothered to make an effort”.
When discussing designers Amy has a distinct love for Christopher Kane, describing how she “nearly died of excitement” at a recent photo shoot when someone wanted to put her in one of his beloved dresses. It hasn’t always been plain sailing in Theoretical Girl’s fashion world however with her noting her worst fashion mistake as a “home-perm, with spiky fringe and dungarees I sported in the 80s as a little girl!” She does go on to say fashion disasters happen “on a daily basis”, whilst she describes herself as “short, goofy and persistent” when asked.
Amy is indeed modest about her talent and looks which is an endearing quality, she is however a little angered by the industry’s never ending love story with ‘style over substance’ as she explains, “It’s frustrating to see bands, whom you know don’t have good songs, succeeding purely because they are perceived as ‘cool’. There are so many bands like this. Still, when a good band does come along, it makes them even more special however.”
As far as influences go Amy is quite vague, which is a great as this can often be the most boring question to ask during interviews, she denotes how she “feels” as the main inspiration for her music. However when talk turns to her favourite songs Nick Drake’s ‘Northern Sky’ comes top whilst 60s Motown gets a big thumbs up, “They truly knew how to write perfect melodies and simple and direct lyrics,” she explains, “that’s what I aim for with my own music, but haven’t quite got there yet!”
A keen eye for good music is evident when talking to Amy, chatting about her dream festival line-up she requests Nick Drake to open with Talking Heads as the top choice for headliner, however in between that would be, “Neil Young, Dusty Springfield, Fire Engines, Big Star, The Mo-dettes, Gram Parsons, The Specials and The Beta Band,” Amy beams before chipping in with, “obviously when they were in their prime and alive!”
This Theoretical Girl doesn’t have a strong penchant for scientific theory she assures us, she does however list her new favourite activities as “playing with my new sewing machine, drinking wine and eating smarties cookies.”
Right where’s the biscuit tin?
Words: Kimberley Owen
Image: Todd Crawford