On Song :: Theoretical Girl

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Theoretical Girl released a new single ‘Rivals’ this very Monday via on Memphis Industries. It’s followed by the debut album Divided in August. TG will be playing several live shows from the end of May onwards including a performance at Glastonbury. Check out her Myspace for more details.

You can catch TG live and intimate at the single launch at Smash and Grab at Proud Galleries tonight and a Puregroove instore at 6pm tomorrow!

In the meantime, check out the songs and influences that have shaped TG throughout the years…

What was the first song that really caught your imagination?
Kinky Boots by Honor Blackman and Patrick Mcnee! I bought it from Asda when I was little and my Dad’s evil girlfriend made me take it back because she thought it was inappropriate. Of course, she couldn’t have done anything that would make me want that record more! I think she ended up exchanging it for something like Groove is in the Heart by Dee-lite so it wasn’t all bad but at the time, all I wanted was Kinky Boots! I went on to develop a massive Avengers addiction.

What was the music your parents liked and do you think it’s influenced you at all?
I’m massively influenced by my parent’s taste in music. My Dad was a Motown and Soul-loving Mod in the 60s and passed his scratched and battered vinyl collection on to me when I was younger. When I write, I try to recreate the simplicity and directness of Motown lyrics. You listen to a Motown song and know instantly what they’re going on about! I also try to recreate that combination of melancholy lyrics with upbeat, exuberant music that’s so typical of Motown. My Mum left me a nice collection of female folk singers, including Joni Mitchell’s Blue album, which inspired me to pick up an acoustic guitar and start writing songs.

What posters did you have on your wall as a kid?
Tim Burgess of the Charlatans! Mmmmmm……….

Which songs or albums would you play at a party?
If I Ever Feel Better by Phoenix. Found a Job by Talking Heads. The moment when the synth comes in around the 3 minute mark would make anyone dance. In fact almost anything by Talking Heads, followed by Thinking of You by Sister Sledge, for that moment towards the end of the night when people just want to dance! Don’t Stop Believing by Journey for a sing-a-long too.

Which songs remind you of a rainy day?
Any piece of music by Einaudi. It’s so atmospheric. Perfect for a grey day.

Which album do you seek solace in when you are feeling sad?
Anything by Nick Drake. It’s strange how listening to melancholy music makes me feel better. There’s definitely something cathartic about wallowing!

Which album would you play when you wanted to get down to some lovin’?
Ergh!! Nothing!! It’d totally ruin the album for me! :D

What music was, or would be, the “first dance” at your wedding?
D.I.V.O.R.C.E. The Dolly Parton version.

What was the first gig you went to as a paying customer?
It was Kylie when I was around 8 or 9. I Should Be So Lucky era!! She was amazing. But absolutely tiny. I could barely see her!

Name the one song you think everyone should hear.
You and Your Sister by Chris Bell. The most poignant and charming lyrics ever. There have been some really great cover versions of it too, This Mortal Coil did a beautiful version.

Which one artist do you think not enough people know about?
Horse & Condor. A band from London who combine all sorts of unexpected influences to make really unusual but timeless sounding pop.

What’s the best thing you’ve heard recently?
I’ve been addicted to Trouble by Lindsey Buckingham lately. I came across it on youtube when I was looking at Fleetwood Mac videos. It’s a great song and an amazing video. He looks a little David Hasselhoff in it.

Dead or alive, what 5 acts would you have play with you at a festival?
Nick Drake to open. Everybody could chill in the afternoon sunshine and listen to his beautiful voice. Followed by Neil Young to pick up the pace a bit. Then Fleetwood Mac, The Stranglers and Talking Heads to finish!

We’d like you to make us a mix-tape. Pick five tracks with a theme of your choice.
Songs about small things…..
Little Woman Love – Paul McCartney
Such A Small Love – Scott Walker
Short – Lambchop
Hey! Little Girl – Alex Chilton
Reet Petite – Jackie Wilson

And finally, who would win in a fight: a stoat or a goat and why?
A stoat. Never underestimate small creatures.