Py

Hailing from the small market town of Hitchin, Hertfordshire, Jade Pybus – who makes music as under the neo-soul alter-ego, Py – is gathering steam as one of the biggest vocal talents this side of Jessie Ware.

Her mixture of drizzly, tender crooning and discotheque belting is an alluring concoction; there’s hints of classic ’90s R&B in her dulcet tones, and also of trip-hop divas. Her voice is both ear-whisperingly intimate and stadium huge. It’s quivering and confident, delicate and powerful. Py and Empress Of share a musical territory, crafting heartfelt electronics and injecting sublime vocals into the mix. On new track ‘Polyethers’, Py warps and dislocates her voice, layering harmonies upon harmonies and pitch-shifting her pipes to accommodate juddering beats and smooth, silky synth shimmers.

Now based in Bethnal Green, she’s collaborated with many producers before launching her solo act proper. Lapalux, Breton, George Fitzgerald, Caspar Kedros, Raffertie and Greenwood Sharps are a few names that have leant their creative juices on either standalone tracks or her recent mixtape, Tripping On Wisdom. But she’s not just a force to be reckoned with in the musical world – she works as a visual artist too, spending a lot of spare time drawing or painting, and meshing together short films to be played behind her during live shows. A woman of many talents – be prepared for the sensory onslaught.

We managed to grab a few moments with Py on her way up the ziggurat; it turns out she loves Hitchcock, Solange and Dev Hynes. She also reveals the story behind ‘Polyethers’ and who would be in her supergroup.

Can you give us a brief introduction as to who you are, what you do and where you’re from?

My name is Py, and I am from Hitchin. I am a vocalist, songwriter and visual artist.

When did you decide to start making music your career?

I have always wanted to sing and write. My mum has always encouraged me to do something that is creatively fulfilling; making a career is a balancing act of being able to do that and still pay the bills. I am interested in all areas of the music industry – the sync and advertising world, and fashion. I think it was when I realised juggling and having fingers in many pies (pahaha) was possible.

Have you always been musical?

Yes. I performed my first song when I was four years old. I have always sung little ditties.

Who were your favourite bands/artists growing up?

I loved Portishead, Billie Holiday, Lauryn Hill, Alison Goldfrapp. Artists and vocalists who have a unique voice are very inspiring.

What do you listen to nowadays?

I still listen to a lot of those artists, they will always be a big influence. I also listen to a lot of producers. I’m a big fan of T.I.P and Dev Hynes. I’m also loving Jesse Boykins III. I supported him a couple of weeks ago and he is very talented and lovely.

Do you have any big non-musical influences? Like books or films or events?

I am always inspired by Hitchcock films, I love the glamorous girls and seedy story lines. I’m also a big fan of Scorsese films. It’s a bit late but I have just started reading Infinite Riches by Ben Okri, I love getting lost in his words. Also, I think going out and watching people play and perform always makes you want to get up and do it.

How do you write? Do you have to be in a specific mindset?

I have different ways of working. Some of the best things I have written have been in the shower, or when I’m driving – often when I’m not trying to. Sometimes, if it’s a collaboration, I listen to a track and draw whilst I’m listening. I do this if I feel a bit stuck. I use the drawing as a story board for my vocals.

How did you record ‘Polyethers’?

I recorded the first demo in my room – I record almost all my vocals like this. I then re recorded it in a studio with Maths Time Joy, who produced the track.

What’s the song about?

It’s an epic love song, about being in a cycle of love where you’re so caught up in everything – both good and bad – with that person.

Has the success of Solange and Jessie Ware and other neo-soul/electro-pop acts had any bearing on what you do? Has it opened doors for you?

Solange is a BABE, I love her get-ups. I’m a massive fan of Dev Hynes and his production. I don’t think it has influenced what I want to do necessarily, but has and hopefully will help support it. I am a big fan of both of them, Jessie has a beautiful voice and presence, and also not forgetting Katy B (I loveee her). I think it’s great there are now more female artists who have written their own material at the forefront of the industry.

What has it been like working with so many people for the mixtape and other projects? Are there any other collaborations in the pipeline?

It’s been great. My mixtape was a huge learning curve for me to write with lots of different producers who all write in such contrasting ways. Now I am focusing on my own solo releases, but I am always collaborating. There are a couple of exciting ones on the way!

Who would be backing you in your ideal supergroup if you were on vocals?

Ooh, that’s hard… I think it would be me backing them! If I could bring them back, then Billie Holiday and Minnie Riperton, Alison Goldfrapp, The Supremes and Björk. It would be a biggie show.

What’s going to be your album of the year so far?

So far: Bonobo – The North Borders. I’m a big fan of Simon; I think everything he creates is golden. I’m about to listen to the new Mount Kimbie album, which I think will be a strong contender too.

Any releases you’re looking forward to?

I’m excited for both my singles on Champion!

How do your songs translate to live situations?

They translate well I think – since the mixtape my way of writing has developed as now I think about how ideas will translate to live situations. I am introducing more live instruments in my recording.

What are your performances like?

I hope they are authentic because my heart and soul goes into them.

Do you have much of a stage show to go alongside you when you perform? Would you like one or do you think it’s a distraction?

I do, I create all my own visuals for the shows, they are very important to me, to help get across the visual concept and story for each track. I have an amazing drummer and keys player, Andy and Jonny from my hometown, and I am about to start working with live bass. I think watching musicians performing is important. We are about to change our set up over to Ableton so there is more room to improvise.

Do you have any festivals scheduled?

Farr Festival in July!

What’s going to be the highlight of your summer?

Seeing some sunshine!?

The single ‘Polyethers’ will be released on 30 June via Champion and you can catch her live supporting Mausi at Electrowerks on 11 July.