Music > Interviews
Interview with Delilah
03/04/12
You may still be able to feel the effect of Delilah’s live presence in Norwich, you may still hear a slight echo of the tumultuous applause that came crashing in after a couple of mind blowing support slots. In the wake of Delilah’s recent performances in Norwich, first supporting Chase & Status and then Maverick Sabre, she reinforced the name she’d made for herself the country-wide. Flirting with a plethora of genres, with an understanding born in a musical upbringing, she now looks forward to a headline tour, with Norwich one stop on the way. Delilah, born Paloma Stoecker, gives us some of her time to get a little under her skin…
You’ve given your EP away for free – were you just dying to get your material shared with the public? Yes, I guess I was. It can make you go stir crazy creating non-stop and not getting any outside feedback. Releasing the mixtape '2-4am' was my way of communicating with my fans, and at the same time giving them something to say thank you for being so patient with me.
You’ve received great support from Radio 1Xtra, but in essence, your music would sit well across the radio board – do you see yourself traversing the airwaves, and where do you feel most comfortable? Radio One have been amazing, supporting me from the beginning, but the dream is to have my music heard by as many people as possible. Being played on lots of different radio is key to that becoming a reality.
You’re about to embark on a headline tour, but what have your dates with Emeli Sandé, Maverick Sabre and others taught you about the live circuit? Supporting artists you admire and respect is the best way to learn. You get to be involved in their journey and at the same time learn from their performances and relationships they have with their audiences. I've loved touring with all the acts I've supported and it really is a case of practice makes perfect. So I feel very blessed to have been given the chance to grow and develop on the road.
You’re looking to release your debut album this summer – with it being your debut, have you been sitting on some of these tracks for a long time?There are some tracks on the album that I wrote years before signing a record deal, some of them written when I was as young as 13. But all of them hold their relevance to me and my story. That's why they've lasted it out. They're relatable and honest and that's what I think makes music timeless.
Joe Goddard has remixed your track ‘Love You So’ – he knows his way round a track with real imagination – how did the collaboration come about?The one thing I love about my record label (Atlantic Records) is that they're very connected to good music. It's in their history. The collaboration with Joe Goddard came through the label and it's definitely one of my favourite remixes to date.
You’ve picked some great names to work with, including Joe and Chase & Status – does working with other artists help you unearth different ideas in yourself?Collaborating is so much fun. It challenges you. Pushes your boundaries and when you co-write with another artist that's even more intense. Artists tend to be perfectionists so if you respect the person your working with the outcome is usually good.
You can hear disparate influences in your music – what music memories from your childhood do you think have informed you as an artist?Growing up my household was always full of music. From Nirvana to Metalheadz. Roy Ayres to Aaliyah. My musical background is about as diverse as my heritage and I think that is definitely reflected in my writing.
You’re signing to Atlantic Records came at the tender age of 17 – how have you kept headstrong and independent as a signed artist?Time! (No pun intended). Mistakes and hard work. That's what's allowed me to look back over the past few years with no regrets. I'm proud of how much I've learnt and what I've achieved and I just getting started. Never settle. I've lost my way and changed my mind a few times along this journey but having strong foundations and a good family always helps me back.
Quite a few of your tracks have one eye on the dancefloor – what’s your own relationship to the dancefloor like? Are you usually the first one on the floor?Always! And the last one to leave. So long as there's good music. I'm not into dressing up and standing still. My favourite nights out are in my trainers with good company, low ceilings and loud music!
You come from London, as opposed to a lot of artists who move there to make music – how do you imagine growing up in the capital has developed you as an artist, if at all?London is my first love. It will always be my home. It has an energy and individuality you can't find anywhere else. I think that's reflected in the art, theatre and music that comes out of the capital. Ultimately I'm a London girl and I think that grit and mentality comes through in my music.
You’re coming to Norwich in April – what can we expect from the live show? ENERGY! FUN! And SERENITY! All wrapped up into one :-)
Emma Garwood
Delilah comes to the Waterfront on April 22nd. For tickets, go to www.ueaticketbooking.co.uk
You may still be able to feel the effect of Delilah’s live presence in Norwich, you may still hear a slight echo of the tumultuous applause that came crashing in after a couple of mind blowing support slots. In the wake of Delilah’s recent performances in Norwich, first supporting Chase & Status and then Maverick Sabre, she reinforced the name she’d made for herself the country-wide. Flirting with a plethora of genres, with an understanding born in a musical upbringing, she now looks forward to a headline tour, with Norwich one stop on the way. Delilah, born Paloma Stoecker, gives us some of her time to get a little under her skin…
You’ve given your EP away for free – were you just dying to get your material shared with the public? Yes, I guess I was. It can make you go stir crazy creating non-stop and not getting any outside feedback. Releasing the mixtape '2-4am' was my way of communicating with my fans, and at the same time giving them something to say thank you for being so patient with me.
You’ve received great support from Radio 1Xtra, but in essence, your music would sit well across the radio board – do you see yourself traversing the airwaves, and where do you feel most comfortable? Radio One have been amazing, supporting me from the beginning, but the dream is to have my music heard by as many people as possible. Being played on lots of different radio is key to that becoming a reality.
You’re about to embark on a headline tour, but what have your dates with Emeli Sandé, Maverick Sabre and others taught you about the live circuit? Supporting artists you admire and respect is the best way to learn. You get to be involved in their journey and at the same time learn from their performances and relationships they have with their audiences. I've loved touring with all the acts I've supported and it really is a case of practice makes perfect. So I feel very blessed to have been given the chance to grow and develop on the road.
You’re looking to release your debut album this summer – with it being your debut, have you been sitting on some of these tracks for a long time?There are some tracks on the album that I wrote years before signing a record deal, some of them written when I was as young as 13. But all of them hold their relevance to me and my story. That's why they've lasted it out. They're relatable and honest and that's what I think makes music timeless.
Joe Goddard has remixed your track ‘Love You So’ – he knows his way round a track with real imagination – how did the collaboration come about?The one thing I love about my record label (Atlantic Records) is that they're very connected to good music. It's in their history. The collaboration with Joe Goddard came through the label and it's definitely one of my favourite remixes to date.
You’ve picked some great names to work with, including Joe and Chase & Status – does working with other artists help you unearth different ideas in yourself?Collaborating is so much fun. It challenges you. Pushes your boundaries and when you co-write with another artist that's even more intense. Artists tend to be perfectionists so if you respect the person your working with the outcome is usually good.
You can hear disparate influences in your music – what music memories from your childhood do you think have informed you as an artist?Growing up my household was always full of music. From Nirvana to Metalheadz. Roy Ayres to Aaliyah. My musical background is about as diverse as my heritage and I think that is definitely reflected in my writing.
You’re signing to Atlantic Records came at the tender age of 17 – how have you kept headstrong and independent as a signed artist?Time! (No pun intended). Mistakes and hard work. That's what's allowed me to look back over the past few years with no regrets. I'm proud of how much I've learnt and what I've achieved and I just getting started. Never settle. I've lost my way and changed my mind a few times along this journey but having strong foundations and a good family always helps me back.
Quite a few of your tracks have one eye on the dancefloor – what’s your own relationship to the dancefloor like? Are you usually the first one on the floor?Always! And the last one to leave. So long as there's good music. I'm not into dressing up and standing still. My favourite nights out are in my trainers with good company, low ceilings and loud music!
You come from London, as opposed to a lot of artists who move there to make music – how do you imagine growing up in the capital has developed you as an artist, if at all?London is my first love. It will always be my home. It has an energy and individuality you can't find anywhere else. I think that's reflected in the art, theatre and music that comes out of the capital. Ultimately I'm a London girl and I think that grit and mentality comes through in my music.
You’re coming to Norwich in April – what can we expect from the live show? ENERGY! FUN! And SERENITY! All wrapped up into one :-)
Emma Garwood
Delilah comes to the Waterfront on April 22nd. For tickets, go to www.ueaticketbooking.co.uk