My favorite part about writing for Yow Yow! is having the chance to interview people that are doing incredible things with their life right now. Similar to the posts found on this blog, my interviewees come from a variety of backgrounds. They are singers, actors, photographers, designers, reality show contestants, and internet sensations. For the most part, they have been like us. They have started from nothing, but have built upon their aspirations to create something all their own.
Since I started my interviews back in 2009, I have been noticing how frequently they appear under my Top Posts so as we go into the new year, I would still like to continue doing interviews. In Yow Yow’s history, I have conducted 13 interviews with the most recent one being with Euna Kao. I decided that since it has been over a year since I have caught up with my interviewees a lot has probably changed with them. I have re-contacted all of them with follow-up questions to see where they are in their lives today. As I receive my responses, I will be making follow-up posts with them with the first being Miss Eleanor Seabird.
When we first met Eleanor back in late November of 2009, she was residing in London and still recording songs that she would later perform at venues all over the city. I learned that Eleanor Seabird was not the name that she was born with – though it is an awesome name – and that she was originally from America! To read my first interview with Eleanor, click here. Something I found interesting about that interview was that when I asked what she thought my readers should be listening to then she answered Ellie Goulding, The XX, and The Temper Trap – and those just happen to be a few of my favorites today.
With that, let’s get into her follow-up responses.
Q: The last time we heard from you, you were releasing your album on iTunes! How was that?
Eleanor: Having the ELLE P on itunes is amazing. I released it via my own record label Lunettes and people have responded well to it…. it’s my 1st release ever and I have to say that it’s cool to know people can download my music and put it on their ipod and enjoy it. The cover is cool as well, it’s actually a well known little record store called Alan’s and I bought my 1st album there (Steely Dan’s The Royal Scam) in the UK and the place hasn’t changed and I wanted to use an iconic piece of London since it’s my adopted hometown on the cover and Stuart Nichols did a great job taking the photo and I hope people continue to buy it and enjoy it!!!
Q: Do you have any new songs for us, tour dates, or news?
E: I do have two new songs I’m working on and in January my writing partner and producer Gaz Twist and I will be back in the studio and hope to get a single out on iTunes in early 2011 and going to put out another EP and my 1st music video. It’s been in the works a while but my mate Martin Koddenberg who is the director has been nagging me to get going so I think we are going to shoot quite soon and get it out on youtube and my website.
Q: Top 5 albums for the year?
E: I’m excited about this next question as I think it was an amazing year with so much new talent coming on to the scene and a couple artists getting their dues as well. My top 5 would be:
** Summer Camp- Young EP
They are like a teen 80s soundtrack revisited. Somehow there music syncs well with everyday things.
I love the song Veronica Sawyer (Stay Home) so check that track out.
** Neon Indian- Psychic Chasms
I heard this and just screamed. It’s such a great record and I listened to it all summer long.
The best song: Deadbeat Summer. But the whole thing is a delight.
** Caitlin Rose- Own Side Now
I read about her in a newspaper and decided to check her out. Americana music is quite trendy in the UK and she is so talented. So so talented. I love her voice and her songwriting is world class and she’s a real musician.
Song to listen to: Shanghai Cigarettes
**Ariel Pink- Before Today
It’s been on everyone’s list but Ariel Pink is a genius. I’ve loved him and his band for such a long time and am glad to see them getting well known. This album is superb and it’s catchy experimental pop. It’s got this 80′s sleaze too it which I love, its gritty and underground and well made.
Best song: Round and Round and Hot BodyRub
and my top 2010 album is….
** Rumer- Seasons of my Soul
Probably virtually unknown in the states but she’s been trying to break it into the music business and is getting her break. She’s the UK’s Karen Carpenter and her songs are exquisite. I don’t think it will be everyone’s cuppa, but her voice and her songwriting is magical. I cried when her show at Royal Albert Hall in London sold out and hope that she does do well in the states but I think the kind of music she makes is a bit sophisticated but she will do well…. I know she will.
Best song: Aretha. I love her tribute to the soul queen and her voice will just make your jaw drop.
Q: Any New Years resolutions?
E: Yes a couple…. Been a bit lazy when it comes to answering emails and keeping in touch with people so going to do that and to learn to play guitar and write good music and work hard.
Thanks in writing to me and giving me your support since Day 1, I really really appreciate it.
*****
After the first interview in 2009, Eleanor and I stayed in touch and became e-mail pen pals. She is an incredible song writer and performer and I wish her nothing, but the best for her music career.
