Here we are again people, it’s interview time! This time we are graced with the innocent presence that is acoustic act and one-time schoolmate of mine – Becky Lovatt. Born and raised in a small village outside of Chesterfield, Becky has recently been involved with development label NA Music and with an E.P. in the wings, 2012 is a big year for the Law graduate. Let’s just jump straight into this, shall we?
You know the drill – I’m in red, Ms. Lovatt’s in blue!
The Interview
M: So, when did you first discover you could sing?
B: Well, I don’t know about when I discovered I could sing, but I’ve always been involved in little musicals. My first memory is being in year 3 and my primary school teacher at the time (Ms. Doxey) telling me I had a nice voice. So I entered into the schools auditions for ‘The Sound of Music’ and got my own little song and part.
M: Hi, Ms. Doxey! I wish I had a better audition. The only part I played was a sheep…
B: Well I hope it didn’t scar you too badly. My headteacher always took me under his wing when he did production musicals in Derby and that really helped as well.
M: Did he take you along to any?
B: He didn’t take me to any but I got a small part in ‘Bugsy Malone’ when I was about 10? I only had a chorus and small speaking part, but I loved it and it gave me the bug for music! Though the audition was pretty gruelling..
M: How so?
B: We had to do a New York accent and learn a script, full dance routine to Jamiroquai and then sing in front of about 100 other people going for the same role. An eye-opener for a 10 year-old.
M: Jeez! I’m guessing you did O.K. though?
B: I got through and even got my own little Flapper dress!
M: I have NO idea what one of them is but I’m sure it looked great.
M: So you obviously knew you could sing at a young age, but did you want to take it further? Or was it just a hobby?
B: Once I got to secondary school, I was more into playing my clarinet and going to drama school so the singing took a back seat.
M: And how was the dreaded teenage girl’s school life?
B: Pretty average! I was known as the weird ‘surfer’ girl throughout. I was mad on windsurfing and used to take days off to go to the national competitions.
M: Average? You have NO embarrassing tales for me and the readers?!
B: Not that I can remember. Maybe I’ve just erased them from my memory. I’m sure some old school friend will comment on this with an embarrassing tale I’ve forgotten…so thanks in advance!
M: So what made you choose to study Law at university?
B: It was the sensible option I suppose. I originally went to college to study Fashion until my boyfriend persuaded me to move to 6th Form because he didn’t think fashion was particularly challenging or had enough career options. I’ve since learnt he knows what he’s talking about, and am glad I took his advice!
M: Good man! So when did the whole NA Music thing happen?
B: Well Neil (the owner) came to my very first gig at The Maze in Nottingham, and got in touch a few months later. He told me I had to “work on a few things”, but was very positive. I did a few gigs for him, and he liked me. Either that or I was the only one he could get to play!
M: Speaking of gigs, what comes next for you? In music terms.
B: Well I’m obviously recording soon. Also working with my brother a lot as we’re starting to do a lot of gigs together – we’re called From Small Acorns (PLUG! Check them out here). I’m looking at doing some gigs down in London in the Summer.
M: And your E.P.’s going to be out…?
B: Some time in the Summer. It’s called ‘Fairground of Broken Hearts’.
M: Any favourite tracks of yours that you’ve considered for it?
B: My own favourite song? That’s like trying to pick between my children! I think I’d pick ‘Stay‘ at the moment – it’s pretty Gavin de Graw inspired and will definitely be on the E.P.
M: I have no idea who he is but he sounds important.
M: What about favourite tracks in general?
B: That’s a really hard question for me to answer because I listen to a massive variety of music. I like people like Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Lady Antebellum. But a lot of my songs which I write are inspired melodically by a composer named Ludovico Einaudi. (“Who?!” I hear you ask. Youtube ‘I Giorni’. You can hear the influence!)
M: Finally, words of advice for someone out there?
B: Mmm, I’m not sure people should be taking advice off of me! But if I had one piece of advice I think it would be just to have fun and enjoy yourself. If you’re not enjoying it people can tell so just have a great time! You only live once.
M: Everyone relates to Drake! Y.O.L.O.
B: He obviously stole that from me. Bless him, I’ll let him have that one.
M: You heard it here first people!
Becky’s new E.P., ‘Fairground of Broken Hearts’ is planned for release in the Summer of 2012 and will feature original tracks such as ‘Stay’. Also check out her and her brother’s page ‘From Small Acorns’.
My personal view? Becky’s a down-to-earth person with a certain knack for songwriting. I advise people to check out ‘(I Can Do It) On My Own‘ and ‘Bring Back the City’. Blissful.
In the meantime check out her Youtube channel that’s packed with covers and originals.
Seriously people. Behind the innocent face is a musical machine!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/From-Small-Acorns-Becky-Lovatt/110244009057470
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/BEX9637
Twitter: @beckylovatt
Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/beckylovatt
Music…it’s what feelings sound like.
The Sound of the Underground. 