Ahead of the release of her brand new single '141' later this week, we got the chance to chat to Espa all about her music, future plans and much more in a new and exclusive interview...
'I'm a 'vision board' kind of gal.'
Can you tell us a little bit about your new single '141'?
'141' was first conceived in October 2014... and it sounded very different to the track you hear today. Apart from the chorus, almost everything has changed! There was something magical about the chorus and I felt that I needed to draft and re-draft 'til I found something that captured the same magic as the chorus did on that first writing day.
It is a story about a broken relationship, an unheard goodbye with the slightly comedic 'modern-day' element of the withheld number phone call at its centre.
You also co-wrote with Todd Oliver on the track, how's Todd to work with?
I co-wrote '141' with Todd Oliver, Tim Deal and John Calvert. These are three very close friends of mine. There's nothing quite like the experience of creating a musical baby with your best mates. Todd and I went to the Royal Academy of Music together (alongside Kwabs who he plays guitar with); Tim and I grew up playing in jazz bands together and John and I perform with Goldie. We're a close-knit crew of musos!
Is it very important to you to maintain a creative control over the work you produce?
When I think of an artist, I muse over the likes of Bjork, Madonna, Bowie, Hendrix. An artist is different from being a 'singer' and therefore it is essential that I oversee, conceptualise and create all art-related elements of my work. Of course I collaborate with incredible directors, stylists, makeup artists, photographers, but it is always born from the vision that I have for my project.
You headlined London's Hoxton Bar & Kitchen earlier this year, what was that like?
Performing live is my absolute most favourite thing ever in the world, ever, ever, Amen! It was a special night, my band sounded rocking, the crowd were so vibey, I was wearing lots of feathers... What more could a girl dream of for her first headline show?!
Do you have definitive aims or goals for your career going forward?
Oh yes, I do love a goal I do... I'm a 'vision board' kind of gal. Sure, I have specific aims like winning a BRIT Award, a Grammy, and an Ivor Novello before I'm 30, but more than that I want to tour the world, playing live shows to as many people as I possibly can... But more than that, I want to witness my work having an effect on the people who are listening. Being of service to the world in some capacity is the only reason why I strive to dig deeper with my music every day. It is the sole intention behind my insatiable ambition.
Is there anyone in particular you'd like to work with in the future?
Kendrick Lamar is the dream collaboration. I think he's the closest thing we have to a prophet in our day and age. I'd love to work with Quincy Jones on a project. I'd also like to work with Vivienne Westwood in some capacity. And take photos with Rankin.
What should we expect from you in the coming weeks and months?
There will be an extra-special video for '141' dropping soon, some more live shows, my first time doing some festivals, an exciting collaboration and a few more singles on the way! Watch this space...
'141' is officially released later this month.