For those who may be new to your music, how best would you describe your sound and yourself as an artist?
Tallia Storm
I would describe myself as R&B/Pop with a soul edge. My roots are definitely old school R&B, I grew up listening to the jazz legends, motown and soul. My intention was to take all those inspirations and create an original sound with a Tallia Storm twist.
So who or where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your work?
I loved Amy Winehouse - she was very much a heavy inspiration to me but that began with my love of people like Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. Now I listen to people like Kendrick Lamar and Frank Ocean - these guys are sick.
What is it about the world of music that you love?
Story telling - music should tell stories to music. It's a place for people to really be themselves and share their experiences. Sometimes those experiences or messages can be quirky, fun and shallow and other times, they can be deep and meaningful and quite honestly cathartic.
Who would you love to work with on new music going forward and why?
Kendrick or Frank for sure. They are just so on it. They have that incredible and unmistakeable vibe and they tell awesome stories with their lyrics. You can really work out who they are as artists - nothing shallow about them whatsoever.
Tell us about the creative process you go through when working on new music.
I jam with Sascha (my producer), he plays piano and bass and we basically come up with ideas and we have great writing sessions. Every time we have an idea we just head to the piano. I have always written poetry so writing has always been a part of my life too - it's so much easier when things are not forced - that's when I think the best ideas flow.
How important is it for you to maintain creative control over your work?
I'm not that precious - I love writing with Sascha and we have literally dozens and dozens of songs, but I think it's important to work with other producers and writers as long as it's a joint venture. I think to get the best of me, I should always be involved in the writing process - otherwise there is no authenticity. So I look forward when I get the opportunity to work with some big guns - people that I could really learn from. At the end of the day, I'm just 16 and every day is an experience and I yearn for more.
You've been praised by some huge names, such as Drake, Elton John and Nile Rodgers - how does that feel?
It's hugely flattering and sometimes it feels totally surreal. But you know, as an artist, you are only as good as your big hit so that's my goal post. I will keep going till I get that song that everyone remembers, that everyone loves and that everyone wants to sing. Then I might accept the compliments!
Do you have any set in stone goals or aspirations going forward?
Sure - I think because I started when I was so young, people were cautious and sometimes sceptical, but let's be honest, if you see an up and coming footballer or tennis star, you nurture and grow their talent. There is no time constraint on it - they set their own goals like great clubs and maybe playing Wimbledon - my ambitions are selling out O2, Staples Centre, Madison Square Garden. Who knows how long it will take? But I'm here for the long term and like athletes, I've got time to build and work on my craft - no matter how long it takes. There are no shortcuts in this game - I think some musicians want instant coffee - I don't - I just want to be the best I can be and I'll continue to work hard till that happens.
What would you say have been some of your favourite experiences in your career to-date?
Well, definitely opening Sir Elton John's football stadium concert at just 13 years of age in Scotland - I sang five songs to 17,000 people. When I think back now it was insane.
Then jamming on-stage with my idol Nile Rodgers - that was sick, and singing to Wembley Arena at WE Day to 20,000 people.
For me, the most important and the best part of this is singing live. I just live for singing live - big or small venue - that's where it's at for me. There's no feeling like it.
What should we expect to see from you in the coming weeks and months?
Well, I'm am Ambassador for Californian brand Paul Frank and Chupa Chups Airheads which is great.
I also signed a two book deal with Scholastic and my debut novel called Pop Girl is coming out in October - in fact you can pre-order now on Amazon!
My debut EP is out now and I worked with these really cool producers on some sick remixes - DJ Q, Bounce Brothas, KnightMovers and MarQ Figuili.
I'm also doing a few festivals - this week I'm performing at the closing ceremony at the Nat West Island Games in Jersey - 23 islands from around the world are in attendance, and on Sunday I'm performing at Big Gig in the Park with The Vamps and Union J.
Later on I'm doing Jersey Live with Vaccines, Rudimental and George Ezra and inbetween that I'm working in the studio! I'm really excited actually as I've just recorded some really cool new music, so let's just say it's never dull!
Do you have any advice or tips for people who want to follow a similar path to yours?
Self belief, even when it's hard, work hard at your craft and never give up. I think musicians live in a wonderful era to reach so many people with social media and the internet. So exploit it! Grab it with both hands, get your music out there and just keep pushin'!
The Social Security Remix Collection EP is available to order on iTunes now.
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