I just LOVE music, all sorts to be honest, I grew up mostly listening to soul, reggae, singer songwriters, pop: Johnny Nash, Nicky Thomas, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Marvin Gaye, Carole King, James Taylor, to name just a few. I have, of course kept, all the vinyl I ever bought.
You are known on the U.K. folk scene having received airplay, how does it feel?
To be honest, I’m not that ‘known’, but when a track does get selected by any host for their show it’s an immense privilege, there are so many songs out there, so many songs uploaded every day, as you and I know only to well, so when someone finds my music amongst the rest and wants to share it with others, it makes me smile.
How has lockdown affected your creativity?
I‘m 62, I have never known a year as fretful as this one, lockdown has been hard for everyone, some have lost loved ones, some have lost their livelihood, some will end up losing their homes.
I’m sure creativity will creep back into my life and I’ll be doing what I love again very soon.
The words of Live Life Lovin’ (our recent collaboration) came partly from the way the world is currently making me feel.
You have a passion for new music, having written for Fresh On The Net. What have been your top 3 favourite songs you have discovered this year?
Oh my goodness this is a tough one, since starting at fresh on the net last September I have put the tracks I love in a playlist
Link: https://soundcloud.com/marinaflorance/sets/fotn?ref=clipboard
If I have to choose just three, oh blimey! I can’t…
Thailah – Sweet
Katy Hurt – Unfinished Business
Matt McGinn – Bubblgum
Eva Layne – Don’t Take That (Boy Away From Me)
Jess Tristan – The One Good Thing (piano acoustic)
Oh… I could just keep going, please check out my ‘fotn i love’ playlist.
What’s in your set up?
At the moment just me and my guitar, it’s been that way for a number of years now. I’ve played with a band and it really is great having the support of those musicians.
I love it if I meet someone at a gig who is up for a little impromptu collaboration, it’s fun and exciting to see what may happen live.
When I’m recording I have a number of contacts who are wonderful, gifted musicians that I can call on to contribute to a specific sound I’m looking for.
The lyrics in your songs are very much a story telling style, what has been your favourite?
My favourite lyrics at the moment are the ones from my 2020 release ‘Long Way Home’ they just hit the mark for me right now.
You have received airplay, how do you describe the feeling you get hearing your songs on the radio?
This is an awesome feeling, it really gives me a high.
Who are your favourite guitarists?
I’m going to go locally known to me here: Ben Smith, who I have collaborated with on Big Legged Woman and Ben Walker who played the guitar for me on The Blue Lady.
You worked with me on “Live Life Lovin’” a different genre for both of us what was your favourite aspect of writing this?
I really enjoyed getting the beats and improvising as I listened. It allowed me to concentrate on the words and feeling of the track.
Working in a genre I’ve not tried before gave me a proper buzz, it expanded my experience and helped to develop my music.
I didn’t know this old girl had in her.
What are you looking forward to most post lockdown?
Walking on the beach and stopping off for a cup of coffee I haven’t made myself.
Check out our collaboration below.
Enjoyed doing this, thanks for asking me Del
Hi
Great to read about how you are getting on in these strange times.
Stay safe, be strong and trust you will be gigging again soon.
Was surprised at how old you are, certainly don’t look it.
Nicol