Album Reviews Q&A: Anna Calvi

Act:Anna Calvi

Album:Anna Calvi

Recommended by:Radcliffe & Maconie, 6 Music Album of the Day, Victoria Derbyshire, Stuart Bailie

The first of the 15 acts featured on the BBC Sound of 2011 list to release an album this year, via the hugely admired Domino label, Anna Calvi is a rare talent amongst a sea of sound-alike girls-with-guitars. With fans in lofty places - before her album's release, there was much talk of patronage from the likes of Nick Cave and Brian Eno - Calvi was always going to attract attentions in the media. But with her eponymous album breaking the top 40, it's clear that she's crossed over into the public's playlists. The singer kindly took ten to respond to our regular Album Reviews Q&A.

How much of a surprise was it to be on the Sound Of longlist of 15, and do you think it's been a significant factor in getting ears pointing the way of your debut album? How might you have reacted if you'd been in the top five?

It was a big surprise, as I assumed my music was too leftfield to make it onto the list. I quite liked not being on the final five, though, as sometimes it's nice to lose. I got an opportunity to introduce my music to more people, without having too much expectation put on me.

Much has been said of your guitar-playing ability. Do you ever have to temper that, slightly, to enable an accessibility in your songs?

When I write I want to make music that is honest to me, music that feels beautiful. I never worry about whether it's commercial, as this is extremely dangerous for an artist to have as an agenda - to try to write to please other people. When I play guitar I'm just trying to express a song, and I will do whatever I feel will benefit it.

The band's been playing live for some time, now. Is it important to you that a debut album didn't arrive sooner, perhaps before it was properly ready?

I just wanted to take my time over it, as I feel this is important when you're trying to create the best work you can.

What does it mean to you having a name like Domino on your record?

Yes I feel very proud to be on Domino's roster, some of my favourite bands are on Domino, like Animal Collective and Wild Beasts

Having Rob Ellis produce has, inevitably, increased the PJ Harvey comparisons, but what did he bring to the recording experience that you feel you would not have got from anyone else? Can his mark be heard on the album, do you think?

When I first met Rob I really felt we connected, on a musical and personal level. He has a great passion of classical music, like me, and we love the same composers - such as Ravel, Debussy, Bartok and Messiaen. When I'm recording I really want to get an orchestral element into the music, even if I'm not using orchestral instruments. I also love the sense of tension and release that is found in classical music. I felt that I didn't need to explain these concepts with Rob - they were already understood. I felt that we were coming from the same place, musically. Rob has done a lot of amazing work - not just with PJ Harvey - including his own classical compositions, which are amazing.

Another comparison to come your way is Patti Smith. Do you feel these parallels are complementary, but easily ignored by yourself; or do you feel any pressure to meet high expectations when keeping such critical company?

I don't feel pressure by these comparisons. I very much respect Patti Smith, and love her work, but I don't feel I sound anything like her!

How does a song begin for you? Is it a lyric that goes through your head, or maybe a riff you can't stop humming? Would you say you have a structure to writing - or is it rather more random?

When I write it is because I have been moved by something - maybe by a piece of music or a film, and I feel very open to being expressive. In these situations I record myself improvising a song. Usually the first time the song enters the world it is quite complete - lyrically and melodically. I really trust these moments, as I am responding to music in a completely emotional and instinctive way, which I believe makes for the best music.

It's very early days in 2011, but I always ask those answering these for their album(s) of the year so far. Instead of that - what are you looking forward to in 2011, new release wise?

The Invisible are releasing their album this year, which I'm really looking forward to. Also a band called Alice and the Cool Dudes have their debut album coming out. They're amazing.

Read the BBC album review of Anna Calvi

Visit Anna Calvi on MySpace

Read previous Album Reviews Q&A articles (including Deftones, Big Boi, Foals, Magnetic Man)