Hi Beth, how are you today and how is the current tour progressing?
I’m great and the tour has been fantastic!
Your latest album, ,UnCovered, was said to be the idea of Bob Harris. Is that true and can you explain the concept behind the record?
The record is a collection of songs that I’ve written or co-written that were previously recorded or hits by other artists, which I’ve never done my own version of. Bob Harris pointed out to me that it would be a great idea for a record and that I should call it “UnCovered”!
What is your process for writing a song, or, is it all when the spark of an idea strikes?
All different ways. But mostly I start with a sound and follow the sound….even following the vowels into the consonants. It’s magic!
How do you decide if a song is for you or someone else and how do other people approach you to write a song or, for permission to cover one of your songs?
It varies greatly. But mostly I let the songs to be the songs they want to be and then find a good home for them. I don’t think of songs I’ve given to someone else as being gone or unavailable for me to sing too! The more the merrier!
How would you describe 'the music business' now as to when you started from your own perspective?
It’s changed a lot! I’m deeply concerned that those who create the “content” are being bypassed for the most part by those making money from them and that music is generating more energy and money than ever….but the gate keepers are not sharing. That makes for a generation of creators that are forced to find another way to make a living.
What are your interests outside music and do you have much time to follow them?
I love drawing and painting. Lately I’ve been designing a line of scarves which has really been fun. And no…I never have enough time for anything!
What music did you listen to back in school / college days and do you listen to the same songs still today?
Classic great songs has been my passion. In all genres from Carole King to the Beatles and all the great songs of every era!
When on tour, who has control of the CD player and what is currently getting played in the car or on the bus?
I’ve been listening to Rosanne Cash’s new record “The River and the Thread”. It’s a real masterpiece.
Are there any fellow musicians or bands that you would like to collaborate with but, you haven't managed to do so yet?
Too many to name!
When on tour in the UK, what is the thing you most look forward to and the thing you most dread?
I most look forward to walking out on stage and leaning back into the hammock of the music. I most dread bad soundchecks. But I’ve been lucky to be working with some great house engineers on this tour!
Beth is in concert at the following venues;
20Feb Cambridge Junction 1
21Feb St. Albans - Alban Arena
22Feb St. Georges Church Brighton
24Feb Barbican London
25Feb Cheltenham Town Hall
27Feb City Hall - Salisbury
28Feb Birmingham Town Hall
01Mar Basingstoke - The Anvil
03Mar Epic Studios Norwich
25Apr Hawks Well Sligo, Ireland
27Apr Grand Opera House Belfast, Ireland