25f 12 shots from the fRoots Rocket Launcher a dozen leading questions to fire at Lucy Ward
If you were given the funds to organise a concert bill, who would the artists be?
Nice of you guys to start with an easy question! Is there enough money in the pot to bring people back from the dead? If so it would be Elvis, Peter Bellamy, The Clash and I know she isn’t dead but I’d love Melanie Safka to be there.
Which totally obscure record do you most treasure and would like more people to know about?
I recently got given an album by an actor I was working with, and I am yet to take it off repeat. It’s Analogue Is Better Than Digital by Clayton Blizzard. He describes himself as a folk rapper/ singer/ poet/ musician, and I just feel that the album is the perfect mix of anarchy, protest and humour with a proper nod to his folk roots.
What was the best live gig you ever saw?
David Bowie when I was 10. He was playing the pyramid stage at Glastonbury and it completely changed my life.
And what was the worst?
Now that would be telling, I guess any act that doesn’t acknowledge their audi- ence automatically switches me off. But I am glad to say I have never seen anybody completely crash and burn.
What was your own best ever gig?
Double standing ovation at Shrews- bury Folk Festival! Or perhaps playing to a
full capacity crowd at Cambridge! Recent- ly I played the Guildhall in my home town of Derby. It was a completely amazing evening, a full house of family, friends and fans, many of whom had sprayed their hair blue in solidarity with me. It was just such a special night.
And what was your worst?
Hmmm probably a gig I did support- ing a local Nottingham band when I first started out. Nobody came so I played to them, and they played to me… that was a long night, I can tell you!
What’s the professional achievement you’re most proud of?
Of course winning the Horizon Award at the BBC Folk Awards was pretty awe- some. However to be completely honest I am proudest when I walk into a record store and my album is there; I hope I never get over that feeling.
What’s the most embarrassing thing you ever did in public?
Either I have done so many embarrass- ing things I am immune to the feeling or I have no shame. I certainly know how to laugh at myself!
Which song or piece of music would you most like to have written yourself?
Oh that is such a hard question, Bob
Dylan’s One More Cup Of Coffee, David Bowie Letter To Hermione, Lal Waterson Fine Horseman, Joni Mitchell Case Of You,
absolutely anything by Sandy Denny… The list could go on for a very long time.
Who was the first musician or singer you were inspired to emulate?
Ha ha, I wanted to be Debbie Harry. I used to put my Dad’s copy of Parallel Lines on the record player, run into the kitchen before the music started and then burst back into the living room like I was run- ning onto a stage and ‘perform’ the whole album. After that it was Janis Joplin.
Who was the last-but-one musician or singer you lusted after?
Well this is an incriminating question; to be honest it’s not hard to lust after any- one who can write amazing music (partic- ularly lyrics). I am infamous at home for being in love with Keith Richards (so age really is no barrier). In answer to the ques- tion: Chris Wood
If you had a rocket launcher, who or what would be the target, and why?
Being a folky veggie sort of person I am obviously a strict pacifist; having said that I would certainly blow up the HQ where all the TV talent shows are created! I truly believe they have dumbed down music and do not celebrate or support true creativity.
Lucy Ward’s second album Single
Flame is released in August on Navigator Records and reviewed this issue. You can hear a track on the August fRoots Radio.
www.lucywardsings.com
F
root salad
Photo: Elly Lucas
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92