OSM: Hi Imogen, How long have you been performing and writing songs?
I wrote my first song aged 12 (I am now 28) and have been writing and performing my own songs ever since.
OSM: Has any particular artist or genre influenced your music the most?
I would say my biggest influences are Joni Mitchell, Carol King, James Blake and Brandi Carlile. I listen to a huge array of genres from jazz to classical and pop and it all feeds into my song writing.
OSM: Your new single, ‘You And I’ is out now. What was the songwriting and recording process of the track?
I wrote the song in lockdown June 2020. I was living with my parents out of London and was lucky to be surrounded by lots of nature. Summer is my favourite time of year and love always flourishes in summer. This song brings together my love of love itself and summer time. I recorded the track at my friend Michael’s studio in Finsbury Park this year. It’s a studio recorded acoustic track, just me and my guitar. When I eventually record an album this song will be reimagined with a fuller arrangement but it’s a simple song at heart and so I wanted to release it in its authentic state first.
OSM: What is the theme of the song, what is its message?
I want people to know that it’s the little things that matter in life and to cherish those around you who make you feel safe and joyful. The universe is big and it’s tempting to think only big moments matter or that we need to achieve lots to be significant. But it’s the little things that make each life special and unique.
OSM: What challenges have you faced since launching your career?
The main challenge I have faced is funding the recording and marketing of my music. I want to pay my collaborators and musicians fairly and so that can limit band size and recording time options.
OSM: You are due to play your first festival, Readipop, shortly. Are you excited for that and what other shows do you have planned?
I am excited for my first festival and would like to play lots more festivals next summer. I have gigs scheduled over summer in London and surrounding areas including at Borough Market and Hoxton Underbelly.
OSM: What are the plans for the year ahead for yourself?
Over the next year I am looking to perform all over the country and to build my fan base.
OSM: If you could change anything about the industry what would it be?
I would like artists and their bands to always be paid fairly at gigs and I would like to see a push to make all line-ups more diverse.
OSM: If you could share the stage with another band or performer who would it be?
I would absolutely love to share the stage with Jessie Ware.
OSM: What songs are on your playlist right now, which songs are you into at the moment?
I am currently listening to Lizzy McAlpine on repeat and her collab with Jacob Collier and John Mayer – perfection. Harry’s House of course and Talk It Up by Sammy Rae & The Friends.
'You And I' is out now and you can listen to the track below.
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