Moving On magazine Careers and Qualifications for School Leavers
Moving On met indie pop singer-songwriter Eliza Doolittle and found out what makes her tick…
By Kate Newton
Student journalist Sam Walpole, from Alcester Grammar School and BTEC Creative Media students, Charlie Wright and Amber Whitehouse from Stratford-upon-Avon College, travelled to London to meet and interview pop star Eliza Doolittle, for Moving On magazine.
Settled into a comfy chair, wearing an oversized sweatshirt, Eliza Doolittle was in relaxed, off-stage mode as slightly nervous, first-time interviewer Sam Walpole began the discussion by asking Ms. Doolittle about what a typical day would be like for her.
“I go against my name – I do a lot every day! And every day is different. I woke up this morning and went into the studio to change a line in one of my songs for Radio 2 so they can play it. Then I went home to pack my bags for a gig I’m doing in Brighton tonight and then I came here to meet you.”
Sam asked Eliza how often she performs live. “If I am writing new songs I don’t really perform at all but when I have an album to promote I do a lot more.”
As Sam is also a budding musician with a few live gigs under his belt, he was interested to hear Eliza’s advice for young people who want to pursue a career in the music business.
“Everyone has their own paths and reasons for doing what they do to get into music, but I say let the music get into you and make it part of who you are, every day. There comes a point when there’s nothing else you want to do. I’ve sacrificed my love of acting and drama to a certain extent, but I haven’t given them up – I’ve just focused completely on the music because that’s what I love most.”
When Sam asked Eliza what had been the most exciting and outstanding moment in her career so far, she replied,
“I’ve had some really great moments but I did a gig in Montreal in Canada – the Jazz Festival – and there was just something about the atmosphere there. I don’t know if it was just that, or the crowd, or me, or the band - but everything was just perfect! I was the artist I’d always wanted to be at that gig, so it was really, really special for me. I was doing what I’d always wanted to do and everything just came together. I try to do my best at every gig though, and I hope the best is still to come!”
Sam asked Eliza about her background and was surprised to find out that she is one of nine children and fourth in the pecking order.
“I have a very independent streak and yes, I think my success has a lot to do with fighting for attention, wanting to shine and having to make a lot of noise to be heard at home when I was younger!”
Asked about the methods she uses in her song writing process, Eliza replied,
“I write in the studio – I have a lot of lyrics and concepts floating around in my head which I then put into my phone. I can’t write at home. I have to have the discipline of going to the studio to work.”
Sam asked Eliza what kind of music she likes herself,
“I love all sorts of different music. As long as it’s good, there’s no particular genre that’s a favourite. The best music is unique and I hope my music is like that.”
Feeling quite weary himself towards the end of the interview, Sam asked Eliza how she finds the energy to pack so much into her life and whether she has any fears about burning herself out by having such a hectic schedule.
“I used to get ill with colds because I was eating rubbish! Now I work out and eat cleaner, healthier food and I have more energy and feel much better!”
Finally, Sam asked whether Eliza had a favourite country or place that she’d visited on her tours,
“I’ve made a list of all the special places I’ve been so that I can go back to them and spend more time there. When I’m on tour, I always make a point of eating and going out locally so I get a feel for the place I’m playing in.”
After the platinum-selling success of her first album, Eliza Doolittle’s latest offering, ‘In Your Hands’ was released in October 2013 with critics hailing it as her ‘coming of age’ album and Sam, first celebrity interview under his belt, thanked Eliza for her words of wisdom for wannabe musicians and singer-songwriters and wished her ever more success in the future.
