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Class Of 2008: Theoretical Girl

'Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures.'

Posted 10th January 2008, 6:12pm in Interviews
Theoretical Girl It's 2008: and no, we're not sure where the last twelve months went either. What we are fairly certain about, however, is that it popped up more than a couple of ace bands for us to get all excited about.

We've taken the best of the bunch that got DIY Towers buzzing and quizzed them about both themselves and what they might get up to in the next 12 months. Not universally sure fire bets for unit shifting superstardom, we're expecting good things from them all.

Someone ring the bell, then. The Class of 2008 is in.


Southend's Theoretical Girl has long been a favourite of ours, a fact underlined repeatedly following receipt of the new version of 'The Hypocrite', now due for release on 4th February. She's now relocated to London, got herself a(nother) band, and 2008 will hopefully see an album follow further single 'Another Fight'.


Who are you, and what do you do?
My name is Theoretical Girl (real name Amy), and I write simple little songs about unrequited love mainly. I also make dresses that I never wear because they generally end up too wonky and strange looking. And I daydream and worry. A lot.

Lazily, compare yourselves to at least three well-ish-known bands in a semi-comical way.
Kylie - Because I'm half an inch taller than her so could have her in a pop-battle. The inch makes all the difference you see.
The Young Knives - Because I'm a major geek. Sorry boys. No offence!
Dusty Springfield - Because on a good day the height of my bouffant could rival hers. Maybe.

What's the best thing about being in a band so far?
Every now and then I'll get a message from somebody saying how a song of mine means something to them. It's the nicest feeling in the world.

...and what's the worst?
Seeing other bands who are in music for the wrong reasons doing well. Or bands doing well for the wrong reasons. Does that make sense!?

Why do you think 2008 is going to be a great year for Theoretical Girl?
I'm not so sure that it will be! I'm a pessimist you see. Although, I'll do my best to make it a good one. I intend to spend the whole year improving my song writing and live show. I'd like to be able to come up with an album of which I can feel proud even if nobody else likes it!

Are you making any new years' resolutions?
No! I have no self-discipline whatsoever! I always end up breaking resolutions within about half an hour of making them.

If people were to listen to just one of your songs, which one would you hope it was and why?
I have a song called 'The Boy I Left Behind'. I'd like to think it's melancholy pop, which is the best form of music in my opinion! I haven't recorded it properly yet and have lots of plans for it when I do!

Where do you hope to be in twelve months' time?
I hope to have been able to give up the day job and become a full-time musician. It'd be a dream come true if I'd been able to get round to recording an album that people were enjoying, although I'd be satisfied with just having had the chance to make one! I'm not greedy!

What's the worst piece of advice anyone's ever given you?
Follow your heart...

If Theoretical Girl were to have a motto, what would it be?
Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures.

What would be your reaction if someone were to cover one of your songs on X Factor?
Astonishment! And then I'd phone my Dad!

Do you have an album in the pipeline?
It's almost written! I just need somebody to want to release it!

Who'd be your dream producer to work with?
Fairly obvious one, but Brian Eno. I just love the textures he brings to the music he produces. He'd also have a few interesting tales to tell I suspect. Luke Smith of Clor is now producing, he's done my next single 'Another Fight' which will be out early next year as well as some brilliant stuff with frYars (who's my tip for next year by the way). Luke's incredibly talented.

Remixes are, it would seem, 'all the rage'. Who would you just love to remix one of your tracks?
I'm not a massive fan of remixes. I wish people did more covers of each other's songs like they did in the Motown days. That would be more interesting to me, to hear other people's take on my music. Lightspeed Champion recently did a cover of a song of mine. He made it sound so much better!

What does it take to be a fan of Theoretical Girl?
Oh! It's very easy. You just need to like simple, honest songs and melody. There's no big show or cool about me and my music. What you see is what you get.

What's the weirdest thing anyone's done at one of your gigs?
Dress as bananas and dance about in front of the stage.

Tell us something random yet interesting about you.
I work in a unit for adolescents with mental health problems. We've started a band. We rock.

You're part of the DIY Class of 2008 - what was your favourite subject at school?
It's so predictable I'm sorry, but it was Music. I used to look forward to History, but that was because I had a crush on the teacher. Mr Boner! Ha!

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