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Theoretical Girl

Amy tells us about some of the tracks and artists that are important to her.

London-based Theoretical Girl released her new single 'Rivals' this week (25th May), and will be playing a special single launch at the Proud Galleries (in London) tomorrow (28th May), followed by an instore at Pure Groove (London again) on Friday (29th May).

The track has been taken from her forthcoming debut album ‘Divided’, which will be released in August of this year.

Amy tells us about some of the tracks and artists that are important to her, and have influenced her along the way to the album's creation.

Nick Drake - Northern Sky

In my opinion, this is the closest that anybody has ever got to the perfect song. Simple and beautiful lyrics, gorgeous lush arrangements and that astounding, well-spoken delicate voice. He is and will always be my favourite artist. I never tire of his songs despite having listened to them literally thousands of times!!! He was the first artist to really inspire me to make my own music.

Marianne Faithfull - Is This What I Get For Loving You

I went through an unfortunate obsession with all things 1960s when I was a teenager, Marianne Faithfull being one of the artists I was obsessed with. Her autobiography 'Faithfull' is amazing by the way! This song is the perfect combination of melancholy heart-break lyrics with upbeat joyous music. Exactly the sort of thing that I try to do with my music. Marianne Faithfull also doesn't have your typical powerful female vocal style, which gave me hope that I might actually be able to be a singer!

Chris Bell - You And Your Sister

This is the sweetest love song there is! The lyrics are so poignant. I'm extremely ashamed to say that, when I was young and foolish, I recorded a version and told a boy that I really liked, that I'd written it for him. Oh the shame. I wonder if he's reading this now!!!

Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere

When I first starting writing my own songs they were very punky and lo-fi. But then I heard Fleetwood Mac and it completely changed the way I wanted to sound. I love their slickness and the simplicity and structure of their songs. Also, they write the most amazing vocal melodies. This song has the best groove. This was the main reference, production-wise, when making my album, I really wanted my songs to sound as crisp, clear and smooth as this!

The Stranglers - Baroque Bordello

This is such a clever song musically but also absolutely amazing to dance to! The darker side of my music is very inspired by The Stranglers.

Billy Joel - The Longest Time

I'm such a sucker for lyrics about love and these are some of the best. When I was on tour in Germany we sang this on the tour bus over and over and over again so it holds lots of happy memories as well as some sad ones.

Kate Bush - The Wedding List

Anyone that writes a song like 'Wuthering Heights' when they are only 16 surely deserves the title of genius! What a woman! She's so inspiring in the way she has been so independent in her music-making, playing, writing and producing on her own. She doesn't follow song-writing rules either and has her own unique way of structuring songs. I first heard this on her Christmas TV special and loved it instantly. Great bass line too!