As soon as CocknBullKid’s fab new album ‘Adulthood’ made it’s way into our sticky mitts, we were hooked. So we had to send Lee Dalloway to chat to the lovely lady, AKA Anita Blay to her folks…
QX: I hate to put artists in a ‘genre box’, but I guess I’d describe your album as pop with a darker twist. How would you sum it up?
I hope it does what it says on the tin… It’s a journey from ever since I began writing til’ the present day. It’s confessional, a bit like a diary. A diary that rhymes!
As a listener, the album completely feels like a cathartic release or a exorcise of demons. Was it like that for you?
It was in many ways. Writing is a good way to make sense of your neuroses and frustrations. I often wouldn’t realise why I felt a certain way about something until I’d be sitting in on a mix; a lyric would jump out at you and then it clicks. I feel lucky in many ways. You can feel really exposed, too but it’s a good thing I think.
Is there a “typical” cocknbullkid fan or have you discovered surprising aficionados of your music?
At one point I thought there was but as time has gone on I’ve seen such a broad range of people at the gigs. I’m often surprised by the people who like the music. I played up north and had loads of macho lads singing all the words to ‘Asthma Attack’, I was very surprised, I always thought of my music as quite camp!
I’d say so yes. I’m a very up and down person. I can be contradictory in myself – I think it’s the Gemini in me. So it seems quite natural I would make music like that. I’ve always enjoyed putting sweet with sour.
Our fair city seems to be a big influence on the album. Tell us about cocknbullkid’s London.
I love how much we have on our doorsteps here. Anything you want to try your hand at, you can pretty much do. I love pubs on Sundays, the schizophrenic weather and all the different types of people you can have living on one street. I hate the pigeons, the complacency and the social coldness you can have as a typical Londoner.
Who were your musical inspirations growing up?
Madonna, Kate Bush, Morrissey, Little Richard and M.I.A.
What musicians are you feeling right now and why?
I’m really loving the new Metronomy, Wiley and Little Dragon albums. I’m mates with Metronomy, but I hold no bias! They are simply one of the best acts you can see live. Joe is a genius producer, too. I’m also convinced of Wiley’s genius. He listens to no one and does not play the pop star game. He’s a bit car crash, which is what you kind of want. I love the singer’s voice in Little Dragon, the production is really interesting too.
Would you ever go down the X Factor route to a music career?
Don’t think it’s for me. I wouldn’t even get past the first round. I’d hate being told what to do and singing other people’s tunes.
Catch CocknBullKid DJing at TheMenWhoFell2Earth at East Bloc, Friday 5th August (214-217 City Road, Old Street, EC1V 1JN, London). The album ‘Adulthood’ is out now.
