Jessy Lanza Interview

For those in the know, Jessy Lanza is easily one of the most talked about electronic music artists currently in the world. Every credible music media, from Resident Advisor to FACT Magazine to Spin Magazine, have been giving the Canadian singer some immense praise and rave reviews. Her sophomore album ‘Oh No’, released in the last couple of weeks on credible UK label, Hyperdub, have been opening up new doors for the singer and have brought her to the attention of a whole new audience. We managed to caught up with the electronic pop singer for a quick chat during her very busy touring schedule…

1. How has the reception been so far on your European tour?
It’s been great. Lots of love from everybody for the new album .I feel very lucky…

2. ‘Oh No’, your second album, is noticeably more playful than your first. Does this reflect a personal transformation?
Ya maybe – it’s hard to say because I’m close to both albums and it’s not obvious to me what’s going during the time I’m making something. Could U ask me again in 20 years ?

3. What have been some of the personal and musical influences for this album?
Musically so much! YMO harumoi hosono, miharu koshi, akiko yano Bo1 I da . My friends Johnny Dark and Christie Sealey as well as lots of other friends from home.

4. You have said you wanted to make a pop album. Can you explain your love for chart music?
As a kid I was a tv junkie always watching music videos. You don’t think of it as chart music when you’re a kid – it’s what’s available to you before you’re able to buy your own music.

5. How did you realise you could incorporate jazz with a more creative style of music production?
I never really realized it but kept working on writing songs and learning how to use music logic and ableton. Jeremy greenspan who co writes and produces with me also helped.

6. You’ve worked with some big names recently, including Caribou and Morgan Geist. Who would you like to collaborate with on your next album?
I don’t have anyone in mind. Collaborating with morgan and caribou again would be great!

7. Tell us a little bit more about the plants that appear in your album artwork and videos?
I love plants they make me feel less like I’m going crazy.

8. Where would you like to tour to next?
Anywhere!

9. Some would say you’ve had a late introduction to pop music stardom, how far would you like to take your success?
To the moon

10. Which has been your favourite city to perform in on your US and EU tours?
I don’t really have a favourite city . I love touring the US and the EU is always a laugh a minute.

11. Any memorable touring blunders?
Ya when all my gear bags comes through the baggage belt with no lids on that’s a real blunder.

12. You’re travelling a lot now that you’re on tour, is there anything you bring from home that you can’t live without?
I have sentimental things – for example a scarf from my aunt rosalind and my diffuser.

13. What are some of the activities you do to get in the mood to create such soulful music?
Not activities so much as sitting alone in my studio for 8 hours a day