Welsh artist Greta Isaac has all the trappings of a big-time alt-pop star – massive choruses, glitchy synth sweeps and genuinely unique vocals.
It’s a formula that's won her a ton of column inches this year, with UK bloggers falling over themselves to praise her folk-inspired electronics.
Both well-received recent singles Comfortable and Tied have explored the destructive side of human behaviour, throwing a shadow across her luminous harmonies.
From apathy and laziness to selfishness and greed, she names our bad habits one by one, exaggerating each trait from the perspective of a neurotic character. It’s a potent mix, and one that’s likely to turn even more ears as we head into 2018.
We catch up with Greta to make sense of her sound ahead of her upcoming live show in Cardiff next week (details below)…
What was the first song you developed an obsession for?
It would have to be Rufus Wainwright's Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk from his album Poses.
What’s the first gig you went to?
My first gig was either Busted or James Taylor... both legendary.
What’s the first instrument you ever got hold of?
I think it was piano, but I picked up the guitar at 15 and started writing soon after that.
What is your worst musical habit?
Pointing out harmonies I hate in songs when people are trying to listen. It's an all-consuming addiction.
What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve ever been given?
Love what you create and stay true to your sound, your message and your artistic vision.
Where do you discover new music?
At home! My parents are both musicians, so we grew up surrounded by amazing music.
What’s your favourite venue?
My favourite venue would have to be Union Chapel in North London. When I go there I am transported into another dimension of musical loveliness.
Who is your current favourite band/artist?
Son Lux. Their album Bones is excellent.
What inspirations outside of music impact your songwriting?
A whole bunch of stuff! Stories, films, politics, mental health, art, theatre. Music is amazing because it works as a vehicle for so many amazing visual and interactive experiences. I want to invite people into this tiny strange world I've created with my songs.
What track of yours best represents your sound?
I love my new song Tied. It's about trying to break free from someone or something and inevitably ending up where you started. I also love Intro (Creatures of Habit).
What’s next for you?
I will be playing a headline show in Cardiff on 6 December at Clwb Ifor Bach.
https://www.facebook.com/gretaisaac/
It’s a formula that's won her a ton of column inches this year, with UK bloggers falling over themselves to praise her folk-inspired electronics.
Both well-received recent singles Comfortable and Tied have explored the destructive side of human behaviour, throwing a shadow across her luminous harmonies.
From apathy and laziness to selfishness and greed, she names our bad habits one by one, exaggerating each trait from the perspective of a neurotic character. It’s a potent mix, and one that’s likely to turn even more ears as we head into 2018.
We catch up with Greta to make sense of her sound ahead of her upcoming live show in Cardiff next week (details below)…
What was the first song you developed an obsession for?
It would have to be Rufus Wainwright's Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk from his album Poses.
What’s the first gig you went to?
My first gig was either Busted or James Taylor... both legendary.
What’s the first instrument you ever got hold of?
I think it was piano, but I picked up the guitar at 15 and started writing soon after that.
What is your worst musical habit?
Pointing out harmonies I hate in songs when people are trying to listen. It's an all-consuming addiction.
What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve ever been given?
Love what you create and stay true to your sound, your message and your artistic vision.
Where do you discover new music?
At home! My parents are both musicians, so we grew up surrounded by amazing music.
What’s your favourite venue?
My favourite venue would have to be Union Chapel in North London. When I go there I am transported into another dimension of musical loveliness.
Who is your current favourite band/artist?
Son Lux. Their album Bones is excellent.
What inspirations outside of music impact your songwriting?
A whole bunch of stuff! Stories, films, politics, mental health, art, theatre. Music is amazing because it works as a vehicle for so many amazing visual and interactive experiences. I want to invite people into this tiny strange world I've created with my songs.
What track of yours best represents your sound?
I love my new song Tied. It's about trying to break free from someone or something and inevitably ending up where you started. I also love Intro (Creatures of Habit).
What’s next for you?
I will be playing a headline show in Cardiff on 6 December at Clwb Ifor Bach.
https://www.facebook.com/gretaisaac/
