Speech Debelle
September 2009 | R&B
Barclaycard Mercury Music Prize 2009 winner Speech Debelle was one of this year's most hotly tipped artists and has made massive waves on the festival scene this summer. A rapper from South London with a big band and a big heart, her album, "Speech Therapy", represents a journey through her struggles in leaving home and the philosophers she met along the way to making it as an artist. we7 caught up with her recently and chatted about her influences, her festival circuit and taking the piss out of her boys.
The Interview
How did you get started in music? You were doing a lot of poetry before.
Yeah. Well I heard a rapper called Da Brat, and I thought I could do what she could do. Then I saw 2Pac and Brenda's Got A Baby - I really felt it was something I could do and something I could understand
Where did your musical inspiration come from? Artists who are idols?
People like Michael Jackson, Madonna - pop in the early days. Then a lot of reggae, like Buju Banton.
Where were you when you heard about Michael Jackson's death and how did you feel?
We were at Glastonbury, for the first time. It was really spooky - it was the first time all the band had been there together and it was a great moment for us and then we heard it and thought, how can we be happy now?
Do you find it easier to sing about hard times?
Yeah, I do. When I'm enjoying myself, I don't feel like writing songs. I'm going to train myself to do so though, so I'm a more rounded artist.
Does your album tell a story? What's it about?
Yeah, it starts with "Searching" and ends in "Speech Therapy". They're not necessarily in order but they it does tell a story.
It's about a chapter of my life when I was out in the world by myself and it was testament to my character because of the strength of my character and I met some amazing people. I don't think they realise they're philosophers. Some street kids who are just unbelievably intelligent.
You've made a lot of festival appearances this summer - which have you enjoyed most?
Its hard to say. I think Glastonbury - we did seven gigs over three days, so we didn't see any of Glastonbury. Its hard work but at the same time it's a real stepping stone in our career.
You've been tipped by famous people - who have you been really pleased to see in the crowd?
The actress Thandie Newton said I was her favourite new artist. I was pleased with that.
What's the weirdest thing you've ever seen at a festival?
Well, I'm from South London, so I'm not easily shocked. Maybe blokes dressed in ballerina clothes at Glastonbury.
You have a pretty unique music style, how do you describe it?
Someone called me neo-rap the other day which I quite like.
What have you got coming up, are you touring?
A lot of festivals not as many gigs up until I go on tour in October. I have a UK and Europe tour but for now its festivals.
Do you prefer performing live or in studio? Why?
I like them both. Working in the studio is really solitary - a time to be real creative. Shows are to be an expression and have fun, like acting. I'm known to be a piss taker so with the audience and the band. Especially with my boys in the band, I get them to say stuff and they don't like it they get shy.
Micachu and the Shapes have been one of the year's buzz bands - how did that collaboration come about? (Micachu sings with Speech on "Better Days").
We were looking for British singer for "Better Days" that sings with a British accent which is really hard to find and she came up and we though yeah she sounds really moody.
When did you realise you'd broken in music?
Yesterday. I was walking down the street and there was a group of girls in a car shouting out "Speech Debelle we love you".
What's the best thing about being an artist?
You're not going to work. Being able to live and do the thing that makes you most happy, it really makes up for a whole lot of things.
