Backstage

we7 Presents: Namalee

November 2009 | Pop

When we launched we7 presents several weeks ago we couldn't think of a better artist to do it with than Namalee, and her "Relentless Optimism" EP. A self-confessed "Rainbow Revolutionary" and progressive rebel, Namalee sets out to change the way we think about art, fashion and music. Her hyper-eclectic sound - which fuses punk, soul, rock and electro - is already making waves within the music industry. Yet Namalee refuses to dilute her creative output, choosing to stay in control of her own destiny.

With a love of punk and post-punk (X Ray Specs, PIL and XTC are big influences on her music and she is mentored by Damned legend Rat Scabies), Namalee is all about empowering people through her music...

You are our first we7 presents artist. Congratulations, how does it feel?

It feels great; I'm really pleased to be involved.

Are you active on the internet?

I am active, I have a MySpace and Twitter account and all of that, but you still need to speak to real people! It is a lot of work maintaining twitter, MySpace and Facebook. I have people who help out, not full time. I do most of it myself, and I'm quite happy to.

Are you happy following the DIY path with your music? Or would you like a label to back you up?

I've been approached by different people to do different things. I have been approached by record labels and I've been offered deals. There was some interest early on when I was on the club scene, in London. The tracks were getting played a lot and getting a lot of attention. I didn't feel ready to sign at that stage. I wanted to get to the stage where I knew what I was doing. I feel that I am in control now, and that I'm not going to get pushed in any particular direction.

Is creative control important?

I am a bit different, I have a weird mixture of styles, and I don't want anyone to push me any particular direction. Creative control is important. I have done so much on my own; I kind of know what I want out of music - I want to make sure that I get myself in the right area first. The wrong move could ruin everything!

How did you get into singing?

I come from an art background. I didn't sing when I was at school, I didn't do drama... I did a bit of dance. Singing wasn't something I thought about doing. I never thought I'd be able to do it. I realised that I could express myself through clothing, the art and the fashion kind of came together and it developed like that. I didn't start singing until much later.

When I started going out to clubs, I would meet singers, performance artists.... it wasn't about music or fashion, it was about expressing yourself. That gave me a lot of confidence to bring everything together.

You never had singing lessons then?

I'm not a trained musician, I am self taught. I have a musical ear, so that helps. The singing part, well, I was shouting when I started! Obviously as I've gone on I've worked out how to sing.

Who inspired you when you were younger?

The one artist who influenced me the most was Madonna. Definitely the early part of her career, when I was growing up. She was the big pop star and she had all the attention. I really bought into what she was all about. Obviously there are other influences around her, but she was the main female singer who inspired me.

What do you think of her now?

I don't really like what she does now. I think it is great that she is still dancing around in leotards at her age. But when you are a woman of that age and you have seen so much, there is so much you can teach to people. That is why I love Patti Smith, even though she is a very different kind of performer. The thing is her message is about empowering people.

Your EP is titled "Relentless Optimism". What was the thinking behind the title?

"Relentless Optimism" comes from knowing you never give up. You're always trying for something else. My mum was a big inspiration behind the title, as she has that attitude.

"Namazonia" is a great track...

I don't know how to describe it. For me it represents the earthy side of my character. I don't want people to take themselves so serious and be so cynical. I do want to hold onto my innocence as this is what makes you happy. That song is about innocence - you can be serious and play and it's great fun to allow yourself and your mind to be free and wander around.

The lyrics are about feeling close to the earth, keeping your feet on the ground and not getting carried away.

Do you want to empower people through your music?

I don't want to dictate to anyone. It's not about me, it about everyone feeling free enough to do what they want to do - empowering people. It's not about me saying, come and do what I do. People need to take their own thing from the music.

Thank you for speaking to we7 today Namalee, we look forward to hearing more of your music in the future!