ArtBeat: Brixton-based singer Bryde

I had just won two tickets to Sofar Sounds, enjoying a glass of wine. And then Bryde came on stage. What followed was a mix of haunting, beautiful and fantastic performance with a voice so smooth, achingly real that it touched the whole audience. Along with a great sense of humour, Bryde is a Brixton-based girl and an electric guitar, singing fierce and fragile songs about entangling and unraveling. Influenced by the likes of PJ Harvey, Ben Howard and Sharon Van Etten, the early work has been spotted by those in the new including the BBC. With her debut single ‘Wait’ just released, I have no doubt we will be hearing and seeing more from this talented artist.

Describe London in three words

Inspiring, Accepting, Diverse

What or who inspired you to do what you do?

A mixture of Alanis, Jeff Buckley, Radiohead and Kylie

What was the song of your youth?

Talk Show Host by Radiohead

What do you love about what you do?

The privilege of it being my job to put emotions into music and have people who want to hear it. That and never knowing what the future holds

And hate?

Never knowing what the future holds

What makes London’s arts and culture scene unique to you?

I think the amount of art and culture you can consume for free seems to be unique to Britain, at least in my experience, compared to many cities I’ve visited. It’s also hugely diverse and experimental. I love the pop-up and experiential side of theatre that seems to be growing here

Who should we be keeping an eye out for on the arts and culture scene?

In music this year an artist called Japanese House is going to get even more huge and also a girl called Starling will be making a lot of waves I reckon.  I’m a big fan of both

What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?

Has to be walking on a wire net suspended across the ceiling of Kunstsammlung Gallery in Dusseldorf as part of Tomás Saraceno’s ‘in orbit’ installation. Never thought I was afraid of heights until then!

Share something about you that would surprise us.

I’m terrible at Karaoke

What’s your favourite spot in London?

Indoors: Where I am writing this from right now. I forgot about it for a while, but I love the Cafe at the Wellcome Collection, the lights, the books.  Outdoors: Broadway Market

Who do you love to follow on Twitter/ Instagram?

My insta faves are Lena Dunham, The beautiful photos of ‘If You Leave’  and an illustrator called Henn_Kim. 

What’s the last country you visited?

Germany

Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?

Audrey Tautou, because I secretly always wanted to be Amelie. 

What are you doing after this interview?

Going to take a look at the Tibetan Exhibition at the Wellcome Collection!

Follow Bryde and find out about her upcoming performances here.

Her next performances are going to be:

·     19th Jan: Servant Jazz Quarters, Dalston

·     28th Jan: The KPH, Ladbroke Grove