Influences: Penelope Trappes

Growing up in Australia, Nick Cave was an artist who inspired me with his creative freedom and rawness. There weren’t too many role models in Australia back then that made me feel like I could break out of my tiny country town, which I dreamed of. His manic nature and ability to let go encouraged me to do the same. I also loved that he worked in film and literature too. It felt like there was no end to his creative scope and it still feels like that now with his live shows and films being as prolific as ever. He is still a massive role model for me. As an artist, I want to be like Nick Cave when I grow up 🙂

I rented Blade Runner when I was 12 and I can remember watching it alone and having my mind completely blown. I feel like my life changed… There was my life before Blade Runner and my life after Blade Runner. The power of Philip K. Dick’s vision of the future combined with Ridley Scott’s imagination and skill in bringing it to the screen, whilst being soundtracked by the majestic and mystical Vangelis, brought to life another world, a possible future… four minutes of pure cinematic magic.

I was always transfixed by Billie Holiday as a child. Her story was so tragic. Her sadness was beyond real and her pain was ever present in her voice. Her work taught me so much about what it means to find your own voice, your own phrasing, and about how important it is to be true to your feelings. Also, growing up somewhat isolated in Australia, her songs – particularly ‘Strange Fruit’ – taught me about the plight of African Americans. Originally written as a poem and published in 1937 by Abel Meeropol, it protested against racism in America, particularly the lynching of African Americans. But when Billie sang it, the meaning was taken to a far greater height. Truly powerful stuff and still incredibly relevant today.

Perhaps one of the saddest songs ever written… Scott’s rendition is so glorious, dramatic and rich. I melt into his tonal qualities… so heartfelt. The king of dramatic Emo… maybe after Jaques Brel.

Sadly there is no footage of Nick Drake playing live. But thankfully the John Peel Session allows us to hear him live. His impeccable guitar work and beautifully rich voice are always there to calm me down. I love his music deeply. It is always with me.

This whole concert was recorded so you get to see all of her banter between songs. Those are the moments that you can get a real insight into the brilliant and mad genius of her mind as an artist. It is no secret that Nina suffered throughout her life for being an outspoken and strong black woman, and she doesn’t hide this when she talks. She can be positively intense. But when she plays and sings there is no questioning her story. The way she felt was so deep and you hear it in her music.

The first time I ever felt ‘in love’ (or was it ‘in lust’??) was watching Freddie Mercury perform ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’. I was tiny but I wanted to marry this man. To relive that feeling I try to watch this concert performance a few times a year. The ultimate and consummate performer! And that voice!! How he took camp, opera, and made it pop, commanding the crowd of thousands to sing along. They are with him 1000%. I think we all are still with Freddie.

When this came out I remember going to the cinema to see this as I was a MASSIVE Portishead fan. I love that they are still pretty humble about what they actually achieved. Creatively advanced ideas executed with style and grace. Everyone should attempt to make and score their own film.