INTERVIEW: Cleo Sol
As part of our Urban Development Ones To Watch here at UDHQ we thought it was only right to present you with an interview with singer songwriter Cleo Sol. After a smashing performance down at our Industry Takeover All-Day Seminar and Showcase last Saturday Vanessa Felix caught up with the “Hero” and “Riding For Love” singer to discuss her upcoming releases, why she’s still listening to Jamiroquai and cooking Chinese food…
Check out Cleo Sol – Love Bass here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi7intUOioM
Hey Cleo, lovely to see you...
Lovely to be here.
Lets take it back a bit, growing up, what were you listening too?
When I was growing up my mum use to play a lot of Stevie Wonder. My dad used to play a lot of Reggae and Rock & Roll but I’m more interested in the live aspect of music, that’s why I really enjoy performing so much.
What advice would you give to up and coming female singers?
Never give up. There are so many ways to get your music out there, Soundcloud, MySpace, YouTube so use those platforms to promote yourself. My first song was on MySpace that’s how Davinche and I met. He got in contact with me then we met up and took it from there.
Which track would you say says the most about your life? Name us a track that represents Cleo Sol…
Michael Jackson - Black & White [Laughs] Because it’s light hearted and it’s a nice song, it’s got a deep meaning to it and one I can relate too.
Who are you listening to right now?
Right now I am listening to Jamiroquai. His older material. I think if I listen to everything that’s coming out now I’ll just sound like everyone else. I like to mix it together.
Last week via your Twitter UDHQ heard you were busy in the studio, are we going to hear a new single or album from you this year?
I’m done finished recording my album now, we’re just recording singles to release, I’m really positive about the material we’ve got so hopefully the fans will relate too as the singles we’ve got are really cool.
If your studio was on fire and you were only allowed to save one item, what would it be?
The guitar. [Laughs] Because you can still make music from the guitar and you can still go and perform with the guitar.
So your mobile phone, friends in the studio and purse will take a bit of a burning then?
Yup, the guitars coming with me no doubt about it.
What do you do in your spare time?
I’m in the studio, gym, cycling and cooking. I like cooking stir-fry. I like Chinese food.
According to your character, what kind of clothing do you like to wear?
I like to call it a mix and match. I like to dress feminine, but sometimes I like to dress down like with my comfort clothes. I love my Dr Martins but sometimes I like to look at other people for influence rather looking at magazines so I can make my style my own.
Imagine you had a show on the same day as your mums birthday and you had to go on tour, how would you make it up to her?
I would just bring her with me to the show and then we’d probably go out for dinner before or after. Then I wouldn’t have to make it up to her.
Smart! Most the men we ask just say they’d ‘buy her flowers’.
Typical…
Find Cleo Sol over at www.cleosol.com/
WORDS: Vanessa Felix
IMAGES: Verena Stefanie Grotto