- Mon, 2009-09-28 12:27
Pronounced Mmmm-poh, MPHO recently released her debut single Box N Locks. Taken from her debut album Art Pop, the singer, songwriter and producer has been causing a stir for her edgy take on UK pop.
I Like Music caught up with MPHO to chat about her music, staying in, going out, her huge future plans and the music she likes.
"I Like Music because… it lets you be and do what nothing else can.” MPHO
ILM: How would you describe the vibe of your music?
MPHO: My music is a mixture of inspirations – I’d say I was a girl version of a British Andre 3000, raised in Brixton with a little Kate Bush for good measure too! In a nutshell!
ILM: What's the MPHO method of making music? How does it all come together?
MPHO: Madness, pure madness. There is no method only “art.” I play with a group of guys who I’ve known for ages and we just have fun. They're worth every penny.
ILM: Who/What are your musical inspirations?
MPHO: I love Prince, Kate bush, music from the 70s and 80s and drum machines. For some reason, there’s a unique snare sound you can only get with a drum machine that I absolutely love.
ILM: What do you look forward to the most about playing live?
MPHO: Winning an audience over if they don’t already know me. I just played at the Legion in Old Street, that gig was really satisfying for exactly that reason. There is a certain energy you can only get from performing live.
ILM: Out of all the live shows you've played, which have been the most memorable?
MPHO: I played at Wireless and started with a half empty tent and ended up with a full tent! Unfortunately by the time it was full everyone was there to see me fall falt on my arse...very embarrassing!
ILM: You're heading out on the Brrap Pack Tour, what are you looking forward to the most about that tour? What can we expect?
MPHO: I really want to challenge the notion of Brrap Pack Tour. My music will be very different to everything else people will hear while on the tour. I don’t really make the type of music that people think musicians from by background should be making, so it will be an experience to see people’s reactions.
ILM: What would be your advice to any young people who look up to you and want to follow in your footsteps?
MPHO: Stay true to who you are, if you lose that you don’t have much else
ILM: How did you get to where you are today?
MPHO: Hard bloody work and senseless determination. Oh, and believing in your ability. Without self belief it's difficult to go far.
ILM: What's your earliest musical memory?
MPHO: A festival in Swaziland when I was 3, my dad was playing. It was realy busy and really hot. Picture Latitude in a hot country where people are playing African funk 'n' rock. Amazing!
ILM: What's your ideal night in?
MPHO: Kids in bed, a really good film, hot chocolate with baileys and a duvet. Job done!
ILM: What's your ideal night out?
MPHO: Small, intimate club, somewhere like plastic people. A broad range of music and all my best mates with me dancing like crazy, they love dancing! Oh yeah, and at least one Prince song!
ILM: What are your future plans?
MPHO: Too many to mention, but a clothing range for kids, a tv show and plenty more albums. Maybe a cookery show with a fashion and style twist....
ILM: What music have you been listening to recently?
MPHO: Kings of Leon, Lauren Hill’s Miseducation. If there's a musical fad I like to listen to the complete opposite. Marina and The Diamonds are great. The invisible as well. Zero 7, their new stuff is great too. Weirdly loyal fans are a bit angry at their change but I like it. I like to listen to my mates music too.
Aero and MPHO have launched a Facebook application letting you put your thoughts on your favourite Facebook images. Log on to www.facebook.com/aerothoughtbubbles
