Style speaks: to singer-songwriter Katie Melua

Style speaks

to Katie Melua

On ‘Heading Home’

I’m one of these International crazy people; I was born in Georgia – my whole family is over there – and we moved to the UK when I was eight years old, though we’d go back every summer. ‘Heading Home’ is a song I imagine singing to my grandma; for some reason the goodbyes with her in particular were always very emotional, always a significant moment. I think ‘home’ is wherever you feel rooted – for me that’s London and Georgia.

On Autumn and inspiration

On this album there is a song with the line “the leaves remind me to forget” which I wrote just as Autumn was really fully blossoming. Like many people, I’m really in love with nature. I grew up in nature as a kid and I find so much inspiration from it – as many people and musicians do – because it’s just majestic and kind of takes you out of your head. When you observe what nature does it helps you deal with your own life.

On poetry as process

Poetry is a beautiful cousin to lyric writing. Anytime when you play with words and with the sound of lines is really useful to the process. My bookcase used to be super-organised; in the last year and a half it’s become a little bit dishevelled because I’ve been dipping in and out so often.

On peace and quiet…

I rent an office – it’s great to have a place that I can go where I know other people in the building are also working. There’s an Italian accountancy firm on the same floor so it’s not at all music business-y. It’s nice and quiet which is great because my work – the ‘miracle work’ – tends to also be quite quiet and I can just go and do my ‘office hours’.

…and creating in a Room of One’s Own

For me the space is really important. I’ve got my rugs that cover the floor. I’ve got a gigantic old antique bookcase, another cupboard, my David Hockney book – every item is quite considered. When I’m writing I go from being super-focused to actually very unproductive; having interesting items helps to catch your focus in those moments when you’re feeling a bit lazy – though they say that’s when your subconscious throws up your best ideas.

On writing to a routine

I like writing in the morning. Sometimes I’m at my office for eight am. In the past I’ve been powered by coffee, but I’ve recently stopped and it’s not actually been that difficult. The other thing that’s really cool is writing in short 90-minute stints which does seem to work, although I do flag a little by my third 90-minute stretch.

Style of Wight met Katie Melua before her intimate outdoor performance at The Woodland Sessions, set in the beautiful surroundings of Robin Hill.

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