Harper's Bazaar are right. Remi Nicole’s new album, ‘Cupid Shoot Me’, is definitely THE album of the moment. With its delicately penned thoughtful lyrics and pop/jazz/catchy sound, it really should be on loop on ipods everywhere. Often lazily attached to Wino or a Geldof girl in the press, it’s time the world sat up and realized that Remi’s musical talent is one that is often hard to come by these days. Edgy, raw and appealing rather than the generic, stuffy pop which usually fills the charts.
I caught up with my friend Remi to ask her a few, dare I say, ‘in depth’ questions. Usually choosing skinny jeans, brogues and the odd colourful top as her fashionable uniform, I ask about her thoughts on fashion, her fash-pack friends and the music industry. Read the interview, then go and buy her album immediately in store or as a download.
The Very: Who is the one musician you look up to most and why?
Remi: There is not one musician that I look up to, I look up to a few for different things but I recently went to see Beyonce in concert and I think her professionalism and dedication is defiantly something to look up to. As is her amaze weave!
The Very: There are so many new young musicians coming out now, but what do you think the old 'divas' have that they don’t? And why do you think those divas have sustained their careers?
Remi: Because, like Beyonce, there was a professionalism and discipline to them that I don’t think many young musicians have today. There are so many other factors that cloud being a "popstar" one of them being celebrity culture and therefore I think it can be easy to lose sight of the "tasks" at hand.
The Very: If there was one era you could of grown up in, when would it be and why?
Remi: Its a toss up between the 50s and 60s but I would of loved to see some of the 70s too. That whole three-decade period fascinates me! The sounds, the vibe, the fashion - just love it all.
The Very: If there was one genre of music you wish you could conquer, other than your own, which would it be?
Remi: Id like to conquer jazz because it's really intricate and if I could play that, I could play anything
The Very: Describe your style for me.
Remi: You describe my style, you’re the fashionista! (she's so lazy... Remi loves a skinny jean and a brogue but once in a while, when her beautician has had a still gin and the lawnmower on her legs, she wears a dress and surprises everyone!)
The Very: What is it about the fashion industry that keeps you enthused?
Remi: I’ve only ever been to 3 fashion shows in my life and I found them all very exciting. I don’t find fashion as exciting as music though. I'd be much more excited about a new instrument than I would be a new pair of shoes.
The Very: If there was one designer you HAD to spend the rest of your life in, who would it be?
Remi: I have no idea! I'd probably just wear jeans and a t shirt every day and i wouldn't care who made it.
The Very: Fashion and music has never been so coupled before, does it make a difference when you are entering into the industry? And what does it mean to you?
Remi: Fashion and music have always been couple, more so back in the day then now I feel. However, for me it is making a difference as I am getting lots of fashion press at the moment because people like my style. I didn’t know I had a style so its a bonus to me because my music can be heard by lots more people.
The Very: What’s your biggest regret?
Remi: My biggest fashion regret is not buying two pairs of my favourite brown brogues from Topshop because i don't know what i am going to do when they die. Another regret is not taking a year out to travel with my girls.
The Very: To switch off after a recording session or photo shoot, what do you tend to do?
Remi: Drink red wine, eat cheese and listen to records.
The Very: You have lots of famous friends in the fash pack, and not forgetting Amy, tell me something you've learnt from them?
Remi: That you should always be yourself. I love how individual they all are.