Always wanted to write for a magazine...

She’s this months FRONT Alt Girl (issue 161), she’s paying her dues learning the art of tattooing, she’s an all-round angel, and one of the funniest, smartest and most natural Alt Girls ever. What could be better than a word with Sophie Butcher! Now I’m in a strange position at the moment, posting an interview with a lady that FRONT has splashed all over its middle pages like an awesome oil slick. FRONT of course do their own interviews when they feature a new Alt Girl, and far be it for me to step on any toes. But what better time to post yet another interview with this minx of inks. I first got in touch with Sophie after seeing her top notch showing as a DIY Alt girl on the FRONT website (http://www.frontarmy.com/girls/alt-girl-diy-sophie-butcher). Then to my delight, she tells me during the course of our interview that she’s going to actually be in the magazine as the next Alt Girl. Talk about timing! As luck would have it, this interview all kind of fell into place two days after the magazine hit shelves. So now I share it with you lovely people. My interview with Sophie Butcher; a lady that was a pleasure to chat with, very generous, and whose Alt Girl shoot immediately had me wanting more. I think she’ll be a repeat delighter in the magazine for sure, and I can’t speak highly enough of her debut. It may have been fortuitous timing, but I think you’ll agree, it would have been a shame to keep this interview under wraps. The interview was conducted a few weeks ago, so you wouldn’t have seen her in “the Hut” tonight, and she’s probably bought more stuff since Chloe’s birthday (read on, it’ll make sense)…

 

 

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If you’re lucky in life, you get the chance to experience a musician in their rawest form. To discover an artist for yourself, without having to be told to check them out by friends or the media. If you are fortunate to have had that experience then you tend to develop a special bond and appreciation for the music. It was that way for me and the music of Misty Miller, a singer-songwriter from South West London, and soulful utiliser of the ukulele. Misty has been writing music since the age of eight with her brother Rufus, and constructed her first album at just 15. Much has been made of her use of the ukulele in her songs, but this is merely a musical vehicle for a mature and evocative talent. After all, the ukulele does not dictate her style in the slightest. She’s not producing ukulele music, rather a brand of music that expertly showcases a talented lyricist and storyteller.

Misty released her first album in February 2011, whilst studying for her GCSEs. The material on the record was written during the transition into her teens, and displays a maturity that betrays her tender years. As she looks forward to recording her next album, it is evident that Misty is open to change and evolution. Her more recent music is remarkably different from the first album, and displays the wealth of creativity she has to draw upon.

Misty defies classification or pigeonholing into the genres of pop, folk, blues etc. She is very much her own artist, and the songs she produces have an identity and soul all of their own. She has the all too rare quality of being fresh dynamic and revolutionary in everything she does. In a world going crazy for manufactured music and quick fix, short lived acts, Misty has the advantage of hard earned respect for her industry. It is important to her that she keeps control of her music and identity, and stay true to what has brought her attention globally. That being her work ethic and desire to achieve based on her musical merits alone.

It was a real treat for me to get to ask Misty some questions about her life in music thus far, and thoughts on where her journey might take her. I hope you enjoy reading what she had to say, and for the uninitiated, welcome to the wonders of Misty Miller…

Q: Who were your musical influences growing up?
Misty: Growing up, I was influenced by a wide variety of musicians. From Nirvana and Jesus and Mary Chain to Billie Holiday and Elvis. I was intrigued and inspired by great performers and song writers. This has carried on to now where at the moment I’m influenced a lot by Patti Smith, Iggy Pop and a few underground rock bands.

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Kerosene Deluxe started her modelling career as a self proclaimed horror geek, expressing herself through photos shoots inspired by the work of Hammer studios. She quickly earned the nickname “Europe’s Queen of Fright“ before moving onto retro pin up and alternative glamour modelling projects. Her body of work is second to none, and she truly is a role model in her industry. However, this role model status does not only apply to her work on camera. Kerosene is also a “size positive” activist, and mentor to aspiring models. Her determination to highlight issues around body image in her industry and in society in general, is a passion that must be applauded and promoted. She also has experience as a professional make-up artist, style consultant and creative director in the editorial and fashion industry. All of which contributes to a very passionate, charismatic and determined entrepreneur, and a young woman who is at the very top of her game.

I have had the pleasure of asking Kerosene a few questions about her life and career, as well as the stellar work she does for the betterment of her industry. Miss Deluxe is definitely someone to be admired. A model and performer who encourages women of every size and shape, to embrace the goddess within and share her with the world. I’m very pleased she took the time to share with me, and now I delight in sharing her thoughts with you:

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