Her latest album Island Fire has received so many stars from music critics she could probably have a galaxy named after her.

I make music as a musician, not a record collector…this helps to give my music and production a very defined and original style

Born and raised in Essex but now based in Berlin, she’s a dab hand at customising covers. Admired by Jimmy Page, she’s also collaborated with legendary eclectic pop act Sparks, toured with Grinderman and, according to a couple of music magazines, she’s wondrous and untouchable.

Her name is Gemma Ray and, thanks to a joint effort between Hairy Amp and Coach and Horses, she’ll be giving two live performances this weekend at the intimate Valley Road venue.

Part retro-soul, part pop-noir and with a rooted indie mentality, she says she steers clear of thinking too much about what she sounds like, preferring instead to rely on her instincts when writing songs.

It’s an approach that works too, judging by the plaudits that have been flung her way for every one of her four albums to date. Described as ‘a true gem’ and ‘stylistically grand and willfully eccentric’, Island Fire is quite likely the all-important stepping stone that will propel this unique self-styled British artist into the big league. Before that happens however, we have the pleasure of experiencing her music up close and personal.

Gemma Ray will be performing at Coach and Horses in Valley Road, Birkirkara, on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are limited to 100 per night. For more details, look up Hairy Amp, Coach & Horses or the event page on Facebook or call 9984 8199 or 9984 6382.

Interview with Gemma Ray

Given the rave live and record reviews you’ve been receiving, do you feel under any pressure to live up to expectations, and did you think your music would get such great reception when you first started out?

I made many albums on my own before I released The Leader, my first release with a record label, and therefore I was already accustomed to making music on my own terms.

The notion of anticipating how the press would perceive and react isn’t something I’ve really had to deal with. The desire to make music which settles something within me is far stronger than my artistic ego and has made me unafraid of putting myself out there.

There are a few people whose opinion means the absolute world to me… Andrew Zammit (of Bronze Rat Records) first and foremost, who also plays drums with me, and they are the only ones in the periphery of my vision when I’m creating something.

Psychedelic folk, pop-noir, vintage flair, post-punk and ‘hints of country-rock’ are all tags that critics have attributed to one or more of your songs. What’s your take on such tags and how close are they to the music you make?

I think tags are unavoidable and generally complimentary. If people are trying to describe something they like, then it’s natural to try and find a reference point.

I don’t analyse what I sound like; that depends on the ears of the listener. I just write compulsively, and think about my next record.

Your musical approach has an eclectic air which has succeeded in appealing to a lot of people...

I make music as a musician, not a record collector, and I think this helps to give my music and production a very defined and original style. I think people can sometimes confuse copyists with having a strong sense of personal style. I don’t listen to music and think of it in genres, only moods, tones and colours. Maybe this is what helps prevent me from falling into an easy pigeon-hole.

How did the Sparks collaboration come about and what was working with The Maels like?

I approached them to produce an album which led to them suggesting that I cover Carnegie Hall as an experiment.

It panned out that I cover their songs, and then they covered my cover by producing new and astounding backing tracks behind my voice and very occasional guitar. It was a great experience.

Given that you’ve also released an album of covers, what is it you find intriguing about performing other people’s songs? Is there any song you would you really love to cover, but haven’t yet because you might deem it too sacred to touch?

I don’t hold any music too sacred to touch, after all, the original is always preserved on record anyway. I toy with other people’s songs very occasionally and very selfishly.

I don’t even like some of the original tracks on my covers album but ended turning them on their head for one reason or another. It’s a very interesting process and in some ways, more revealing than recording self-written songs.

A word ahead of your upcoming performances in Malta…

I try not to over-think what gigs will be like as they often turn out the exact opposite. I’m very excited and honoured to come over and play there, and I would hope people can expect anything to happen.

www.gemmaray.tv

bugeja.michael@gmail.com

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