Eliza Doolittle: Big Things Poppin'

Being labelled as one of UK’s brightest musical talents is a honor that comes with heavy weight and even more pressure. Coming from a family of theatrical and musical prominence, Eliza Doolittle seems to carry this title with ease. Ever since garnering major attention with her 2010 debut single “Skinny Genes” and her self-titled debut album has been solidifying her status within the industry, the Camden native has been convincing music critics and fans alike with her charming and chirpy pop music approach. And things continue to look bright. The success Her recent feature on Disclosure’s single “You & Me” has received royal remix treatment by the likes of Baauer and Toro Y Moi. Needless to say that the moment has come to prepare the world for her upcoming sophomore release. Her new single “Big When I Was Little” is doing just that. Bearing a somewhat “new soulfulness,” the nostalgic tune offers a new side to the talented singer-songstress that will be embraced by old and new fans alike. We met up with Miss Doolittle in London to discuss her upcoming release, the success of “You & Me,” the influence of her life experiences and more.

Tell us about your new single “Big When I Was Little.” What is the story/theme behind it?
Well, it’s all in the title really. It’s about all the things that were “Big When I Was Little.” It’s a very nostalgic song for me. It takes me back to the very beginning. I appreciate my childhood and my teenage years so much, and it felt cool to write about it and remember the things that made me happy and really how great it was to not have a care in the world.

It will also be featured on your upcoming sophomore album. How would you describe the conceptual approach for your new LP compared to your debut album? How does your life experiences during the last three years are presented on it?
Well, in the last three years I hope I’ve grown as a human bean let alone as a musician. When I wrote my first album, I was very young, and hadn’t experienced much of anything really, certainly not love and no real pain. Since the last album, i’ve been on a mad journey. I began in one place and ended up on the other side of the universe it feels. I’ve written about my experiences over the last 18 months. There were times where I would write everyday and document what I was really feeling, just pouring it out. I could say this album is a heartbreak record, but it’s not. This is more than that. It is a realization, a discovery of so many things that i thought i knew, but i certainly didn’t. There’s still so much I don’t know and maybe will never know but throughout making this album I learnt more than I ever have before.

You were recently featured on Disclosure’s hit single “You & Me.” What does this song mean for your career?
For me, I just love making music, so we tried it out. “You & Me” was born and I absolutely love it, so I suppose it means good things.

What are you trying to reach with your music?
I’m always trying to reach that moment of understanding. Without spelling it out. Just knowing when you hear it what a song is saying and feeling, that’s when its great.

You’ve come from a family of artists. What does your family say about your career as a recording artist? Did they want you to pursue a more “white-collar” job?
(Laughs) Yes, my mother does say she would have preferred me to have gone for something less difficult career wise, she knows it’s such a hardcore industry. But she and my dad and my whole family totally back me and support me, specially since they know making music is making me so happy.

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far in the music industry?
For me it’s not to be such a control freak over my music — to let things open up and relax more. You got to let things be a little bit so that they can grow — and so that you can grow.

Biggest mistake you’ve made in your career so far?
Probably what I said before really, i can definitely be over protective of myself and my music. It’s so important to trust.

Other than music, what other creative fields interest you?
I love film, and I guess I get to dabble in it a little bit, making music videos. I also love to draw. I make little sketches on restaurant napkins and I am definitely a doodle-er.

What has been your favorite music release in 2013 so far?
There’s already so many good ones. I love the Chance the Rapper mixtape. He has so much soul and character and it’s so nice to hear such a great rapper who can also sing so beautifully. I’ve also had the new Arctic Monkeys song “Do I Wanna Know” on repeat since it came out. That song is pure sex. I can’t wait for their album to finally come out. I know I’m a bit biased since i featured with them but Disclosure’s album is my favorite release of the year so far. It’s already a classic. I play it all the time, skipping past my own track of course (laughs).

Any final words?
Kiss me.

Interview: Petar Kujundzic
Photography: Ravi Sidhu for HYPETRAK