To celebrate the release of 'A Perfect Contradiction' in America on October 7th, Paloma recently took part in a question and answer session live at Reddit HQ in NYC. As with previous sessions it proved to be very popular with fans from all over the world. Below you can see the questions that Paloma answered.
Hi this is Paloma Faith, a singer from the UK. I have an issue with truth. Ask me anything.
My album 'A Perfect Contradiction' is available in the USA from October 7th. My website is palomafaith.com and tonight I am on David Letterman. Ready to take the US by storm.
You're locked in a room with a starving hippopotamus. You have two cans of play-doh, a baguette and a Human League CD. What's your first move?
HAHA! Firstly, I would feed the starving hippopotamus with the baguette to gain it's trust, and make friends. Then I would make a comfortable saddle for myself on the back of it with the play-doh, and with Human League CD in hand, I would get him to walk through the wall and get us through it quick time.
I loved you on Never Mind the Buzzcocks with Noel Fielding. Will we get to see you two be adorable again soon?
I'd like to go back on it! A lot of Americans have got it on YouTube.
Generally speaking, which is actually the one you'd want: the truth, or something beautiful?
I used to say something beautiful, because I'm a fantasist. But the older I get, the more I prefer the truth.
You have such an interesting and unique style... who or what would you say inspires you the most?
Marilyn Monroe, for fashion. And Frida Kahlo, Grace Jones, Edith Piaf, Josephine Baker, and for music... Etta James, Tina Turner, Shirley Bassey, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Laverne Baker...
What is your favourite song that you wrote on A Perfect Contradiction? Also I saw in an interview that Jeanette Winterson is one of your favourite writers: what's your favourite of her books?
My favourite book of hers is 'Why be happy when you can be normal'. And my favourite song... probably 'Mouth to Mouth'.
What do you think about Lana Del Rey?
I think she's creatively really inspiring. And I love her image.
What's your favourite song to cover?
Nick Cave 'Into my Arms'
Will you be doing any meet and greets with your fans before or after the shows in the US and what is your favourite song to perform and why?
Yes. I will be doing meet and greets. I will come out and say hello afterwards. And 'Trouble with my Baby' because it's a good opportunity for the band to go a bit wild.
When I first listened to your two previous albums, I was blown away because you're like nothing out there at the moment. Your third album sounds very different (in a very good way). What inspired you to change the vibe of this new album? Will there be a second show in NYC?
I hope that there will be another NYC show, but it won't be on this tour. I don't believe that I'm a one dimensional person, so don't be surprised if every album you hear from me sounds different. I don't see it as change, I see it as showing another side to what I can do.
How do you feel about meeting your fans at stage doors after your shows? I would love to meet you after your show in my town! You are absolutely fabulous and your music has got me through some tough times. Big love from a Scottish fan!
I feel very strongly about it. But in the UK, it's harder because the shows are so big, and I don't hire security guards! So you'll have to come to somewhere with a smaller show to meet me, somewhere safe.
Will you ever perform '30 Minute Love Affair' again? And what are you most looking forward to on tour?
Of course I will perform '30 Minute Love Affair'! I'm planning to do that for my March Arena tour in the UK. But in the US, my sets are quite short, so I have to just play the album I'm promoting right now. I'm most looking forward to meeting my American fans after the shows.
Is your hair currently red or blonde? or both?
BLONDE.
What is the best thing about your life at the moment?
Ehm, best thing... I think like, finally, having two number ones within a very short space of time. I'm three albums in and it took a while.
You always have marvellous hair. Are the genius behind it or is it someone else?
As with most good things, it's also collaborative. I'm an ideas person, and I have a lot of help making them reality. I take Viviscal, have you heard of it? It's a hair supplement. It works.
If you could choose any artist(s) past and present to sing with who would you choose?
Etta James, Andre 3000, Paolo Nutini and Amy Winehouse.
Is the DoD aware of your plans to "take the US by storm"? Do you anticipate resistance? Care to share your strategy?
HAHAHAH! That's a good one! It wouldn't be an attack if I notified them. So I'm hoping to take them by surprise.
Do you have one fear that keeps you up at night?
American Horror Story! Hahaha!
Where do you draw your inspiration from, both in music and in your amazing fashion sense?
See above.
I'm a huge fan of Vintage Trouble and have been lucky enough to see you perform with them. Is there any recording planned in the future?
Well, with the re-release of my album in the UK, the Outsiders Edition, we have put 45 minutes of the Prom's show that I did, in which there's a duet with Ty on it of 'I'd Rather Go Blind' by Etta James, with a 42 piece orchestra and a 30 piece choir. It was the Proms, it was like the biggest highlight of my career.
Will your US tour dates have a merch stand?
Hopefully by the time we get to your town we won't be sold out of it, but yes.
I find your voice incredible soulful and unique, I find a lot of similarities with you and the late Amy Winehouse? Was she someone you looked up to? and if so, what was your favourite song of hers?
I don't think anyone should look up to anyone. I looked along to her, and I thought she was an incredible artist. But at the time she came out, I was already doing the same style of music, it's just that everybody in the world heard about her first, so I would say she someone with similar taste to me that I liked because of that. I think 'Tears dry on their Own'.
What's better bacon or eggs?
Bacon.
I know you enjoy cooking but what other things help you unwind when you aren't writing or in the studio?
The cinema... reading... and that thing that makes the world go 'round.
Are you a Beyonce fan?
Yeah, who isn't?
How are you?
I'm a big jet-lagged. But happy to be back in the USA... and ask me anything, you can do better than that! Haha! There won't be many opportunities to ask me anything!
What's your perfect Sunday?
I love going to the cinema... I really like cooking. Probably have a roast dinner, because that's very British. Jamie Oliver's roast potatoes must be involved... And I like it to be calorie-free, so I can have loads of Ferrero Rochers.
Do you support any organisations (like non-profits)?
I'm an ambassador of OXFAM and a patron for Topsy Charity... Keep a Child Alive, Comic Relief (as much as possible)...
What children's song do you still regularly sing to yourself?
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Will we be getting more music videos to complete the story?
YES! But I think I'm going to - I'm currently looking into the new single, like what I'm releasing next. So I might not be able to be in it, because I don't have much time, but I'm definitely going to feed into the narrative.
Do other people decide what outfits you wear during your music videos or do you get to decide?
Oh, it's a combination, it's colloborative.
I know you were in the first St Trinian's film, what was your experience working on that film and do you have any particular stand out memories?
I love acting, it was fun. The people were really nice and I made some good friendships. People who stood out as being particularly nice were Rupert Everett, Colin Firth and Gemma Arterton. And I think, what was the memorable bit, was when we had to steal the painting and we were doing ab-sailing upside-down and above loads of school kids? I don't know what it's called? On the ceiling.
How was working on your latest album? What did you find the most challenging and most exciting about creating your current work?
I think working with people that I've admired a lot of my life was exciting, like I've been a Raphael Saadiq fan since I was 13, and Pharrell, obviously, I grew up listening to NERD, John Legend, and some British Artists like Plan B, and then I think the most creative element of it has been working on the visual side, like the visuals and the artwork, I'm very lucky at my label because they give me full creative control on everything, so it's something I can sink my teeth into.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Okay... don't try to fit in, because you're never going to anyway, so embrace you're different. I tried that for ages! And... ehm... please don't feel so unworthy. There you go.
Will you ever have a concert in Turkey?
I don't know, maybe? I'd like to. Maybe I can squeeze in a holiday too!
Are all your songs inspired by personal experiences of love, relationships and people around you (thinking about songs like 'Black & Blue' where you talk about a variety of people and experiences)?
You know the answer to this question: YES.
How excited are you for us to hear the new tracks you've made for the Outsiders' edition of the flawless album that is 'A Perfect Contradiction'? And do you think we will hear the other tracks you did with Pharrell?
Ask Pharrell about those tracks, please! Because I'm having difficulty! HAHAH! And then for the rest of the answer, I'm excited about the 5 new tracks. I think people will be surprised, they add another layer to it.
Do you have any stories of how you discovered an artist you love?
I tend to discover artists quite a lot because I'm around a lot of music, but I think I've often worked with people in my band who've gone on to become incredible artists, especially Lianne La Havas, who was one of my backing singers. She has now got a blossoming solo career of her own...
Will you cover Candi Staton's 'Young Hearts Run Free' on your US tour since you said it inspired the new album?
I'm not going to cover that song, I'm afraid, but I've got other ones... I've been told to play for an hour, but I have the feeling it's going to run over!
What is your favourite track right now?
In all honesty, I don't really listen to much music! I am just really busy, I don't have much time.
If you could be food what food would you be?
I wouldn't want to be a food because then I'd be eaten and then I'd be dead!
You mentioned 'The Great Beauty' as a favourite film of yours, which made me seek it out. It was stunningly beautiful in every way. Any other recommendations? I love foreign films, esp. those of Pedro Almodovar.
Holy Motors again... The Beat That My Heart Skipped... In The Mood For Love... And if you liked The Great Beauty you should watch any films by Fellini.
What would you most like to receive for Valentines Day?
I don't really need anything but love.
What are you most excited about when you come back to Australia?
Well I'm coming to tour there in May... and I'm really excited to do a proper show. I've never done a proper show in Australia. And meet my fans.
Can you give any hints about what the new single will be like on the re-packing?
That would be telling.
Do you know what northern soul is? and what is your favourite song of all time?
Yeah! Lots of talcum powder on the floor to dance to, haha.
Favourite song of all time... it's a difficult question. Depends what mood I'm in. When I'm feeling reflective, I think 'Strange Fruit' by Billie Holiday, and when I want to dance probably 'Bloodshot Eyes' by Wyonie Harris.
What is your favourite movie? and what are your favourite places to visit when you are in the USA?
Holy Motors. It's a french surreal film, featuring a cameo by Eva Mendes and Kylie Minogue! Well, every city's different. I really like, in New York, going to Miss Lily's, the MOMA, and in LA, I like Lady Peter's Whimsy, it's a great shop. And the Tiki-Ti, and the Dresden Rooms to see Marty and Elaine.
I've bought me and my Mum tickets to see you at the O2 in March next year as she's a huge fan. Any idea who you're going to get as your support act? Would love to see you and Ty Taylor performing together again!
It's funny you should say that, I'm trying to persuade him!
Will you ever tour Canada or just in the United States?
I'd love to tour Canada! I suppose if record sales look good there, then I'll come! Tell your friends!
Can I have one of your lovely hats, a la the Off the Cuff video? I've been looking for one recently to no avail.
I had to give it back too, sorry!
Are you going to be on Alan Carr soon? You guys are hilarous together.
Yes, if he'll have me! I gave him and Adele food poisoning last summer.
What were your first thoughts when you heard MK was going to remix Can't Rely on You? How do you feel it turned out? and how was performing at Bestival this year? Correct me if I'm wrong but I think I saw you mention on C4 that it was your favourite festival. Did this year's gig live up to your expectations?
I'm not really very up to scratch with remixes, so I didn't really know who he was, but I really like the remix. It was difficult, because we were onstage and finishing at 2am in the morning, which is not an ideal time to sing... but we did enjoy it, and the crowd was wonderful.
I was wondering if you will do any American talk show appearances whilst in the states? I also live in the southern part of the US, will you have any shows for your fans down here (like in Texas)?
My aim is to get to as much of America as I can, but not this tour. I'm addicted to talking, you can't shut me up. It's just a case of trying to get the opportunities. I'm singing on Letterman though!
Will you be performing any of the 5 new songs from the re-release of A Perfect Contradiction on your UK Autumn Tour?
Unfortunately I won't be performing those songs because they aren't even finished production-wise yet, so the band can't know them because they're not telepathic (okay, well a couple of them are telepathic, but the others can't keep up).
Which of your looks from any of your videos should I copy next month for Halloween? My name's Graham and I work in mail delivery.
Mail, or male? If it's the latter, you lucky bastard! haha! I think the cult situation is obviously going to be the one.
Were you surprised that your first number 1 was outside of the UK? And do you wish your Australian fans had discovered you later, so that your first number 1 would have been Changing in the UK?
No, because the single I was number one with in Australia was my song, not somebody else's. You have my heart!
Tea or Coffee?
Herbal tea.
What is your favourite food?
I quite like paella.
I'd like to know as someone from Liverpool how you happened to get involved with the Hillsborough charity single. Was it something in particular that struck you?
Well, they approached me and I just thought it was a really good cause.
My question applies to you, as well as musicians who are touring in general; who gets to decide which venues/cities you'll end up stopping by on tour? I have been fortunate enough to see so many great acts in Pittsburgh, but most seem to skip right over it and go from Philly to Columbus. What's up with that!?
I don't decide. I just turn up. If you want to write a letter of complaint, write to Jeff Rasco at CAA.
Probably Do you Want the Truth or Something Beautiful.
How did you feel about Prince liking Stargazer? Do you prefer doing big shows with lots of production or smaller intimate gigs?
Obviously it's flattering for Prince to like anything that you do as an artist because he is a god of music... I can see good things about performing in big situations and small... I think that my heart of hearts it prefers intimate venues.
If you're stranded on a desert island, that magically has unlimited power, and a record player... What five albums do you want to have with you?
Paolo Nutini, 'Caustic Love'
Laura Mvula, 'Green Garden'
Etta James' Greatest Hits
Prince, '1999'
Ministry of Sound, best of 90's garage.
I've read lots of rumours about you possibly taking up a judging role on a show like The X Factor or The Voice. Would you ever consider accepting a judging role?
No, I don't like judgement. I've been offered these shows several times and said no to all of them because I think music is subjective.
As a musician, do you think it's important to get a full education before trying to put your material out there for people to see, or should you get involved in the music industry as soon as possible?
I think education is really important, because it gives you a plan b, and it's a very difficult industry to get into, so it's always good to have a backup. So I would say: study first.
Your performance on 'Live from Abbey Road' was spectacular and 'Do you Want the Truth or Something Beautiful' has remained one of my favourite songs since that performance. Are you going to perform that song/album on the Australian leg of the tour? And what was your motivation for that song?
I'd like to perform it, I'll see. Inspiration was: I found myself been asked quite often questions that I didn't like the answer to, and also being judged for my answers, like things to do with my age or my experiences in my life, like just at times and in situations where I wish I could have erased them, so that's why I wrote that song.
What's your biggest regret?
Putting some stupid men on pedestals.
Any conditioner recommendations? I have a pale yet untameable fringe.
There's a new LV volumizing thing that's quite good.
What are you wearing right now?
Dolce & Gabbana head to toe.
Thank you everybody who wrote in with questions from all over the world. But USA, it's now your time to shine. I look forward to meeting you. Paloma x
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