Interview: Molly Roberts
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
My mum is very musical and there was always music playing around the house when I was growing up so naturally, I started singing and my mum taught me how to play the piano.
I studied French and English at Exeter University and graduated last year, so I guess if I wasn’t pursuing music, then maybe Law or music publishing.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
I like to spend time with my friends and family and my dog Bobby. I also love running which I find really helps with my creativity.
How long have you been making music?
I started writing songs when I was about 8 years old, but the songs that I was writing then were not great, some were like 10 minutes long!
Where are you based and how did that influence your music?
After finishing my degree, I moved to London in September. The past year has been so much fun, and I’ve met so many talented writers and artists. I think my music is still largely the same, but I have noticed that my lyrics references busy cities more.
What is your favourite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
I’d really like to play at Brixton Academy eventually and the Royal Albert Hall is my dream venue, it has such an amazing atmosphere!
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the lineup?
My dream lineup would be Kate Bush, Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Annie Lennox - all the icons!
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?
I think some advice I’d give my younger self would be to say yes to every opportunity no matter how small or unimportant it seems.
If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?
I think it would be to believe in my music and to finish writing my songs! I used to have so many unfinished songs that I now make myself complete them even if they’re bad.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
I have an unreleased song called ‘Tears On My Piano’ which I wrote in about 10 minutes and I recorded it on a voice note. When I listened back to the recording, the song seemed to flow so well. I think it means the most to me as it’s very honest and emotional. I’ve played it to a few of my friends who seemed to like it and to connect to the song. The production still needs some work though, but I’m excited to release it eventually!
What is your creative process for writing your music and what inspires you to write your music?
Melodies are my strong point I’d say, often I come up with a melody and will record it quickly on my phone and then later I’ll sit down at a piano and write some lyrics to the melodies. I’ve found that the strongest melodies are the ones which I don’t record on my phone and still remember. I’ve starting co-writing more too which has been really enjoyable and I’ve learnt so much from.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
I want to create meaningful music which people can connect with, I write a lot about loss and love and life really. Some of my newer songs are more upbeat though!
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
I’m releasing a new song in every month of 2022, so follow me on Spotify or Instagram to hear new music! I’m also performing at The Bedford on 23rd August which I’m really looking forward to, so come along if you want to hear some new music!