Dublin singer SJ Talbot has released her new single, Millisecond. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
A BIMM Dublin graduate and vocal coach, the 23-year-old pop artist from Clontarf released her debut single Envy, and a collaboration with Chris Short, in 2021, and then followed by her second solo single Easy for Me.
Tell us three things about yourself?
I love to cook different foods, specifically vegetarian dishes. I've been writing songs since I was ten years old, and during my college years I was an extra in Fair City.
How would you describe your music?
I’ve a broad palette when it comes to music taste and writing songs, so I always find it tough to answer this question! I usually resolve to writing uplifting pop songs containing bright, passionate elements and with influences ranging from indie rock and soul.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I grew up listening to iconic singers such as Amy Winehouse, Adele, Nina Simone, and Duffy. As a singer I’d drawn huge inspiration from Adele’s 21 album and played the CD every evening after school while I did my homework, trying to mimic her vocal traits. I was glued to MTV as a kid and loved watching strong female performers such as Britney Spears, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga. It’s artists like them that inspired me to start writing pop music from a young age. Other honourable mentions that inspired my song writing are Taylor Swift and Bon Iver.
What was the first gig you ever went to and the first record you ever bought/downloaded?
The first gig I can remember going to was Paramore in the 3Arena back in 2010. Those were great years to be a pre-teen because Paramore had released their album Brand New Eyes, which is just pop punk perfection! They were my favourite band at the time and still hold a special place in my heart. The first record I bought was Anastacia’s self-titled album from 2004. She was my karaoke go-to back then and is forever a queen!
What’s your favourite song right now?
Every Bottle (Is My Boyfriend) by CMAT. The Irish music scene is bursting with amazing solo artists at the moment and CMAT’s song writing skills are top tier. 10/10 would recommend.
Favourite lyric of all time?
My favourite lyrics come from a song by Emily King called The Switch. The song is about having a partner that switches personalities when out in public and flirts with everyone else around them. In the verse Emily sings 'out to dinner, you’re a winner, you make the waitress laugh. She brings you a coffee, says it’s on me, then I’m left with the tab’. It’s such a satisfying line to listen to every time!
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
All Too Well (10-minute version) by Taylor Swift without a doubt. It’s just the best way to spend ten minutes. Her ability to write a pop song lasting ten minutes without a dull moment is mind boggling to me.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find me on all streaming services under SJ Talbot, sj.talbot on Instagram and SJ Talbot music on Twitter and Facebook.
