UK singer Amelia Coburn has released her new single, Sandra. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
Her debut album, Between the Moon and the Milkman, was released in 2024 and was inspired by a true horror story, lived by the French landlady she lived with while in Paris.
Produced by Bill Ryder-Jones (founding member of The Coral), the album has gained a cult following, including praise from Paul Weller and Paul Heaton,
Amelia's music is a mix of gothic literature and film noir influences, and speaking about Sandra, Amelia says, "It's one of my favourite songs from the album, inspired by the life of my French landlady, who I’m still close to today. I wanted to release it as a single to carve out a special space for her story.
"Filming the video in Paris made it even more meaningful; walking the same streets she once took to and from work felt like stepping into her world. Her life held a lot of tragedy, but she never let it define her.
"We took inspiration from the classic short film Le Ballon Rouge (The Red Balloon) to capture that part of her: the way she found joy and happiness even in the smallest things."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I’m from Middlesbrough and fiercely proud of that, but I’ve also lived in Mexico, France, Russia and Slovenia. I’m a fan of all things weird and spooky, which explains why my comfort film is The Wicker Man (the 1973 version, to be clear). I have an irrational hatred of shower curtains, belly buttons and the stringy bits on bananas.
How would you describe your music?
My songs have previously been described as "like century-old fairy tales," I suppose because they tell tales that are sometimes tender, but often a little twisted. Imagine a medieval bard stumbling into a David Lynch film - I’d say that's how my music sounds.
Who are your musical inspirations?
My inspirations are quite varied, but storytelling is at the heart of what draws me to certain artists. I love songwriters who create vivid worlds and narratives within their music - people like Tom Waits, Kate Bush and Joni Mitchell. I’m also influenced by the theatrical side of artists like The Divine Comedy, Scott Walker and Rufus Wainwright, and the cinematic chord progressions of Radiohead and Goldfrapp.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I have two answers for this: the cool answer, and the honest answer. My cool answer would be the first gig I ever bought tickets for, which was for indie band Palma Violets when they played the local club in Middlesbrough. The real answer, however, would be X-Factor Live 2009.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I think it was The Queen is Dead. My Dad already owned most of my favourite records, but he never quite shared my love of The Smiths, so I had to fill that part of the shelf myself.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Big Cat Tattoos by Hamish Hawk. I opened for Hamish in Newcastle a few weeks back and he’s brilliant.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Every word of Down in the Tube Station at Midnight by The Jam, but particularly the lines: "They smelt of pubs and Wormwood Scrubs, and too many right-wing meetings." Weller is a lyrical genius!
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It’d have to be something I can sing and dance along to, preferably a 12" mix so I wouldn’t get bored of it, like the extended mix of Rapper's Delight by The Sugarhill Gang.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My website. You can also find more on all the usual streaming services and social media platforms. I share exclusive content, cover songs and behind-the-scenes bits on my Patreon.
Alan Corr
