Hope Sandoval in LA
What were you like when you were a little girl? Introverted, shy and quiet.
How did you like to spend your time, and what did you think about? Riding my tricycle in a circle as I could only ride it in the yard. Meeting various imaginary townspeople and waving to them.
Where did you grow up? How did it influence the person you have become?
I grew up in Los Angeles in a very rough neighborhood, and these things always cast a shadow on your personality... I definitely have used those childhood memories in my music.
Did you have a favourite story you loved when you were small?
Thumbelina comes to mind... A sad and beautiful little fairytale. I related to it.
What is your favourite story now?
Yuri Norstein’s adaptation of Hedgehog in the Fog... Hoo hoo.
What music did you first start listening to?
I have no memory of my first moments of music, being that music has always been in my life.
Do you think that the things you loved when you were little had an influence on the music you have created as a grown-up? I loved music boxes. I had one with a little ballerina wearing a real chiffon tutu who would dance when you opened the box... I suppose that's where the idea came to use a music box sound on our record.
What music do you love to listen to now?
Beach House. They remind me a little bit of Opal. They're really good.
Did you learn to play any musical instruments when you were little?
Yes. My father bought me a guitar when I was twelve.
Can you remember how and when you started to write songs?
I was fifteen and I wrote my first song with Sylvia Gomez and it was called Shane.
When did you know that making music was what you wanted to do with your life?
I still wonder.
Did you ever think you wanted to do something else entirely?
I wanted to be Pink Panther’s lady cat.
What would you be now if you weren't making music?
A sailor with a girl in every port.
How did you discover the sound that you wanted to make through your music? Was it through collaboration, or is that kind of aesthetic something that you have always had? Obviously when you collaborate the end result is what you've created together... The best music is ideas that are shared.
How do you write your songs? Is there somewhere in particular you like to be? Do you get ideas all the time? Do you look to particular people or places or things for inspiration?All the above... There's nothing better than sitting in a restaurant and eavesdropping on the table next to you. A little bit of imagination and at the end of the night you have a story.
Do you think of the people who will listen to your songs when you write them? Of course I think about that, but one of the worst things you can do is stifle yourself with what people might think. You have to give yourself the freedom to express yourself sincerely.
How do you feel about performing? Do you feel like yourself, or do you have to pretend to be someone else? I don't perform. I sing live and I do feel like myself, though it can be a bit awkward at times.
Your songs often sound so personal and intimate - was it strange for you when people fell in love with your music so much? No, not at all. It's nice to know people have a connection.
How do you feel about 'Fade Into You' being the most romantic make-out song ever for a certain age-group? I didn't know people were making out to it. This whole time I thought they were having cookies and milk while discussing the length of their legs.
What do you love most about what you do? And what do you like least?
I love that I play my interpretation of music... The least... That fools criticise it.
What is your favourite song to go to sleep to?
And your favourite song to wake up to?
Fred Neil, The Dolphins.
Can you describe your new album a little for us?
Hedgehog in the Fog and Rosemary's Baby.
Where is home?
Home is where the heart is.
How important is fashion to you?
How old were you when you started wearing long skirts and dresses?
Ask my momma.
Do you have a favourite item of clothing? Why do you love it?
Boots... Power.
Who are your heroes, and why?
Lady the cat. Animals live the most noble life.
What did you last dream about?
Mother.
What do you hope for?
Understanding.
Hope Sandoval and The Warm Inventions’ new album ‘Through the Devil Softly’
is released on Nettwerk Records on 29th September.