Mollie Marriott – 20 Questions
The surname may be familiar. Yes, this is the singing daughter of the Small Faces and Humble Pie great Steve Marriott. Offered the chance of a feature we thought Mollie might enjoy a customised 20 Q’s from Pete. So we can now present her responses…
- You are on an album set I have celebrating Ronnie Lane? What are your memories of that all-star show?
Oh my gosh I was so very young I was 17 I think. I remember it being kind of crazy backstage. A lot of people who shouldn’t have really been there and pissing people off. It was a night of firsts.
The first time I performed at The Royal Albert Hall. The first time meeting Simon Fowler also. I love Ocean Colour Scene and was in awe of Simon’s voice. He was so drunk and kept cuddling me saying how he was going to make it his duty to look after me all night…. whilst using me as a leaning post. It was funny. The first time Ronnie Wood, my step sister Sam and I shared the stage which was amazing. It was very emotional for all involved.
- The third track on an album is often a gem – can you think of any? (artist / title / source album) – as many as you like!!!
‘Blue Letter’ – Fleetwood Mac – Fleetwood Mac. I love that song. So driving and really has that classic FM sound.
‘Alive Pearl’ – Jam – Ten – Possibly my favourite Rock album and the minute that guitar intro starts I beam and I’m instantly thrown back to my childhood, black velvet and DM’s
‘The Wolves’ – Ben Howard – Every Kingdom. Great lyric and that hook that every time I go to a Ben Howard concert the crowd are left singing for hours.
‘ To The River’ – Susan Tedeschi – Back To The River. One of my favourite songs to sing and great guitar riff and vocal. Pure Blues Funk!
….God, I could be here all day!!
- How do you look after your voice? Any tips for aspiring singers heading for the stage?
Before, I used to smoke and drink and never bother warming up but then I realised, to do this properly you literally have to think like an athlete and train. Eat well, quit the s*** and get your head in the game. I don’t have sugar or dairy as I found these really screwed up my voice. I stopped drinking, not that I did much anyway and stopped smoking. I stretch everyday. Full body and all the muscles around your throat. It has made a big difference in my range. I tend to carry stress around my shoulders and throat so I tend to see my sports therapist for deep tissues massages twice a month.
- A recording that makes you laugh ….intentionally or otherwise! (artist/track/source album)
Anything by Tenacious D but probably their song ‘Tribute’, most.
- An acoustic gem? What song/tune and who by? What’s the appeal?
Either ‘Heart of Gold’ – Neil Young or ‘River’ – Joni Mitchell. Both have this warm sadness that pulls you in. I always tend to listen to these more in the winter I find.
- Best 2nd or follow up album of all time and why? ( I love The Doors ‘Strange Days’)
Hands down ‘Rumours’!! I know it was (that) Fleetwood Mac’s second album but with the new line up it was so I’m cheating a bit but they completely transformed adding the girls and the writing was just spellbinding and beautiful. That album will never get old and will stand the test of time!
Name an actor or actress who made a listenable song recording – and what’s the appeal?
Oh gosh I could name a few but the one that stands out to me is anything Jack Black does. I really think his voice is absolutely incredible and his range is insane. But there are some great singing Actors/ Actresses. Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson, Jared Leto, Gwyneth Paltrow.
- Where are you planning to perform next?
I am performing with the full band at Electrowerkz in Islington, London and then the Bluesfest at the 02 on November 8th. I’m very excited about both. They are both different style of gigs. One full band one acoustic and I love doing both.
- Which artist did you go to see perform with low expectations but ended up impressed? Where and when was this?
I wouldn’t say I had low expectations as I know how loved they are, I just wasn’t sure what to expect but I recently saw Jethro Tull in London and thought the band were epic. Proper folk rock! It was a Rock Opera and hands down the most crazy thing I’ve seen but great!
- Where in the world in your opinion is live music best received? What venues appeal?
Nashville I think. The music scene in Nashville is just mind blowing. Every bar you walk into there is someone who will blow your mind vocally or musically. I remember Emmy Lou Harris just suddenly appearing out of nowhere and getting up.. I fan girled a lot and this women turned to me, laughed and said “Honey, welcome to Nashville”
Germany are also fantastic supporters for live music!
- Has a radio DJ anywhere ( and any era) ever impressed you and if so why?
Bob Harris. I am very close to him. He impresses me everyday with his knowledge of the industry and the catalogue that is stored in his brain. It’s very important to me that he likes my music as I respect him so much. Luckily he does.
- Can you dance? Do you dance?
Dancing was actually my first passion before singing. I lived for a beat and nothing would get me moving like a Michael Jackson snare!! Would hit me right through the chest. Whenever I was having a hard time personally I would book out the dance room at school and just express myself and throw myself around until I felt empty and got all the frustration out. It wasn’t until I had an accident skating and injured my back and knee that I had to stop. I was so upset but turned to singing. I still do the odd dance class
- Name a recording (an album maybe) that really ‘grew’ on you and has ended up as essential listening? What is it about this recording that you value?
Björk – ‘Debut’. I remember first hearing it as a kid and going what the hell is that about? ‘Play Dead’ was being constantly played and I then realised just how incredible that album was. She uses her voice in such a unique way. A true instrument. Her writing and production is so ahead of its time I still don’t think we are ready for it. It is now one of my favourites.
- Suggest a song that reminds you of your childhood – and why might this be?
Toto ‘Hold the Line’… my Mum loved it!!
- Also your favourite recording by your father, Steve
Without a doubt ‘Rocking The Fillmore’ Humble Pie. One of the best live albums ever recorded in my opinion. Captures the energy and the bands magnetic vibe between musicians. My Dad’s vocal on it just blows me away. He does this vocal run just before ‘I’m Ready’ to introduce it and it goes right through me and just frightens me how it can come out of such a tiny little person.
- What have you worn on stage that makes you laugh now?
I’m very picky on my stage outfits to make sure that never happens. Anything I’ve worn, even if its a little wacky was how I wanted to express myself in that moment so I just roll with it!
- Is there a book or novel that you would like to create songs or the score for? Why is this?
Yes… Dracula! Can you imagine!! I’d love it. As I always say, I love the beauty in darkness and I tend to learn more towards that when writing so I’d love to write for it and have someone like Lana Del Rey sing it. She is the best for movie songs of that kind of feel I find.
- Did you enjoy school? Whether you did or not, which song reminds you of schooldays (artist/ title/source album)?
I LOVED my secondary school in Henley. My whole year cried when we had to leave it was devastating. I recently went back there to perform so they could see there is an after life after school ha. One of my teachers was still there and I lost instant cool point off the students for running and jumping on her. I had wonderful teachers. Probably the whole album ‘Californication’ Red Hot Chilli Peppers. We were absolutely obsessed with it.
Pete Sargeant
Mollie Marriott’s new single ‘A Million Miles’ is released on MITA Records and is available to buy now. In addition, Mollie will be performing on The Acoustic Stage on Sunday 8th November 2015 at 4.40pm at Prudential Bluesfest London at 02 Arena as part of the free daytime performances. For more information visit: http://www.prudentialbluesfest.co.uk/
For more information on Mollie Marriott and her new releases visit: http://molliemarriott.com/
Thanks Cat, thanks Glenn
