Call it English pride, but a singer you need to become familiar with is Paloma Faith--a huge singer/songwriter in the UK who is making her mark on the U.S in a big way, and here is why.
As I pour myself a glass of wine, her enchanting voice fills my living room and I am immediately in a happy place (the wine may have something to do with that). Either way, this singer is gorgeous, talented and I have her on repeat on my Spotify playlist.
Born and raised in Greater London, which is evident by her heavy accent, Paloma Faith has had a fairytale of a career and it has only just begun. Since 2011, she has already received three BRIT award nominations: twice for ‘Best British Female Solo Artist’ and once in 2013 for ‘Best British Album’ with Fall To Grace. And when you listen, look and get to know a little bit more about this artist, you will realize she has a style completely her own: eccentric, retro, unique and maybe a little bit wacky.
Paloma is inspired by the 1950s, as is evident with her platinum-streaked pompadour and bouffant hairstyles. This can also be seen in her outfit choices and ability to look both classy and sexy in trendy skirts, dresses and always a gorgeous pair of heels. Her voice is throaty, deep and something that hits you right where it counts, influenced by her idols Billie Holiday and Etta James.
I say "wacky" because this singer doesn’t really follow the norm or go with expectations. For example, she was asked to perform for the Prime Minister and declined due to the fact that she wasn’t the biggest fan of his political views. Not many artists would turn down this honor or opportunity, but it shows you how strongly she felt and how she refused to compromise her values for a single performance. Also, when asked to carry the Olympic torch and assigned a specific tracksuit to wear, Paloma, in her true quirky style, decided to deconstruct the jumpsuit and also pair it with a set of red high heels. That 300 yards may not have been easy to run/jog, but she definitely did it her own way and in style!
This artist writes about love, happiness, despair, depression, beauty standards (see song Cellulite) and so much more, with the ability to connect with just about anyone. And as her career develops, so does her music. Her first song ‘Stone Cold Sober’ hit #17 on the UK singles chart, with the theme of deceiving appearances. This followed with the album ‘Do You Want The Truth or Something Beautiful?’, which contains an array of honest, heartfelt songs which she explained: "My vocal style suits the subject matter of my album. It's about the human condition, the constant striving for love and companionship. I've thrown my heart at many a wrong man in my time, I can't tell you. I'm the queen of tragedy. Melancholy informs everything I do." An album later, and one more in the making, Paloma Faith is showing the world who she really is and, in a true, brazenly London fashion, is not afraid to do so.
So grab a glass of chardonnay, turn up the volume and enjoy.
