HomeMusicInterview: Twinnie discusses Better When I'm Drunk EP and performing at C2C

Interview: Twinnie discusses Better When I’m Drunk EP and performing at C2C

Already recognised as a stand-out artist-to-watch, British singer-songwriter Twinnie is quickly developing a loyal fanbase of supporters.

Known to many for her acting career, it’s her powerhouse vocals, honest storytelling, and dedicated performances that’s gaining attention from fans and critics alike.

The recent BMG signee released her debut EP Better When I’m Drunk on 1st March and she’s since launched the official music video for the title track.

Ahead of Twinnie’s first headline show, I sat down to discuss the journey to her current success, working with some of Nashville’s best, and what the talented artist is turning her attention to next.

You’re playing your debut headline show at The Lexington in London on 17th April, what can fans expect at that event, and what are you looking forward to most about this performance?

I’m looking forward to playing new music, songs that people haven’t heard.
Selling merch, talking to fans, the whole experience, really.

Congratulations on the release of your debut EP, Better When I’m Drunk! What’s the reaction been like, and did you ever expect the title track to hit the #1 spot on the UK Country Charts in just 48 hours?

I did not, I was totally blown away. Quite amazing, really! I never expected everyone to be so supportive. It really has been such an incredible experience.

What’s the story behind the song, Better When I’m Drunk, and how did it come about?

One of my friends was going through a difficult time with the guy she was dating, they were on and off. We went out on a girls’ night, and, it’s quite funny now looking back, because she would be adamant that she wasn’t talking to him and she wasn’t gonna text him, but after one glass of wine she would then regret the next morning. I wanted to show the truth and humour in the situation. The night of – versus – the morning after.

You’ve co-written with some amazing writers on the new EP – Adam Argyle (Dua Lipa, Rita Ora, James Bay, James Arthur), Yei Gonzalez (Jennifer Lopez, DJ Khaled, Cardi B), Ariel Lask, Jeremy Spillman and UK singer-songwriter Lucie Silvas. Did you intentionally set out to work with writers from such a wide variety of genres, and how did it shape the ultimate product you’ve released?

Not really. I didn’t really have a plan. The writes totally came about by chance, but all of the writers have either been to Nashville or live there, which is pretty cool. So at least they understood what I was trying to create and what I was inspired by.

Who else have you been working with, and what does this mean fans can look forward to hearing in the near future?

I’ve been working on a couple of collaborations. I’m currently still writing the album so working with lots of writers in the UK and the US. The fans can expect more music soon, that’s for sure.

Twinnie
Credit Gavin Bond

You were back for this year’s C2C: Country to Country shows at London’s The O2, how was this year different to the others you’ve attended?

Well, it’s the first time I’ve had music out, so the fans actually sang along which was awesome. That was new for me and it made me cry on stage at one point. It’s really special to hear people singing your songs back at you.

Some fans who’ve followed your acting career have been surprised to discover your passion and dedication for country-pop inspired music, but it’s been with you right from the start, hasn’t it? Has it been a difficult journey almost re-introducing yourself to your own fanbase, as well as new supporters?

Erm, no not really. I think some people know me more famously for other things, but they have been very supportive towards my music, which is so nice.

How did growing up in the north of England inspire or shape your writing style, and is it important to you to represent this part of the world in country music?

I grew up in the north of England where typically they tell it how it is. I was always inspired by that and I guess that shaped me as a songwriter. It’s so important to me that I can tell my story honestly without any restrictions. It would be a dream of mine to represent country music anywhere, but especially here on my home turf.

When did you decide to start spending time in Nashville, and what was it about the city that drew you there? How has it shaped your appreciation for music since? How often do you get to go back to write?

One of my best friends, Jon Green, took me there, showed me around, introduced me to people, it was an amazing trip. I just fell in love with it and I’ve been going for years now. I think I appreciate the art of songwriting more than I ever did before going. I just remember thinking when I had my first writing session, how great everyone was and how much I wanted to learn and work.

I’m also loving the song, Hollywood Gypsy, which appears to be very autobiographical, tell me how the song came about, and what the lyrics mean to you.

Thank you so much! The lyrics are basically my life, it means so much to me that song. It’s always tricky when you’re being that personal about not only yourself, but other members of your family. It worked out well though and I think people appreciated how truthful it was, and gave a good introduction to me and what I’m about. It also pays homage to my aunt Twinnie, who I’m named after.

What’s next for you, what are your goals for the upcoming year, and can fans look forward to a full-length album soon?

The full-length album will be probably next year, but you won’t have to wait for music till then, I promise. My goal is to keep playing my songs to people, hopefully a lot. Next, is the headline show on the 17th April at the Lexington in London, then I’m going to Nashville, where I’ll be writing some more, gigging, and releasing more music.

Twinnie’s debut EP Better When I’m Drunk is out now. Watch the music video for the title track below:

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Megan Gnad
Megan Gnad worked as a reporter on daily newspapers before heading into the world of music journalism. Since moving from New Zealand to London in 2014, she began freelancing for UK and Australian publications, focusing mainly on country, roots and Americana genres. Time spent in Nashville has only increased her love and admiration for the music, and those working tirelessly and passionately to keep it alive and well.

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