Did you eat breakfast today?

Yes.. I’m a grab whats at hand kind of breakfaster.. today it was peanut butter on toast, but curry, pasta, cereal.. its all the same to me.. anything but eggs though.

For some time now you've been considered a cool, cult artiste... does it feel weird when new-girls-on-the-block appear and seem to sell millions overnight?

Not really. Peoples appetite for whats new will always be there, and there’ll always be new blood to fill the demand. Some will be great, some will be dull, some will be eat your own head and spit out the teeth irritating.. but thats the way its always been.

Is it tricky being a singer/songwriter AND a Mother?
No..
there’s nothing like a child to change your perspective on things, very useful if you’re writing. Sometimes I think I never really felt anything fully before I had Egan.
..and yes
its a logistical nightmare and a pit of guilt just like any working mother. Good job I have a kid who seems to be a roadie in training.

Do you know you were recently revealed as  being on Bruce Springsteens i-pod?
Yeah.. Its a pretty cool thing to know that someone I listen to so much listens to me. A nice reciprocal muso circle.

What are your favourites of your own songs?
That’s a toughie. I don’t really do favourites.. they all evolve and make their own way in the world and to have favourites would seem unfair somehow. As a songwriter, you always identify more with the most recent songs written because they’re a truer reflection of where your head is at at the time.. but then sometimes  you can go back to a song you wrote five years ago and find a part of yourself in it that you never knew you put there. They’re never static, they change with the people that hear them and the way you move on as a person.


Is it true that at the Trafalgar Square Make Poverty History gig last year Thom Yorke (a) borrowed your capo and (b) still hasn't given it back?
a) yes and b) yes.. the invoice is in the post Thom, plus interest.. or you can pay me what you think its worth!!

Desert Island Time... what five albums would you take?
That’s a moveable feast.. I couldn’t live without Rain Dogs by Tom Waits, Neil Youngs Sleeps With Angels and The Future by Leonard Cohen. Besides them, I’d like to take some newer stuff, Cassadega by Bright Eyes and maybe Alela Dianes album, The Pirates Gospel.

Do you drink as much red wine as some of your onstage anecdotes suggest?
And then some..

Most admired living person/most admired dead person?
Its easy to have global heroes, there are many amazing and powerful people in the world and I have admiration for anyone living or dead who has put their neck on the line and tried to make a difference to peoples lives.. but closer to home, living.. well there are three men in my life that I’ll admire forever.. My father, not only my first musical educator, but someone who has wrestled cancer twice and beaten the fucker both times. He’s an incredibly powerful and determined bloke.. My husband who is the strongest willed, most honest and most genuine person I’ve ever met.. and my son, who has the gift of making people smile wherever he goes. I know its corny.. but at least I’m honest eh?

Any particular memories/thoughts on your gig last October with the Cowboy Junkies and Ryan Adams at the Royal Albert Hall?
My enduring memory of that show (apart from loving it) was lining up with the band and Ryan before we went on stage and realising that they were all suited and booted and looking seriously smart (even the king of casual, Ryan who, besides a pair of rather colourful socks, was in a full suit and tie) and I looked like I’d been on the wrong side of an argument with the sale section of a cheap department store.. That and that the catering was excellent.

How are your cats?
In no particular order.. lazy, happy and aloof

On the new record, there seem to be virtually no "political" or issue based songs, in marked contrast to "Avalanche" and "Harpo's Ghost".  Can you explain why?
I decided to concentrate on politics with a small ‘p’. I’m a strong believer that everything is political and this album has a a lot of songs that deal with emotion and the nature of being able to live a life in the way you want. I think thats about as political as it gets.

Read any good books lately?
How long have you got?
My Revolutions by Hari Kunzru
House Of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
The Accidental by Ali Smith
Falling Man by Don DeLillo
The World To Come by Dara Horn
All of which should be read before you die.. so get cracking.

Have you ever written a song to try to get a guy to go out with you?
No. I’ve written a few to try to get blokes to dump me though!

You announced at a show last year that "Saying Nothing" was your 15 month old son's favourite song that you had written.  Does he like any others more yet?
He’s a big fan of Old Soul and The Wrong Side from the new album.. but he’s happier when he’s listening to Vashti Bunyan.

What do you consider your worst traits?
Laziness, fatalism, idealism and cynisism. How many isms? There’s really nothing worse than a lazy idealist... or for that matter and idealistic cynic. Its a wonder I haven’t been asassinated yet.. I could pose a real threat to national security if I could be arsed.

Are there any more possibilities of you working with Mike Scott again?
Mike and I worked on a track together recently, but it was I balls out rocker, which just didn't fit this record.. We both agreed it would be better kept for another album. I'm always up for working with Mike, I love writing with him and touring with the Waterboys (who, by the way, had the very best catering I’ve ever experienced on a tour) was just great.

Back to that Desert Island - 5 Films/DVDs
Well that changes all the time.. for now erm..
Hitchcocks Rebecca, Purple Rose Of Cairo, The Third Man, Northern exposure (can I have all the seasons? That’d keep me busy for a while), Buffy the vampire slayer (again, all seasons please.. I could be occupied for a year with these last two) and yes.. I know Buffy is a strange choice, but I’m in good company. I know at least one stadium rocker and an eminant journalist who cite Buffy as the best TV writing in 20 years.. so there!

What would you like to achieve in the next five years?
Make music, make waves, stay happy.

What would you like to achieve in the next five minutes?
Make a cuppa, eat pasta and finish this bloody interview.