I Am Boleyn – Paris to Boleyn

By: Jessica Dyer

Q) What is the inspiration behind your stage-name I Am Boleyn?

A) When I was a teenager, I was really interested in Anne Boleyn – the second wife of Henry VIII. She was one of the only women in history – pre 20^th century – that managed to shape the world around her. Women voices are mostly forgotten in that era. I found her life and her death fascinating, I wanted to channel her in some way in my music.

Q) How would you describe your music?

A) It has elements of synth-wave, for sure. I was very influenced by the 80s as we wrote and produced the EP. There is also a dreamy pop element to it.

Q) What is your song writing process?

A) I often start with a lyrical idea – a story or moment that I want to write about. From there it is amazing how often a song meanders down its own path, sometimes it ends up sounding very different to how it started!

Q) What was the inspiration behind your new single “From Paris to Berlin” and where did the idea for the song first come to you?

A) It is a cover of a song by Infernal that was released in 2004 – it is one of those cubby dance tracks that was a total earworm. I wanted to take a well-known song like that and make it sound as unrecognizable as possible. The lyrics in it lend themselves so well to a more moody, longing song.

Q) Talk about making this song your own.

A) Because it is a cover, we wanted to be respectful, of course, to the original. The original message is fun and cheeky, so we kept that energy – the idea of adding the Paris Metro sounds at the beginning was a way of grounding it in today and taking it out of the club scene and onto the streets of the city.

Q) What is the biggest takeaway that you hope listeners get from this song?

A) I hope that if they know the original they have that ‘ah ha!’ moment in the chorus. A good cover should feel new and familiar at the same time.

Q) Your EP Paris to Boleyn, what can you tell us about it?

A) The name was a cheeky take on the cover song – I also like that it conveys a sense of a journey. Wouldn’t we all love to go on a road trip right now! I ordered the tracks on the EP very carefully – there are lots – seven. Enough for a small album really. They tell a sonic as well as narrative story.

Q) How has the lockdown impacted you creatively?

A) I found the beginning of the lockdown, in April, quite hard on creativity. There was definitely an adjustment period where I felt like such a big, worrying thing was happening in the world. But after a while I got into a good rhythm. I’m lucky that I collaborate with people who I know really well, so we could create over Zoom. I think, more long-term, it will be interesting to see how this past year effects art generally. Will there be more songs and books about loneliness? Or about connection?

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) My father was a big music fan, so as children we were all influenced by his taste – which was great – Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Velvet Underground and Lou Reed. Later on, I feel in love with Florence and the Machine and Lana Del Rey.

Q) Who would you love to collaborate with on a future project?

A) This is a great question! Stevie Nicks is my hero. Wow! I would adore to do anything with her. I love Tove Lo – her fearless vibe is so inspiring. And Flume – his production is great. Emile Haynie is also fantastic. So many!!

Q) With lockdown currently putting concerts on hold, do you have any plans for live streaming performances?

A) Yes! There is an amazing platform called Gramrphone that I used in December – it streams live audio, great quality, straight from Logic on your laptop to fans. The nice thing about audio streaming is you don’t have to worry about the video quality, or your messy bedroom haha!

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of your music?

A) Thank you so much for your support! It has been a crazy, hard year for everyone so more than ever it is really special when people choose you and your music to listen to and share.