Inspired #165 - Eva Gadd
Fueled by the influences of Tori Amos and Joni MItchell, Eva Gadd talks to us about the inspirations of her stunning new single ‘For A Little While’.
Who are your top three musical inspirations?
I know it’s a cliche but since I was 13 I became obsessed with Ariana Grande’s first album and then the love story started there really! I remember when I first heard her I became obsessed with singing and I think that was the point in which I decided I wanted to be a performer.
Another artist is definitely John Lennon. My Dad introduced me to the Beatles at such a young age but I really took a liking to John Lennon, his voice and personality! The Beatles now just remind me of my Dad - he really inspired me to sing as I grew up with him playing music all the time in the house. He never pushed anything on to me but I know he always wanted me to pursue music.
The last out of my top three would definitely be Jorja Smith! She is just the coolest cat on the block! I remember hearing ‘Where did we go?’ A couple years ago now for the first time on Soundcloud and I became obsessed with her voice and songs. I would say I draw a lot of influence from her when writing - especially my slow piano ballads.
Is there a certain film that inspires you?
Eat Pray Love! I could watch that film over and over and never get bored. In fact, I think every single time Ive been messed around by a boy or something I watch that film haha! I watched it when I was 16 the first time and I swear I cried throughout the whole film lol! I think it’s just the way it teaches you to love yourself and that you don’t need anyone else to be happy, which I need reminding a lot!
What city do you find the most inspiring?
Another cliche but London! And I HARDLY go to London but when I do it just mesmerises me! I don’t know if its the size or the busyness of it - But I guess it just feels like I’m at the heart of where everything happens, and that anything could happen here.
Who is the most inspiring person to you?
I can’t just pick one haha so both my parents! But my mum in particular endlessly inspires me! Growing up, she went out to work all day everyday and my dad stayed home and looked after me! I look back at that now and am like wow she really did defy gender norms back then! She also was working for a magazine that she was the editor of - and that was her dream since she was a little girl and she made it happen! She taught me that it’s bloody difficult working for herself - But it was all she ever wanted rather than working for someone else.
What were your inspirations when writing your new track?
In terms of the chord progression, I was listening a lot to Sia’s early album ‘Some people have real problems’, In particular her song ‘You Have Been Loved’. In that song chorus she goes from a minor chord to a major chords of different keys - which I felt sounded really unusual and wanted to implement this type of thing into my own song.
The hook, ‘Im just trying to stay alive’ is inspired by that selfish feeling when you know you have to leave someone even though it’s not in their best interests.
How would you like to inspire people?
I guess through my music but also just in general I would love to inspire people to realise that It is completely ok to be alone. It’s something I struggle with all the time but through a couple of my songs I try to voice that you can do this on your own and you dont need anybody else. You can be your own best friend - Even though it’s one of the hardest things to realise and remember.