Inspired #287: DELPHii — When The Horn Blows

Fiercely independent and possessing a true artistic vision, Angelene Holmes aka DELPHii is sharing her new single ‘The Times’. She took a moment to talk us through her inspirations.

Who are your top three musical inspirations and why?

It’s so hard to pick three… it comes from everywhere. I suppose Ella Fitzgerald’s voice to me is perfect; effortlessly beautiful and smooth, but her wild skills show in her improvisation which has influenced me a lot. There are a few versions of her entering God mode scatting “How High The Moon” and it is divinity. Secondly, I can only hope to make music that enable people to feel the way that Prince’s music makes me feel, so he’s got to be up there too. To painstakingly pick a third, I think there is such a magnetic authenticity to Anna Wise’s music; she dances to the beat of her own drum and I take great inspiration from that.

Is there a certain film that inspires you and why?

I find anything by Studio Ghibli inspiring - their films are always so beautiful and thoughtful. It’s so easy to get lost in their world(s). Waking Life by Richard Linklater also deserves an honourable mention.

What city do you find the most inspiring and why?

In the UK? If we’re talking about the UK then… well, I lived in Brighton for a long time and I guess it would have to be there, albeit reluctantly at times. It’s full of interesting people – the most important of which are all of the friends and fellow musicians I’ve collected there who have inspired my growth as an artist.

Who is the most inspiring person to you and why?

My Mum, because she’s my Queen.

What were your inspirations when writing your new EP?

There are a lot of introspective themes on the EP, reflections on relationships with others, with the self and with society. So I guess my experience of reality was the chief inspiration for ‘Lilac.’

How would you like to inspire people?

I really couldn’t say, I see myself as a facilitator, I hope that people can enjoy my music and leave that experience feeling inspired in whatever way serves them best.