Recently I reviewed the fantastic debut EP ‘Damage Reversal’ by Essex rock chick Bridget. I was impressed with the grittiness and sharpness of her music so I was intrigued to find out more about the music that led her to becoming a musician herself. So I quizzed Bridget on the music that has shaped and inspired her so far.
1)What is your earliest music-related memory? What do you remember being played at home when you were a child?
Bridget: First thing that comes to mind is probably the Sugababes and Foo Fighters. I remember I had the Little Chris (RIP!) album when he got famous for the ‘ch-ch-ch-checkin it out’ tune too, I definitely had a crush on him. I was always around music, lots of different types on in the house all the time, but predominantly I remember listening to loads of compilations that my dad had burned onto CDs from the computer- the most nostalgic songs for me from those times are Accidentally in Love- Counting Crows and The Lost Art Of Keeping A Secret- Queens of the Stone Age
2)What was the first record that you ever bought? Where did you get it and do you have any recollection of the experience?
Bridget: Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever bought a physical record…It’s terrible really!!! I would love loads of CDs and vinyl but I’m skint at the moment(of course). I grew up in the age of dodgy apps that downloaded YouTube vids so you could listen offline and then eventually Spotify etc. I do have big recollection of being bought CDs when I was a wee bugger- Nirvana, Cher Lloyd, Now 70 or whatever it was at the time…
3) When did you really start to develop a passion for listening to music? How did that come about and what you were into at the time?
Bridget: I have been consciously moved by music since I was about 4 years old! I was obsessed with the Juno Soundtrack when I was about 8, I still rate that and then eventually YouTube, I started to listen to alt rock 90s playlists and also a lot of Lady Gaga actually as I loved the videos.
4) What was the first gig you went to? Where was it and what was it like?
Bridget: I was in the womb at Red Hot Chili Peppers if that counts? The first proper big gig I went to in a big venue, almost alone (my dad was in the mosh too) was actually Sticky Fingers at Kentish Town. I was absolutely in awe, having been to lots of festivals and small gigs before, this was euphoric to me.
5) What are you memories of starting out making music? What was the first song you learned to play?
Bridget: So I have always made up songs in my head, singing, I picked up ukulele in year 7 maybe? And then eventually decided to start learning guitar, it was one of those stubborn teenage things where you don’t want to do it just because everyone keeps telling you that you should hahah. First songs I learnt were Black Hole Sun on uke, Falling to pieces on guitar by Sia and David Guetta. I instantly fell in love with the feeling of playing and singing and it felt very natural.
6) What was your first band/musical project? What music was influencing you at that time? What are you memories of playing your first gig and are there any recordings out there?
Bridget: It was getting my songs ready to perform live, my first solo gig was in May 2021, everyone had been six to a table and had to wear masks if possible, it was acoustic with drums and I just stood there and sang with little movement. I literally didn’t even know I could do it properly, in terms of performing singing and dancing like I had envisioned in my head, until that moment! I haven’t stopped since. My songs at the time were just influenced by Grunge & teenage relationships and friendships at the time. LOTS of angst. There must be some recordings somewhere deep in Facebook maybe…
7) I’m a big advocate for female artists, do you have any favourites yourself?
Bridget: Hell. Yeah. Skin (Skunk Anansie) Amy Taylor (Amyl and The Sniffers) Lana Del Rey, Courtney Love, Miley Cyrus and so so many more. I am so drawn to artists who perform and sing with natural grit and integrity- rrrrraaaawwwrrr.
8) Which band/artist do you think has had the biggest influence on your music over the years? What is it about them that inspires you?
Bridget: I think the band that I have played most in my life has got to be Nirvana. When I rediscovered them in secondary school (I hadn’t listened properly for a few years since I was younger) I was hit with nostalgia, moodiness and instantly wanted to start a pit in my bedroom. I also thought it was beautifully raw and rough at times, I have always been drawn to stuff like that.
9) Who are some of your favourite current artists? What do you like about them?
Bridget: I have been listening to PJ Harvey’s 4-track demos a lot recently, she’s just badass. I think we’d get on quite well, also her new single BYE BYE is 10/10 disjointed and gross I love it. Viji Water, Grungey & indie. And lots of the bands and artists who are supporting me on my debut EP tour! About Bunny, Chig, Lia Rye, Helle- all including/made up of powerful women.
10) Are there any new/upcoming artists you would like to recommend to readers of Joyzine?
Bridget: Recommend HotWax (mother) and A Void!!!!! (Sick as a dog)
‘Damage Reversal is available now on Bandcamp
Find Bridget Online: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Interview by Hayley Foster da Silva
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