Singer Roxanne de Bastion

The latest on our ‘one to watch’ list for 2012 is German/English singer/songwriter Roxanne de Bastion – one girl and her guitar brightening up the chilly mornings with her honest, quirky lyrics.

This year Roxanne’s embarking on a tour and recording a debut album, but it was last year’s inspired video for single Buckle Up that first got people talking. We’ll let Roxanne explain the story behind it, but check it out here if you haven’t already seen it.

The London Word caught her for a quick chat about her musical heroes, the story behind that video and gigging with rowdy backpackers.

Can you introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a bit about yourself?

‘My name’s Roxanne de Bastion and I’m a singer/songwriter. I’m originally from Berlin – my father’s English and my mother’s German, so I grew up with both languages and moved back and forth as a child. A few years ago I came to London with a suitcase, a guitar and a one-way ticket to pursue my music career – so far so good!’

I love your Buckle Up music video – what’s the story behind that?

‘I’m so glad you like it! It was a lot of fun to shoot… We thought we’d see what happens when you walk into BBC buildings and other musical institutions – the TV Centre, BBC Radio 2, BBC 6, Broadcasting House, to name a few – and try to play a song to the people at reception. As you can see, some reacted better than others! We did have a great time though, and it was pretty rock ‘n’ roll to shoot a video that involved spy cameras, escape routes and Hugh Jackman!’

What’s been your all-time best gig?

‘That’s a really tough question! I’m a huge Beatles fan, so the first time I got to play at the Cavern Club was pretty special. The best shows are the ones where you feel you’ve reached everyone in the room and made them happy.’

And the worst…?

‘Well, I once had a regular gig playing in the bar of an Australian backpackers hostel… always reminded me of the gig in the Blues Brothers film, only they had chicken wire for protection.’

Which artists do you admire, and why?

‘I love Regina Spektor’s music – I really admire how free she is with words and sounds, she could write a song about absolutely anything and make it sound cool! I had the pleasure of seeing Ray Davies play live last year – he was amazing! Nobody captures all things quintessentially English like he does, I admire that. Basically, I admire any artist that has something new or significant to say and the ability to deliver it in a way that’s moving. Music is either honest, or crap!’

Any tips for aspiring musicians?

‘Don’t waste your time trying to fulfill other peoples’ expectations. Make sure that you’re happy with the music you make and you’ll be fine. Also, never play Wonderwall. Ever.’

What are your ambitions for 2012?

‘I’m going to record my debut album, which I’m incredibly excited about. I’m going on tour in March and will hopefully also return to the USA for some shows. The tour dates will be announced very soon on my website so please do stay in touch and make sure you come say hello if you make it to one of the shows!’

How is living in London in comparison to Berlin?

‘I’ve lived in London for about three years now, so I’m slowly turning into a “LAndoner”, which means I get annoyed when people stand on the wrong side of the escalator and I never have time to clean my flat. I love London, but it couldn’t be more different to Berlin, which is incredibly empty and slow paced in comparison.’

Any favourite places to visit in London?

‘London has so many different faces, there’s no place quite like it. I’d recommend the old part of Highgate Cemetery, then down to Camden Town for a coffee at “My Village”, followed by a walk along the canal to Regents Park – where you can re-enact some Withnail and I if you like! – and end up somewhere in Soho for a drink, There, if I had a day off sometime, that’s what I’d do!’

Find out more about Roxanne and her forthcoming gigs here.