Some might say Lucinda Belle, real name Lucinda Kladovsky, owes Radio 1 presenter Fearne Cotton a pint. After working as a session player with the likes of Annie Lennox, Pet Shop Boys and Rufus Wainwright, the singer-songwriter, harpist and launderette manager hit the big time after the Radio 1 presenter watched her perform with Robbie Williams in 2009 – and swiftly invited her on to her show. Universal offered the jazz-soul artist a tabloid-headline-earning £1.25m record contract, which led to 2011’s critically acclaimed Lucinda Belle Orchestra album, My Voice & 45 Strings. She plays Jazz Café tonight, Monday December 2.
Do you ever get sick of people asking you about your launderette days?
I do, to be honest, as my music is not really about my launderette. Although I’m proud of where I come from, it’s not always about that, you know?
Do you keep in touch with Fearne?
We text from time to time.
When were you happiest?
When I’m either writing a song or performing one.
Where would you like to live?
I’m very lucky, I live in Portobello and I love it. But I’d like to move to Spain for a bit.
What is your favourite sound?
The French international railway jingle that you hear in all public French stations.
What is your earliest memory?
Being rocked in my grandma’s arms.
What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
Meditation daily.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Sneaking off to the afternoon movies alone.
What’s the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
“Sorry Lucinda, but we don’t think you’re quite right. We don’t want to hire you.”
What did you do today?
I mopped up the floor in my launderette. Then I went to my studio, practised my harp, looked at a Berlioz Symphone Fantastique harp part, and ate lunch with other songwriters. I scored the cues for the TV series Death in Paradise, due to air in a few months’ time. After that, I auditioned a singer for the Punch Drunk play I’m in. But I’ve not been feeling well, so in-between I’ve been sipping drinks and medicating myself as best as possible.
What is your favourite dish and why?
I love pasta with tomatoes and cheese and sausage. Comfort food, so I try to eat it sparingly.
Describe yourself as an animal.
A cat, for sure. A white Persian Siamese.
What should gig-goers expect from tonight’s show?
Some new songs, some old, and special guests such as Ainzli Jones who raps on Do Me right and Joe Cang, who co-write Do Your time with me. Overall, an evening of fun and entertainment. I hope…
1 thought on “2 minutes with: Lucinda Belle, singer and musician”
Was at the concert. Amazing Artist. Bought “Do Your Time” After the concert and got a photo of me with the lovely Lucinda. Not normally prone to this type of thing but had Dutch(Scottish Dutch) courage due to a holiday weekend and Whisky Olympics…..The Album is Quality and quirky retro originality from start to finish.A big favourite in my home. Really hope this Lady gets the recognition she deserves. Real talent and a heartfelt soul.