She’s been called the ‘Skinhead Soul Princess’, and the Guardian has mentioned her as one of the Future 50 rising stars to watch of 2017. Miss Etta Bond – hailing from London – is known and loved for her soulful vocals, self empowerment and visual creativity. Set to release her new solo EP since Emergency Room with Raf Riley, we chat to Etta to find out what she’s been working on.

Etta! Have you had a good day?

Yeah Yeah, (laughs) I’ve had a good day, I’ve not done much, been abit lazy so its been a chilled one for me.

Oh that’s good.

But to be honest I was getting ready to go to the gym before you called, so once I get off the phone, I’m gonna get a little work out in I think.

You’re too good haha. I keep putting it off to the next day, and then it gets to the end of the day and I can’t even be bothered (laughs)

Ah! it’s so easy to do that isnt it? I’ve been meaning to go to the gym all day but i keep making excuses like “oh, i’ll get ready soon” (Laughs) and then finally getting ready now and I thought, “Fuck it i’ll just wait” (laughs) I’ll go eventually!

 

(Laughs) So! We’ve not heard anything solo wise from you in a while, can you tell us anything about your new EP?

I don’t want to say too much about the EP. It’s about to start revealing itself with the release of ‘Kiss My

Girlfriend’. Chris Loco and I have been working very closely on this project for some time now. I’m so

excited to share it!

You mentioned the EP was with Chris Loco, the last was with Raf Riley – what are the similarities and differences of working with them both?

That’s like asking me to compare two lovers… The similarity is that making music in the presence of either

of them feels very natural to me, there’s a spark. I love them both.

So you’ve got some live gigs coming up, what can we expect from your set?

I’m planning a headline show which is going to be really special. I also have my set at The Secret Garden

Party coming up. I’ve never been before so that’s exciting.

Your new single Kiss My Girlfriend is out today! Who was it inspired by and what was the message

behind the song?

My friend, Jenay, who’s actually standing next to me in the video – she inspired the song. It’s about the

special and unique relationship that exists between women. It’s a reminder for women (myself included)

that men will do and say just about anything to get a piece. We’ve gotta look out for each other, it’s a

beautiful thing when we do.

How involved were you in the direction of the video?

The video was directed by Sophie Jones. We worked very closely together on the concept and

casting. We’ve already started discussing our next creative collaboration!

What was it like working with her?

Second nature! We’ve been friends for years now so it was a really organic process. With support from her,

Zateesha Barbour on hair, Daisy Deane on styling, Grace Vee on makeup, all of their wonderful assistants

and each and every one of the girls that took part – it was a wonderful experience that I’ll never forget. A

day that brought the song and its meaning to life.

Where do you see yourself in one year’s time?

I never tend to think like that, I just end up where I end up. It’s where I’m supposed to be, you know?

Wherever I am, I just hope the music that’s coming has reached the people it’s meant for.

Lastly, what is your fault?

Addiction.

 

Words and Photography: Ashleigh Nayomi

Styling: Edith Walker Millwood