CULTURED acoustic singer songwriter Signe Tollefsen is bringing her unique folk noir sound to Telford’s Warehouse on Sunday, April 11.
Deep thinking, Dutch singer Signe will be visiting the Tower Wharf venue on her month- long UK tour.
The Pioneer caught up with the upcoming folk guitar star ahead of the gig.
“I started playing my first songs in England, I came over when I was still in high school and then went to university in Hull where I studied philosophy,” said Signe.
“Studying philosophy changed me in terms of how I think, and especially reading. For me, reading is the most important thing for a song writer.”
Signe is going from strength to strength, winning a host of awards, including the New Talent competition in her native Holland. Her self-titled debut album – recorded at “What’s Up” singer Lynda Perry’s LA studio – is to be released this summer.
Asked about her musical influences, Signe said: “I did a radio show in Holland and they asked me to think of three of my heroes.
“I thought a lot about it and it comes down to opera singer Maria Callas, Janis Joplin and Eddi Reader. I like a lot of different music.
“All three are known for their imagination and their performances, it’s not that I copy them, it’s more I feel that they are doing what I am doing, even though they did it before I was born. I’m on the same line of thinking as they were.”
Although born in Holland, Signe spent more than 10 years living in England and has an American family, exposing her to different societies, sounds and music.
“It’s definitely had an impact on my music, especially with my use of words.
“If I hadn’t moved to England at a young age then I couldn’t have written what I write now, words are so important to me and my music.
“What’s also really important is how the sounds roll of the tongue, if you can combine the two then you have got something really good.”
For more information, log on to the website www.signetollefsen.com or ring Telford’s Warehouse on 01244 390090.
