Music, to a considerable extent, revolves around the way it can impact a human being. It can unlock emotions that are shuffling beneath the surface of conscious thought, catapulting said feeling to the forefront. Sometimes, even if we don’t want it to.

One artist who is a master at showering their listener within their deepest emotion is Debbie. The UK songstress is the very pinnacle of the burgeoning soul scene; there is an essence to Debbie that floats away from the congestion of the market, drifting into a league of her own, despite the fact that there is not necessarily avant garde about her sound. It’s a true testament to her star talent then, that she continues to develop into one of the most exciting artists in the country.

Unlike much of popular music, Debbie isn’t image oriented, but rather focused on the quality and resonance of her music. Past release like “Summer In December” and “All Night Long” have demonstrated a divine power for delicacy, with a near unparalleled vocal prowess that draws you in with a soften tone before blowing your socks off with its full range. Narratively, there’s relatable themes of love, heartache and self-reflection, but with Debbie it’s not necessarily about what she is saying, more how she says it. Provoking ideas and raw honesty shine through, developing her cosy sound into agonising intimacy.

This is set to be Debbie’s biggest year to date. After a smattering of singles were unveiled through the past few years, last year Debbie featured heavily on Stormzy’s gracious body of work This Is What I Mean, with Stormzy himself labelling Debbie “the Aretha Franklin of our time”. Her recent single, “Cousin’s Car”, was released at the backend of the year, and featured the genre-defying maverick Berywn, with the track flaunting versatility in the sound and approach of Debbie. This was followed by a reworked version of “Is This Real Life” featuring Lucky Daye, another gorgeous example of Debbie’s eclectic talent. This year sees Debbie set to release her most exciting music to date, as well as today annoucing her first ever headline show on 9th June at London Omeara.

We were blessed with the opportunity to connect with Debbie, discussing Stormzy’s praise, the essence of her sound, and why she makes music.

Watch the visual for “Cousin’s Car”

Read the full interview below…

Hey Debbie! Who and what inspires you to create?
I don’t think any particular thing or person inspires me. Without sounding too cliche life is what gives me inspiration, meaning it could be anything, anyone, or any experience that sparks creativity.

Talk us through the origins of your music journey?
I’ve always been a singer, my earliest memory of singing is probably around the age of 5 or 6. Even though I knew I loved to sing, I wasn’t confident enough to turn my passion into a career. It took sixth form, taking up a degree and a very supportive manager to get me to realise that music is my home.

How did your upbringing affect the way you create?
I grew up heavily influenced by the church. My dad was a reverend and head of the church, and my mum was a teacher and a pastor. Being in such spaces and around gospel music inspires my creative process and how I listen to not just my own, but all music.

At what point did you decide that it was what you wanted to do with your life?
In my first year of University, I made the decision I would rather be broke doing what I love than rich and unfulfilled in a job. From that day my finance degree became plan B, and music was at the forefront of my mind. I had no idea where the passion would lead me.

How would you describe the essence of your sound?
I always say my music is truth music, meaning it’s music that comes from my soul; it’s all about truth, right down to the emotion of a melody. I don’t think I could bracket my music into a genre or an essence. I just hope when people listen – it feels real! And maybe even healing.

The UK soul scene is incredible right now, where do you see yourself within it?
I never really focus on what others are doing because I get overstimulated – so it’s hard to position where I would be.

We loved your collaboration with Berwyn, how did that come about and what was the creative process?
BERWYN and his team were sent an unfinished version of cousins car and I never imagined the outcome to be so perfectly suited!

Your recent updated version of earlier single “Is This Real Love?” is incredible! Why do you decide to rework the song?
I think interpretation is so important in music – so when Lucky Daye offers to put down his perspective on my song, I’m hardly going to say no! He is insanely talented and I was so glad he could give his take on the track. Ever since this version has been out I found that peoples perspective have really changed of the song – and I love it.

Your appearance on Stormzy’s album was gorgeous. How did that come about?
My music was introduced to Stormz by his A&R – and fortunately after listening he wanted to work together. We co-wrote a few songs and it ended up on the album. It was such a smooth process.

Is it surreal seeing yourself attached to a project of that significance?
Of course! Sometimes I still struggle to take it in – but I’m so honoured to be apart of something as important and personal as an album.

He’s heralded you as the Aretha Franklin of our time – how does that feel?!
Aretha Franklin is the queen of soul in my opinion, and was a big inspiration when I first got into music. A comparison like that is out of this world.

Where do you want to take your artistry?
To wherever the music wants to take me. I genuinely feel like the music is in control, I’m just here to sing and connect with people.

What’s to come from you this year?
More music.

Why do you make music?
Because I have to, and I need to. Without the creative escape of music, I don’t know who I would be