My London: Imelda May – Singer, Songwriter

Born and raised in The Liberties area of Dublin, Imelda first burst onto the scene back in the early 2000’s with her own unique brand of rockabilly revival capturing the attention of an entire generation.

Famous for hits including Johnny Got A Boom Boom, Black Tears and Kentish Town Waltz, the ultra-fierce Queen of Irish rock has gone on to sell millions, tour the world and perform duets with artists including U2, Lou Reed, Sinead O Connor, Robert Plant, Van Morrison, Jack Savoretti and Elvis Costello.

In a career spanning almost two decades, today Imelda May finds herself just as in demand as ever, with the upcoming release of her 6th studio album 11 Past The Hour and latest single, Just One Kiss – a dirty, rock’n’roll riot of a track that features friends and music legends Noel Gallagher and Ronnie Wood.

Imelda May & Noel Gallagher – Just One Kiss (featuring Ronnie Wood)

“’11 Past the Hour’ is my truth.” Imelda says of the album. “I always write with meaning and from my heart as that’s the reason I write, to connect with my own story at each particular moment and I hope therefore I connect with others during theirs, even if just for a while.”

“I’d like to think I can put into words and music what we all feel sometimes. We all laugh, sing, love, cry, dance, kiss, care. We all experience lust, anger, joy, worry, sorrow and hope. Sometimes we stay silent and hold it all in and sometimes we dance and throw it all to the wind with abandon, but one thing is for sure is we are in this life together. Each song is a moment in my life. Each life is a moment in time. Every minute counts.”

We caught up with Imelda May for the latest in our ‘My London’ interview series.

Favourite Neighbourhood:

Do you know what, there are so many great neighbourhoods in London that I love! I used to live in Kentish Town, then I moved to Camden, and I’ve gotta say I really enjoyed living in both those places. But if we’re talking about the here and now, then I’m just recently discovering Tooting… well I was before lockdown! There’s a great vibe there, and I look forward to going back once we’re allowed.

Favourite place for brunch:

Tooting Market! It’s a hidden gem, and the perfect place to go for brunch because they serve late breakfasts which is great on those mornings when you’ve too good of a night, the night before and it’s a struggle getting out of bed (laughs). There’s a really good up and coming feeling there though, and so many cool, little cafes – the food is phenomenal; I highly recommend people go check it out.

Best coffee in London:

I’m going to have to go right back to square one on this, and say Bar Italia. They’re one of the original coffee shops in London and I love them! When I’ve done gigs at Ronnie Scott’s in the past, I’d often end up falling out of there and right into Bar Italia; there’s always such a great atmosphere – it’s often full of different artists and punters, so it’s a guaranteed good time. I really love all the people that work there too, they’ve become like family to me after all these years of hanging out there.

Favourite gallery or museum:

Tell us a secret:

Absolutely not. (Laughs)

Favourite place to shop:

Do you know what, I’m getting right back into buying vintage clothing again! I started off shopping at different vintage markets and in second hand places when I was younger, and I’d always get so excited if ever I found a sort of one of a kind piece that I knew I would be able to keep forever and treasure! When I lived in Camden I actually sold clothes for a little while – my friend had a little stall there! So in a funny way, I’ve kind of gone full circle and I’m happy about that because it’s so much better for the planet.

Favourite place to find inspiration:

I love Soho. I just love it! I love walking the streets and meeting all of the characters and the mix of people who hang out there – it’s a place that’s just full of life, love and art! I’ve spent so many good nights in Soho actually, and have done a lot of different gigs in and around that area – just thinking about it now, whenever I’ve done a show at The 100 Club, as soon as we’re finished playing we just cross the street and we’re pretty much in the heart of everything. There’s so much going there, so many different places to go eat, dance, drink and have fun… so yeah, I find a lot of inspiration there, and in all of the amazing people I’ve met.

Best London destination for a date:

I think to really make the most of the city you have to spend the whole day, and the whole night there… so it’s going to have to be a really long date (laughs). So for me, the perfect date would start off with a lovely walk along The Thames, and then all along The South Bank stopping to watch all of the street performers. Maybe then pop into The Tate for a little bit of culture, before heading up onto Bermondsey Street for a spot of lunch at this really amazing little french restaurant called Casse-Croûte. From there I’d probably hope to end up in Albertine’s which means going off the beaten track a bit into Shepherd’s Bush, it’s one of my favourites places to go in the city. My boyfriend’s just telling me that I have to say The Four Thieves in Clapham is the best place to go on a date, because there’s loads of fun things to do there, but I’m going to go with my idea I think (laughs).

Favourite park:

I really love Hyde Park! And I think that’s because it’s somewhere where myself and my daughter like to visit, and over the years we’ve had a lot of fun times there together. It’s an amazing place for kids because there’s always so much going on and so much to do… you can feed the ducks, ride horses, get on a bike, have a spot of lunch, visit an exhibition – it’s just a vast and exciting place, so yeah, Hyde Park, that’s my favourite park.

Favourite food market:

There’s a really nice outdoor food market in Queen’s Park which I used to visit quite a lot on a Sunday. It’s only small, but it’s really nice and sells some amazing food.

Your sanctuary in the city: 

I’m going to have to repeat myself, I’m sorry but it has to be The Tate. And I say that because it’s just a place where I can get lost, and almost forget about what’s going on in the real world 

What inspires you?

People, love and all of the complexities that those two things bring; that’s what inspires me the most. And actually, lately I’d say nature is something that has been really inspiring to me – I’ve been delving into ancient ways over this past year, and looking into the beautiful symbolism that’s used in paganism and ancient rituals. I’m getting massively inspired by all of that at the moment… I mean this ring I’m wearing today, it’s by Smith & Sun, and I love it because their designs are inspired by all of that magical world. I keep joking with my friends that I’m turning into a witch, and they’re telling me that I’ve always been one (laughs).

This season I’m loving:

If we’re talking in terms of the ‘fashion season’ then I’m loving Richard Malone, I’m really into what he’s doing at the moment. But if we’re talking about the ‘four seasons of the year’ then I’m most enjoying the joy and hope that comes with it being spring time. Seeing the buds on the trees and the days staying lighter that little bit longer makes me feel hopeful for that’s to come next.

Imelda May’s brand new album 11 Past The Hour is set for release via Decca Records on April 23rd 2021 & is available for pre-order here.