How Annie Lennox and Tori Amos inspired Emeli Sandé
Emeli joined Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio
'Heaven' singer Emeli Sandé joined Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio to talk about 1992, her Golden Year, when she was just five-years-old.
The singer, who has a new album out soon called 'How Were We to Know', explained it was the year that she really remembers music making an impression on her. "I chose that year because I remember it was when my dad started feeding me music, and my mum as well," Emeli explained. "(It's) when I really fell in love with music really."
She went on to explain she remembered hearing harmonies and a feeling inside herself, thinking "this is magic".
Emeli chose songs by Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men, as well as Annie Lennox and Tori Amos, explaining why the latter two were inspirations for her.
Talking about Annie, who is from the same area as where Emeli grew up, she said: "I've met her a few times, she's a really inspiring woman. And you know, an incredibly inspiring musician, she was always breaking the rules, pushing herself out of the box, and, this song ('Why'), I'm very proud that she's from the North East (of Scotland).
Going on to explain her choice of Tori Amos, Emeli said: "It was when I was about 17 or 18, I was working in Virgin Megastore in Aberdeen and I came across Tori Amos' albums. And 'Winter' just stood out. It's chilling, but so intimate, and she really inspired me to want to get better at the piano. And just showed me what could be done with the voice and piano and interesting poetic lyrics."
Emeli also spoke about her upcoming gig in Royal Festival Hall, saying: "I'm excited for that, (it's) great to finally have the music out there. Everything that goes into making it... finally to cross that line, and show the people, see their reaction. It means a lot to finally get here."
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