- Words Kitty Robson
- Photography Alice Backham at Tate Britain
Just over a year after her breakthrough single ‘Labour’, we catch up with rising artist Paris Paloma.
Magnetic, ethereal and full of purpose, Paris Paloma’s aura spills into her work and artistic nature resulting in music which transcends the boundaries of genre and resonates deeply with her audience around the world.
With her debut track, ‘Labour’, Paris Paloma harnessed the collective power of her devoted fans, and of womankind, creating an empowering narrative and sound. Infusing the track with raw emotion and unyielding power, the song features over 100 fan vocals, and serves as a testament to the enduring impact of her music and the unwavering support of her community. Now, as Paloma prepares to unveil her debut album, Cacophony, she invites audiences into a world where mythology and reality converge, where darkness and light intertwine. Inspired by Stephen Fry’s Mythos, the album delves into themes of creation and chaos, offering a profound exploration of the human experience.
Through her poignant lyrics and scenic soundscapes, Paris Paloma invites listeners on a transformative journey, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. With sold-out tours and festival appearances on the horizon, Paris’ rising star isn’t stopping anytime soon. We caught up with the artist to talk all things Cacophony and what to expect from Paris Paloma next…
Your debut album, Cacophony, comes out later this year. Congratulations! How have you found building out your world into a full body of work?
Really cathartic and fulfilling, and I’ve been so impatient to get a comprehensive body of work out that I’ve curated, that tells a story, and I really feel this album does.
What was your biggest achievement and biggest challenge while creating the record? What have you learnt about yourself as an artist throughout the process?
The biggest challenge I think was in its vulnerability, I still feel relatively new to having an audience (which I love dearly) and it’s a lot to write and release these songs now knowing that people are listening. The biggest achievement, I think was just being able to listen back to the project and knowing that I cherish it so much.
Your work explores the feminist experience and female rage, what do you hope people take away from it? What do you hope it brings people, women in particular?
I am so moved at how empowered so many women feel through my music, and also how reflective a lot of men are when they listen to it, it’s the ideal response, I just want to help people feel heard and understood, and give them a space and the words to feel everything they’re feeling.
Do you find it cathartic and therapeutic to write music about these experiences and thoughts?
Absolutely. I’ve only ever written when I’m moved enough to write. Often that’s in places of anger or despair, and more rarely (although it does exist on the album) in places of great happiness, so it brings a lot of catharsis to me.
Do you feel like music and art has the power to cause sociopolitical change?
For sure! I feel like a small part in a big community that has grown around my music. I’m incredibly humbled by it, and watching how people take and grow a song that you feel is important – how could that not inspire social change?
You’ve spoken about how literature and art impact you and the music you make – referencing Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier for instance – tell us a bit about the influence these art forms have had on your work so far?
I think I love gothic literature as it feels so familiar to me in its themes, the darkness that it possesses and the way its unapologetic in how it portrays that. References like that are a facilitator for the darker themes in my work.
Your forthcoming UK and US tour is completely sold out. What can fans expect from you in a live capacity when they come to the shows?
I hope a community! Watching my fans grow has been so special and magical. I can’t wait to see them all interacting in the audience and enjoying the music collectively.
Are there any cities you’re excited to play that you haven’t been to before?
I’m looking forward to playing in Edinburgh! I’ve never played there before.
You’ll finish off the summer playing at Reading & Leeds festival. What’s your festival essential that you can’t leave without?
Hand sanitiser. I am obsessive about it, sadly.
What’s next for Paris Paloma? Beyond the album and shows, is there anything fans should be expecting from you in the near future? If not, what message do you have for them over the coming months?
I just can’t wait for the album to be out, it feels really like a labour of love that I’m finally able to convey to them all. I hope they find solace in it, as well as empowerment. I’m just so very grateful to have a wonderful audience to release music to.