“It used to be painful and angering to sing this song but now it feels empowering. It makes me feel bad-ass whenever I sing it.”
Next Wednesday, 16th February, Manchester’s Minerva Daisy is set to release her darkest and strongest release yet, the brooding new single ‘Something Strange’. A masterpiece of baroque piano and dramatic drumming, the Mancunian songstress summons Florence Welch, Laura Marling and Kates Nash and Bush to tell a florid tale of cheating partners and planned sweet revenge. The record comes complete with hand drawn original gothic-inspired artwork.
In the lead up to release day, Minerva answered some questions for Edge of Arcady, letting us delve deep into her mind and find out her thoughts on the new song and her musical career so far:
Tell me the story behind Something Strange?
‘Something Strange’ was written a few years ago about an hour after I found out an ex-partner had cheated on me. It was written as a way to vent and get out all of these new and painful emotions. It used to be painful and angering to sing this song but now it feels empowering, it makes me feel bad-ass whenever I sing it.
What do you want your listeners to take away from the song?
I want this track to be empowering for you, In the same way that Carrie Underwood, P!nk, Olivia Rodrigo & Taylor Swift all have songs you want to belt out to feel better, I’d like this to be one of those tracks for someone who needs it.
How did you start writing music?
I started writing music when I was around 14, just to vent out emotions but also, it felt natural to start writing because my dad has been doing it all his life and I grew up around that process.
When did you start playing live and how was your first gig?
16, I started out as a duo called The Hazy Days playing covers in pubs, and I remember bricking it, I was shy and scared on stage. My first solo gig was similar, terrified but I was surrounded by family & friends there to support me so the atmosphere was lovely.
Which bands and artists are you into and what inspires you?
I love the old soul singers like Etta James, Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin. Those voices are just so beautiful and powerful.
I’m also a huge fan of Hozier, Muse, Bahamas, Portishead and Florence & the Machine to name a few.
Inspiration for me comes from everywhere, it can be from my emotions and experiences or what’s going on around me, for example. One of my songs was inspired by my dog who howls like he’s singing along whenever I would play piano and sing at home, his howl would always be in the same key, so I decided I’d write him his own song in that key called ‘Howl’! The lyrical content isn’t so much about him but it’s one he loves to howl to when he hears it.
‘Something Strange’ was recorded and produced at Mad Fox studios with Tayte Nickols. We’ve featured a few artists (Supera Morza, College Elite) who have recorded at Mad Fox studios recently. Is there anything you can tell us about them and your recording experience there?
Mad Fox is great, I’ve recorded a few tracks with Tayte now and he never disappoints, he works the producer magic on all of them & brings them to life. We usually get a full track recorded within the span of 2 days so It’s a quick process but it also gives us time to make adjustments and experiment if we want to.
What is the music scene in Manchester like?
Bustling and not credited enough! There are so many undiscovered artists here just waiting to break through and they deserve it. 9/10 times I’ve been to a gig in Manchester, the artists performing are always top of the game & have great stage presence. However, I do wish there were more events and promoters championing the more of the female artists too, especially within the indie scene.
Which other current Manchester bands, or bands from elsewhere, do you admire and feel close to and why?
Deano, the front man Tommy is one of my closest friends, I see how hard he works & the passion he has for the music he puts out & the recent release ‘Good as Gold’ is just amazing.
There’s also Floor 4, a 3 piece non-binary punk band who have been making waves since they started & have a gig coming up on March 15th called Scar Tissue, raising money for Mars’s (The front person’s) top surgery, the drummer Kay is my former drummer & also one of my closest friends.
There are so many musicians in Manchester that I adore, I could go on for hours.
What has been the highlight of your musical career so far?
Performing in London with my band for a competition called Alpha Unsigned to win a 100k record deal! The votes are still open to help us get to the grand final too if anyone fancies voting. (https://alpha-unsigned.co.uk/vote/)
The whole day was so chaotic but full of lovely memories I’ll cherish for a long time.
You have hand drawn the evocative artwork for Something Strange. How long have you been drawing for and can you tell us about any of your other artwork?
I have always had an interest in art, but this is my first big graphic design piece, It took over 40 hours of trail and error and was inspired by Saul Bass posters for the Alfred Hitchcock movies. I’m really pleased with the outcome. I haven’t got any other artwork yet but I’m taking more of an interest in using it more for hobby work!
What are your plans for the future?
I want to get performing all over the UK & release more music! Me & the band have been writing recently and we’re so excited to see what the future brings.
‘Something Strange’ is available to pre-order here right now!
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR ALL MANCHESTER GIG-GOING READERS.
If you pre-order the single you can also claim a free ticket to Minerva Daisy’s gig on 11th March at the Lions Den, Deansgate, by either sharing a screenshot of the pre-order to your Instagram stories or showing the receipt on the door on the night.
Need a little something to tide you over to the release of ‘Something Strange’? Check out the video for previous single ‘Substitute’ below: