If I twisted your arm and you agreed to pigeon hole yourselves to one genre, which one would it be?

Alternative experimental acoustic trip-hop trance possibly? I am primarily a singer-songwriter and when writing, I don’t usually consider any particular genre, as I tend to write in the moment.

If you had to choose one element of your music that defines your music as a whole, what would it be and why?

My voice because I feel that it is quite distinctive and versatile.

What made you get into music?

I come from a very musical family and was exposed to music from a very early age, as both my parents were pianists, so I suppose it’s in my blood. As a child I was very drawn to the radio and regularly found myself singing along to everything and anything on the radio regardless of the genre. Making my own music was a natural progression, as I wrote my first song when I was six years old.

What’s the story behind ‘Hollow’?

The track is about situations where life in general may get quite heavy and one finds oneself at a crossroad, about finding the light even when the odds are stacked against one, in order to move forward by incorporating positive behavioural change in one’s life for the better.  Sometimes one has to recognise that one needs to change certain things that one may not like about oneself, as it may be detrimental emotionally not to make changes for the better.

What sort of reaction have you been getting since it was released?

The single has been very well received thus far and I am delighted that an open-mindedness still exists in the industry today.

You’ve seen quite a bit of the world, what do you make of the music cultures from places you’ve visited?

I loved the music scene in The Netherlands in particular, as there is such a wide variety of gigs or concerts available virtually every night of the week featuring local and international bands, artists and the like.  Music education and social cultural provision in the Netherlands is often cited as a strong example for innovative practice that enables its communities to access the building blocks necessary for nurturing tomorrow's musicians whether they be of classical, jazz or pop leaning.  It would be wonderful if this type of model could be used globally.

How do you compare the Welsh music scene?

It would be great if more international bands would come across the Severn Bridge, as they mostly seem to get as far as Bristol. There is a lot of talent in Wales and it would be great to see more investment in new talent.  

Who’s your favourite up and coming artist out there at the moment?

Look out for JJ Harvey who has an amazing voice and will be Dockrad Records next signing. 

Who’s your ultimate icon and how have they influenced you?

I don’t have any icons as I absorb all genres of music and because I am so open to so many different genres, it is difficult to choose one artist/icon, as I feel that I have been inspired by music itself.

Are you playing any festivals this year?

I will be performing at the Uplands Music Festival, Swansea later in the summer and hopefully a full programme of festivals next summer, otherwise I be working on new material for my next album.

What was your first ever gig like?

Well, I was in grade three and had to perform in front of my entire school, which was slightly nerve-wracking but I made it through!

What’s the best thing about live music?

It is wonderful to hear the artist in a live setting, seeing their reactions when they are totally immersed into their music and the vibe from the audience.

Is there anyone out there you would love to work with? Musician, Director, Designer?

There are so many people I would love to work with - Steve Albini,  Massive Attack, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Mark Ronson, Lostprophets, among so many others! I love the work of Andy Wachowski  (The Matrix) and I would also love to work with David Carson best known for his innovative magazine design (Ray Gun), and use of experimental typography .

What are the top 5 tracks we should check out?

Sigur Ros - Untitled 1

Shellac - Steady As She Goes

Massive Attack – Paradise Circus

EinstÏ‹rzende Neubauten – Die Interimsliebenden

Culprit 1 – Screamer (Planas remix)

Volenté has been nominated for Track of the Week on Classic Rock