Gabby Young is a fascinating lady. With her inimitable dress sense (despite Artrocker’s ‘How to dress like Gabby Young’ piece!), glorious voice, and a style of music that needed its own name (circus swing) as it just didn’t fit any other genre, there’s plenty to talk to her about. But how to keep to just a few questions? I did my best to find out some useful info from Gabby in a brief space of time…
Your second album came out in June this year; how has it been received?
Well I’m very happy to say it has been going down rather well, especially with our fans! Some major press gave it their blessing and we are all very proud of our hard work!
What has been the highlight of 2012 for you so far?
Oh so many from the album launch show at Scala, London with 22 people on stage including a choir, harp and string section; to last Friday where myself and two animals (Stephen on guitar and Milly on violin) played to thousands of singing along friendly people in Holland that carried on 30mins after the show had ended! I hope there are a few more highlights to come too…
You’re a style icon – what are your three favourite items of clothing?
Why thank you – if you saw what I was wearing might now you might disagree!!! My 3 favourite items… hmmm… hard one… well this summer I have been living in a multi coloured striped ‘boater’ jacket that belonged to my mum – perfect for festivals.  Never Fully Dressed is my new favourite daytime label and I’ve been living in their fuchsia pleated long skirt and my  best discovery is a black and white striped custom made wool coat  from a NYC market that has buttons all over it and does up many different ways.
Do you prefer playing small, intimate shows or festivals?
Ooh both really… I guess the bigger the audience the more we have to play with so that is always amazing fun to get them all singing along and bouncing off each other’s energy but that can be magical with a small crowd especially during the ballads where silence really brings the songs to life.
What is the worst thing about touring? What is the best thing?
Worst thing – early mornings and lack of sleep especially if lack of food is added… you wouldn’t like me when I’m hungry! Luckily happiness is only a chocolate bar away and my band know that!! 
Best thing – the gigs – performing is my oxygen, meeting people before and after shows, playing silly games and watching movies with the band and just generally running wild like animals together. I love being on tour and I really love all my band so we have a lot of fun!
What is the album you most recently listened to?
Janelle Monae – The ArchAndroid… it is absolutely genius and I sing along loudly to every word which is perfect for late night drives!
When the press compare you to other musicians, which comparisons do you find flattering? Which annoy you?
I always find it flattering when someone compares me to an artist they like, whether or not I agree because that’s their way of saying ‘you’re good’. I especially like being compared to artists like Bjork, Kate Bush, Edith Piaf and Jeff Buckley who are so unique and totally do/did their own thing. I do get frustrated when I’m compared to artists based on looks that I think have no musical similarities to - but I have confidence that our music itself will always win through in the end!
You’re obviously very busy with your music, clothing line etc – what do you wish you had more time for?
I guess my old friends who I never get to see anymore, I have had to miss some weddings and important dates recently because of being on tour but I am very much a career first kind of girl and am lucky that my friends understand and respect that, they know I love them and am always thinking of them.
Which of your songs do you think best encompasses your musical style?
Very tough one as there is a whole jumble sale of styles in my writing and I like it that way. It also depend on my mood- if I’m feeling bold and wild then a song like ‘Ones That Got Away’ is just about going for it and dancing like crazy around the stage but sometimes ‘We’re All In This Together’ just sums it all up for me. On this new album the songs ‘Open’ and ‘Segment’ start small and end big and busy so that’s a good explanation for how my musical style develops and how Stephen and I write together – I have a little ditty and he turns it into an epic masterpiece!
Which three items (apart from purse and phone!) are always in your handbag?
Haha flyers and cds just in case I bump into someone interesting or interested by our music! My diary which has my life in it and is full of info, song lyrics, ideas etc etc and my ipod full of all my favourite music which is essential for tour, especially on aeroplanes as I need calming sounds on those scary things!!
Have you made any musical discoveries lately? Who are you telling your friends to listen to?
Since I moved to London it’s been all about Revere, they may be my boyfriend/ musical partner’s band but I mean it when I say I love them and I tell EVERYONE about them. Also I saw a great act called Tiny Ruins at Green Man Festival and it was the only CD I bought all year so that’s saying something.
What have you got planned for the next few months?
Lots lots lots – we are about to go off on a mammoth tour of Germany and Holland for the month then to Ireland for our first tour out there and lots of UK dates. Also we’ve launched a pledge to record a charity single of our own rendition of Firework, by Katy Perry to raise money for Drop4Drop to build wells in Africa so we’ll be working on that and I’m already starting to write for album number 3 so that will keep us all busy!
Where and when can we next see you live?
We’re confirming lots at the moment but we have October and November UK dates in London, Swindon, Salisbury, Bath, Bristol and Ireland and a proper big national tour here early next year too so lots of chances to see us! (Tour dates below)
http://www.
Also, if you would like to help fund Gabby Young and Other Animals’ charity single ‘Firework’, please follow the link below to pledge your support.
http://www.pledgemusic.com/