Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Paloma Faith MUM’S THE WORD
Paloma says being a new mum and going on tour takes a whole lot of planning
She defied convention with last year’s fourth album, The Architect, but its theme of social observation and concern certainly struck a chord with fans. And it gave multi-platinum selling, Brit Award-winning Paloma Faith her first UK chart topper, despite the fears of her bosses at record label RCA.
“When I started it and I said, ‘This is not love songs’. I think hearts sank at the record company,” says Paloma, 36.
“They were just worried I would do it in a way that would alienate fans – but I never had any intention of doing that.
“I never intended to do it in a way that wasn’t universally bonding for people. I feel like I achieved that. You can tell from the success of the album so far that people are really enjoying it, and the songs lend themselves to multiple interpretations.”
The album’s change of direction coincided with a major life change for Paloma. Her long-held desire to become a mother was not achieved without difficulty. Her first child to artist partner Leyman Lahcine was born by caesarean in December 2016 – and she admits adjusting to parenting has proved challenging.
“The first six months was hell, and then after that it defies expectations – so it’s, like, even worse and even better than I thought,” she says.
“I spoke to somebody recently who said parenthood is the eradication of spontaneity. Now everything needs planning, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
“I’m going on tour in March and this summer, and I’m really excited about that. But it just takes another layer of planning now.”
Though admitting to being energised by the #metoo #timesup movement, Paloma says she thinks female stars who perform “halfnaked” are “not helpful”.
And as for ageism…
“Today, somebody wrote a comment on my picture, ‘You look old’, and I wrote under it ‘What’s wrong with that?’” she says.
“I don’t understand why it’s wrong for a woman to age. We all think George Clooney’s sexy when he’s got white hair.
“Boys are at their sexual peak at 18, and girls are at their sexual peak at 35 – so, in actual fact, we women are most sexy when we’re in our thirties.”
New single ’Til I’m Done is out today. Paloma plays Belfast’s SSE Arena on Friday March 23
’First six months was hell. After that it defies expectations. Now everything needs planning’