Helen Boulding's been making waves on the music scene for some time now, and with a new single coming out in the next few days, she's on better form than ever.
We got the chance to find out just how it felt being signed at such a young age, how she's evolved as an artist throughout the years and exactly what we can expect from her going forward.
You were signed at just 17 years old - how did that feel?
It was great, but you kind of take it for granted when it comes that quickly and easily and then further along the line you realise actually how hard it actually is.
How have you changed and evolved as an artist since then?
Wow. I am such a different person as an artist, performer, singer, person now to how I was back then. I've totally evolved in being able to express myself more fully as an artist and person, plus my skills have improved a hundred fold although I had a more innocent kind of expression back then.
What have you been up to in the past 12 months?
Working on other artist's records, much writing, promoting my album and singles and I had a baby in February! Wow it's been so busy!
How have you found the process of writing your new material for 2013?
It was a wonderful journey and very fulfilling because the songs are up to date as opposed to the first record where the songs had been around for years!
Tell us about that new material you have coming out.
The material is a snapshot of my life since the last album, so I'd say a snapshot of 2008 till 2011 when it was mixed.
Who would you love to write for who you haven't worked with in the past?
John Lennon (if he were with us), Chris Martin, Joni Mitchell, Daniel Lanois, Brian Eno , Neil Finn, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Madonna, Brandon Flowers, Arcade Fire... there are so many, I could go on forever!
Where do you draw inspiration from when you write?
My life and the lives of others.
Has music always been a passion of yours?
It has always been everything to me (after the people I love). Music isn't a job for me, it's a way of life! My passion.
What are some of your earliest memories of music?
Sitting round at family get togethers singing with the family on my dad's side and also my mum and dad playing music all the time.
What other projects are you currently involved in that you can share some details about?
A new band called Purple Mafia, Joe McElderry's new album, a wonderful new solo artist called Joe Worricker, a new track with Paul van dyke, a song written with Passenger, 2 new tracks with the Overtones, a new song with Bella Hardy (radio 2 folk artist of the year) and ed harcourt, a track on Janet Devlin's new album and many more!
Helen's new single 'Crooked Tooth' is released December 16.