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Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with Hemel Hempstead artist Minnie Birch to find out more…

Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I am from Hemel Hempstead. I have always been into music. I think having an older sister helped as she introduced me to a lot of cool music in the 90s and my parents both listen to a wide range of music and go to a lot of concerts. I started my first band in secondary school when I was about 13.

Predominantly it is just me but following some surgery on my arm I have been working with Chris Cleverly, who is an incredible guitarist and songwriter – the silver lining of having an arm out of action has been working with him more.

Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
Ani DiFranco is a very big influence for me both as a guitarist and a songwriter, I definitely strive for that level of sucker punch you get from her lyrics. Growing up I played in bands and was very influenced by musicians from my local scene, Ghymp, Aconite Thrill, Sikth, Pixie Boy. Once we all started going to uni, heading off travelling, getting married and having kids, keeping a band together was harder and I started playing solo. That’s when I really discovered folk music and folk clubs, that tradition has really shaped my writing over the last few years.

How would you describe your sound?
I’m heavily influenced by Grimm fairy tales lyrically, so I think my sound is delicately dark, like a beautiful stroll through the forest but there’s always a wolf lurking.

What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
I released Hook on the 21st February. “Hook” is a song about learning to live with the things you couldn’t have, no matter how much you wanted them. It is about the passing of time, fertility, societal pressures around how, when and why we have children. It is about loss. It is magically tied up in a pop song about Captain Hook, the lost boy that had to grow up, who was forever stalked by a crocodile that had swallowed a ticking clock.

What’s your local music scene like?
There is something in the water. There’s so much good stuff happening and such a lot of talent across a wide range of genres. It isn’t without its struggles to get audiences, good venues, keep the scene sustainable but it is friendly and everyone wants to see each other win. The LP Cafe in Watford is sort of the centre heart of a lot of it. They run events, a label, champion local artists. Record Store Day shuts down the town with music!

What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
I am taking a show to the Edinburgh Fringe this year August 1st-15th. The show is called “You’re not singing anymore” and is a musical/theatrical blend that shares stories and songs from the football terraces.

Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
Mike Skinner, I love everything he has ever released under any guise, just an artist that really pushes things forward (!) I’d love to work on a project with him. Penfriend self-produces all her records and I’d love a chance to write and record with her, I love the gritty realness of her creations. Some of my 90s heros would be nice Echobelly, Skunk Anansie. I recently reached out to a producer that I am hoping will be up for helping me create my next record.

Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
There must be, let me think… you know what, not massively. I got lost in the forest on tour in Germany which seemed quite fitting for someone who is influenced by Grimm fairy stories. I was once billed as “Mini Bitch” guess there was some communication error with the promoter there.

What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
I am back performing and releasing music after a bit of a tumultuous time out having treatment for a rare cancer. I have this collection of songs that I wrote in the darkest times but I am pretty sure they are going to comfort people and fill people right up with hope. Which is what I think we all need. My feet are still a little wobbly but if you follow me and stick around I am about to hit the ground running again.

You can find out more about Minnie on her website or via Apple Music, Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, YouTube (channel) or YouTube Music.