Victoria Hesketh, also known as Little Boots, releases her first full-length album March 2. Already a huge award winner in the United Kingdom, Windy City Times talked with Boots about influences and unique instruments.
Windy City Times: Hi, Little Boots—nice to meet you face to face. Where did that name come from?
Little Boots: It’s a nickname from my best friend because I have little feet.
WCT: How did you learn to play all these instruments, such as the keyboard and stylophone?
Little Boots: I have been playing the piano since I was five. I was trained classically so I have a solid musical background. The gizmos like the tenori-on just came from playing around with it. The stylophone is very unique and visionary. I like things that are visual and instantaneous.
WCT: Explain what a tenori-on is.
Little Boots: It is an electronic musical instrument from Japan. It has 16 buttons that light up when I press them. The lights move on a loop system so you can build it with blocks and layers.
WCT: You are going to playing that gadget tonight?
Little Boots: Yeah.
WCT: Who are your musical influences?
Little Boots: People like Kate Bush, The Human League, David Bowie and Gary Numan.
WCT: So very ’80s…
Little Boots: Yeah, I like that sort of stuff [from then and] the ’70s, such as Van Morrison and the Bee Gees.
WCT: Why did you decide to cover Freddie Mercury “Love Kills?”
Little Boots: I am a big fan of Freddie Mercury. I really wanted to do it after I heard the song. It is very upbeat and there are a lot of key changes. I thought it would be a challenge.
WCT: How was your event at Borderline Music [recently] with all your gay fans?
Little Boots: It was great. Especially in America, the support is even stronger than in the UK. I think the gay community are really into their music and get on board to things a lot earlier. Here it is great to see all the support on tour.
WCT: So the tour is going well?
Little Boots: This is our first proper American tour so it is a small one, with a bigger tour in the spring.
WCT: How did you wind up working with Joe Goddard of Hot Chip? I love them!
Little Boots: I met him through a mutual friend. I sent Joe a demo and he really liked it. He produced some for me and we kept the relationship going.
WCT: You have done really well with your EP release, Illuminations. I am looking forward to hearing the new full-length CD, Hands!
Little Boots: Thank you.
Little Boots marches over to the Metro, 3730 N. Clark, May 1 at 9 p.m., with Dragonette opening. To purchase tickets visit www.metrochicago.com; advance tickets are only $16.