THE FAMOUS ELSEWHERE QUESTIONNAIRE: Iva Lamkum

Elsewhere first came across Wellington singer-songwriter Iva Lamkum as far back as 2008 and said then of her self-titled debut EP, "if there is a more assured, musically intelligent and sophisticated debut this year I'd be very surprised".

So her soulful debut album Black Eagle out on Friday -- on which her vocal style has been inviting comparisons with Amy Winehouse -- has seemed a long time in coming, but she has been busy. Touring here and in Australia, performing with Sola Rosa, working with P Money for the track Doo Bop . . .

And of course a lot of interviews for this album which bristles with r'n'b pop and jazzy soul. Still time however for her to answer the Famous Elsewhere Questionnaire. 

The first piece of music which really affected you was . . .

Black Eagle

Your first (possibly embarrassing) role models in music were . . .

Vanilla Ice

Lennon or Jagger, Ramones or Nirvana, Madonna or Gaga, Jacko or Jay-Z?

Lennon, Nirvana, Gaga, Jay Z

If music was denied you, your other career choice would be . . .

Athlete

The three songs (yours, or by others) you would love everyone to hear are . . .

Frank Ocean – Bad Religion, Florence + The Machine – Seven Devils . . . and Iva Lamkum – Blue Moscow

Any interesting, valuable or just plain strange musical memorabilia at home?

I tend to sell my gears after 2 years.

The best book on music or musicians you have read is . . .

Catch a Fire: The Life of Bob Marley

If you could get on stage with anyone it would be . . . (And you would play?)

Prince as backing vocals

The three films you'd insist anybody watch because they might understand you better are . . .

The Raid, 21 Jump Street (re-make) and Remember the Titans

The last CD or vinyl album you bought was . . . (And your most recent downloads include . . .)

Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange

One song, royalties for life, never have to work again. The song by anyone, yourself included, which wouldn't embarrass you in that case would be . . .

Pass

The poster, album cover or piece of art could you live with on your bedroom forever would be . . .

Hip Hop/Rock Gods Poster

You are allowed just one tattoo, and it is of . . .

Asian Goddess

David Bowie sang, “Five years, that's all we've got . . .” You would spend them where, doing . . .?

Travelling the world doing shows

And finally, in the nature of press conferences in Japan, “Can you tell me please why this is your best album ever?”

It’s authentic, eclectic and real.

IVA LAMKUM TOUR DATES

Friday Aug 24: Wellington – San Francisco Bathhouse; Album Release Party with many special guests

Thurs Sept 13: Auckland – 420, 373 Karangahape Road, Auckland

Friday Sept 14^: Raglan – Yot Club

Sat Sept 15^: Leigh – Leigh Sawmill

Thurs Sept 27: Dunedin – Refuel

Friday Sept 28^: Christchurch – Wunderbar