In her latest tune, “Better Now”, Melbourne-born singer-songwriter Cloves alternates between seducing our collective earholes and blowing them right off our heads. It’s soul music, in the true sense of the term, and we were fortunate enough to have a little chat with the good lady about music, delicious homemade treats and her new life in London.

Describe your music in five words, please. Honest, blunt, genuine, sarcastic, happy.

Growing up, who were your musical heroes? I’ve always been inspired by imperfect perfect voices. Artists like Aretha Franklin, Amy Winehouse and Nina Simone. I love the honesty they sing with. When I got a little older, I discovered bands like Mazzy Star, The Black Keys and the Arctic Monkeys, all of which I fucking love.

Tell us about your first-ever gig. It was at a street festival. My sister and I set up a small amp system at the side of the road and played for people as they walked past. By the end of the day we’d only had about 25 people stop to watch us but we were so excited.

How do you go about writing a tune? I’ve collaborated a lot on this album with a writer named Justin Parker. Our day starts with coffee, potentially a sandwich, and a long chat about what’s been going on in our lives. Then we work from there just playing around with chords, mumbled melodies and pull together an arrangement of what the song could be. Then, once we’ve decided we like the bones of the song, we dive into the lyrics.

What’s your best non-musical skill? I make really good lasagne.

If we popped by your place for breakfast, what would you serve us? I would probably serve you scrambled eggs on toast with avocado.

What’s been the hardest thing about moving to the UK? The lack of aioli selection.

What’s been the best thing? Everything besides the lack of aioli selection.

Do you ever find yourself missing Melbourne? I miss my family, they’re pretty great.

What’s your life philosophy? Don’t be a man with a fork in a world of soup.

For more Cloves, shoot over here.