Words by Art Jefferson
Photography by Clare Bennett
The word “fabulous” couldn’t fit the singer Ulla Nova more perfectly, as her titillating music and striking style creates the perfect marriage between contemporary and luxuriously classic. While the London-based singer and performer possesses an air of mystery, her fashionable presentation evokes the very idea of what one would consider the epitome of glamour.
Ulla Nova recently garnished attention from her song “Kid From London”, a riveting synth-pop tune that depicts the tale of a British gent with “expensive taste” looking to have a little “fun” in Paris. The chic nature of the song could easily be the soundtrack of Fashion Week, and in fact, “Kid From London” even pops up when one is shopping on the website of UK fashion company ASOS. It would also not be far-fetched to assume that the song will more than likely become a bold anthem stretching from the streets of London to les rues de Paris clear throughout 2014.
After performing a number of tour dates with Bipolar Sunshine at the end of 2013, Ulla Nova is currently prepping her debut EP, which is set to land this year. Armed with elegant charm, charisma, and a witty edge, Ulla Nova is bringing a new level of excitement, intrigue…and swank, to pop music.
Art Jefferson-There is a level of mystique about you. Can you give a little insight on your background? How long you have been creating music?
Ulla Nova-At the age of 6, my mother asked me what I would dream to be doing when I’d grow up. I replied that I wanted to be a chanteuse, having heard the word on one of our many trips to France visiting my grandfather who lived there. My mother said, “what an awful idea”, but still sent me off to opera school, church choirs, as well as piano lessons. I hated the classical piano, as there were too many rules, so I stole two of my sister’s music books from the 80s and started practising those tunes instead of rehearsing the classical pieces. My teacher was furious. Then I fell in love with all kinds of divas from Edith Piaf, Jane Birkin to Serge Gainsbourg (Yes, he was a diva too!) and artists like Prince & Cindy Lauper…
Art Jefferson-“Kid From London” should be the soundtrack to all things chic. What inspired the track?
Ulla Nova-I’m always fascinated with the contrasts in style and attitude between cultures, as well as between men & women. French women and their extraordinary but cheeky elegance meeting with an English gentleman, was partly what inspired the story of this track.
Art Jefferson-Apparently ASOS loved the track as well because many people are mentioning how they discovered “Kid From London” while shopping on their site. How did the ASOS situation come about?
Ulla Nova-If only I knew…
Art Jefferson-In some of the lyrics of “Kid From London”, they elude to the idea of a London guy coming into Paris looking to have a good time with the girls, thinking they are easy, but you break the myth by saying “I swear it ain’t so, but we like to watch you try”. Where do you think that myth comes from?
Ulla Nova-Is there such a myth? The women in the song are just naturally seductive yet have elegant limits at the same time which is worth celebrating…
Art Jefferson-While your images have been a little mysterious, what’s evident is your incredible and unquestionable sense of style. Talk about the role of fashion with you as an artist and generally.
Ulla Nova-I love the way fashion can create personas. However, I don’t think very much about or follow any trends…I just love strong lines, great cuts and outfits that make me feel myself. I would never wear something that doesn’t express my state of mind at any given time whether as an artist or just a woman.
Art Jefferson-When I think of you, I can’t help but think of the sophistication of Chanel. There is elegance and glamour to what you create. Was that something that you consciously thought about when entering the music industry?
Ulla Nova-It’s a great compliment, thank you! Elegance is many things…I don’t over think or plan my style, I just feel drawn to a certain expression which is often about having pride as a woman. That is something I definitely believe Coco Chanel made a point of.
Art Jefferson-You played a number of dates with Bipolar Sunshine at the end of 2013. How was that experience?
Ulla Nova-It was awesome! Him and his band are amazing…I had a great time!
Art Jefferson-What do you have in store for this year?
Ulla Nova-Debut EP with more new music out early this year, videos and lots more gigs. I’m looking very much forward to this year ahead.
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