Celebrity concierge • March 2014
South London singer Katy B shot to fame in 2011 with her debut album On A Mission. It spawned a string of hit singles and was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize. Katy, 24, has just returned with her hotly anticipated second album, Little Red, and is touring the UK in March. She talks to The Club about Austin, sharing a hotel room with Freddy Krueger, and escaping the crowds in London
Interview by Tim Cooper
Where have you been recently that’s inspired you?
I played a gig in Tignes in the French Alps. On our drive there, it was like travelling through Narnia: everything was white, with frozen waterfalls and huge icicles. It took my breath away.
Where in the world would you like to go back to, and why?
I was in Austin, Texas, for a music festival called Austin City Limits. I did a gig at the W Hotel, and we went out on the town and everyone was chilled out. There was such a laid-back vibe, and I felt really at home. And there were so many people playing live music in such a small space – I’d love London to be a bit more like that.
Where’s the best place you’ve ever stayed?
I stayed at The Curtis in Denver, and as soon you walk in, they give you a warm chocolate chip cookie. Every floor has a different theme. I was on the 13th floor, and as soon as the lift opened, there was cackling laughter and Jack Nicholson going “Heeeeere’s Johnny”. My room was really scary too, with pictures of Freddy Krueger – but it was certainly memorable!
Where have you not been that’s top of your bucket list?
I’ve never been to Asia, and I’d love to explore India, China or Vietnam... somewhere completely different.
What’s your favourite overseas restaurant?
My label in America took me to La Esquina in New York. It looks like a cheap takeaway, but you go downstairs and through the kitchens to find this amazing candlelit restaurant with great Mexican food.
And at home?
It’s got to be the Chicken Shop in Kentish Town, where you can have a quarter or half a free-range chicken – my favourite food. And it’s got the best apple pie I’ve ever tasted.
Where do you go in your hometown to escape the crowds?
Nunhead Cemetery, which is just behind my parents’ house. It doesn’t feel like London at all; it feels like the countryside, and stepping back in time. There’s one bit I like to sit in if I’m stressed, where you can see St Paul’s Cathedral between two bushes. It’s my favourite place in the world.
What’s the best thing about flying with BA?
Travelling with a band and lots of equipment means something always throws a spanner in the works. Some airlines can be difficult, but I always feel calm as soon as I see the dark-blue leather BA seats because I know it’s going to be comfortable and spacious – and an easy process.
This article has been tagged Opinion, Travel Tips