Ahead of her coming EP, out next week, we catch up with London’s most glamourous talent.

Sonically devoted to the sounds and style of the discotheque, and visually able to channel not only the charm and sensuality of that music but also its inherent fun, Vanity Fairy is an irresistible live performer. As a fan recently commented, “Vanity Fairy should be prescribed on the NHS.”

No one easily forgets a Vanity Fairy live show, which is routinely unpredictable, but always bound to include some excellently Dadaistic dance moves and improvised haphazard clambering around the venue (She has been known to pop up at the back behind the bar, on the balcony outside the venue, anywhere within reach of a long mic lead). Her recordings are little pockets of glitter that you can take home for yourself (along with her risqué calling cards) as you try to choreograph your own ambitious kitchen routines, and her videos are pure iMovie magic, but the real mercury is on the stage.

Looking ahead to her coming EP, out on 26^th April via Moshi Moshi, we check in with Vanity Fairy about some of the influences and intentions behind her unique craft.

How do you explain Vanity Fairy to people who have never heard or experienced it before? 

Disco, joyous, fun, Studio 54, 70s/80s.

What is the story of your coming EP?

There’s no particular theme or concept for this EP. I write about how I’m feeling at the time, and I’m a very sensitive and emotional person haha so the EP features all the emotions!  I fell in love, so that features heavily in tracks like ‘Top of The Pops’ and ‘Love of My Life.’ ‘Jungle Jim’ on the other hand is more introverted.

Where did you get your fabulous collection of kaftans?

I have a collection of original kaftans from the 70s, and my friends make them for me too. I’m a frustrated seamstress. I would love to learn how to sew. I’m so grateful for my incredibly talented costume wizard friends!  

My stylistic reference points include anything from the 70s and studio 54, and anything sparkly, sequinned and/or glittery!  

Where does your writing process begin?  

My brother Sam E. Yamaha (co-writer and producer) is the beginning. He writes an instrumental track and I top line. 

My emotions are always the beginning, the middle and the end. I process whatever has been happening, what I’ve seen or heard and it all mixes up inside me like a washing machine and then comes out in the songs! 

Was your mid-set clambering around the venue built into the idea of your performances, or something that evolved over time?  

I never set out to perform like I do, it just sort of happened. In the beginning I was super nervous, but now I’ve reached a point where I feel like life’s too short to not explore and do what makes you happy… happiness for me is climbing all over a venue’s property and getting stuck in all their cupboards and extra spaces! I just want to dance and climb and explore and have as much fun as possible.

What’s been the best venue for it, and where did it go the most wrong? 

The Windmill, Brixton has so many places I can play with. Toilets, tables, behind the bar – there are endless possibilities to go for a wander and cause some trouble.

I’ve had a few close calls with standing on wobbly tables and nearly fallen flat on my face – I am not a high heel wearer. 

What is the strangest thing someone has said in response to your music?

“I expect a man wrote all this for you.”

You’ve always got so many shows on. How do you keep the energy up!?

Coffee, coffee and more coffee! (I must give up coffee).

With dates confirmed at Huddersfield’s Northern Quarter and FOCUS Wales, keep an eye out for the next Vanity Fairy show near you.