Duffy – HuffPost 12.17.10

Mike Ragogna: Do you have any advice for new artists?

Duffy: I have to be honest. I am not really down with those sorts of things, you know? I think that kind of works with journalists and if I had some mates who were in a band, some buddies who are coming out I would tell you about. But I am excited to see Adele return, and with the way she made a new record and the sounds with which she surrounds herself with. Adele is a great girl, and she won some Grammys here in America. So, I am going to be watching out for my soul sister.

MR: Pretend I am just picking up a guitar today, what advice would you have for me?

D: Do you want me to be Simon Cowell?

MR: Yes, be brutal.

D: I would say to you surround yourself with the music that you love. If it’s Depeche Mode, absorb it and enjoy it and narrow down what it is you love about music. What music connects with you so you start to form your identity. You start to form your references and start to understand where you position yourself in this big vast wide world. And then I would tell you only to focus on quality. Don’t think about fame, don’t think about songwriting, don’t think about who you are and who you’re not. Just be absolutely focused on quality and making sure it’s the best. Keep pushing yourself until you honestly feel you can do nothing to improve it. And also honesty as well. There are an awful lot of people who aren’t honest with themselves, who try and convince themselves that they can fulfill a pipe dream that just isn’t realistic.

People try to achieve jobs that just aren’t for them. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love Formula One racing, but I could never be a Formula One racecar driver, you know? I just simply am dangerous behind the wheel. Are you kidding yourself or is this really real. Is this your life path? Is this the only thing you feel you are here to do? Or are you escaping from reality yourself. It’s very difficult. These are the only things that I can say from personal experience.

MR: Very nice and very smart and wise. In some respects, you’re considered a new artist because this is only your second album.

D: Yes, this really is the official debut. Before it was an introduction. Now, I am letting you know who I really am.