Imogen Mahdavi

Name, where are you from?  
Imogen Mahdavi, born in Peckham, Iranian heritage from Brick Lane in London.

What do you do?
Singer/songwriter.

Describe your style in three words?
Comfortable. Mood driven. '90s.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?  
James Blake at Shepherds Bush. His use of stillness and light was really moving and made me so calm and emotional. Anything at Glastonbury is magical.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
The Maccabees were the first band I got to see without my parents and inspired me as a person and artist. I would love to blend my voice with Orlando’s. 'Child' from their 'Given To The Wild' album is really touching. I would die if The Doors came back too, to listen to 'Blue Sunday' on the side of the stage would be wonderful.

Which subcultures have influenced you?  
I don’t think people would realise when listening to my music but I’ve definitely been an emo at heart, the grunge revival in pop music has also inspired my sound and image. Women in grunge bands of the '90s, blending softly spoken voices, lyrics about vulnerability but on the backdrop of powerful sonics has always been interesting to me.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Irvin D Yalom. He is alive but he has retired from his work. His book 'Staring At The Sun' inspired my debut EP and he sounds like a life-changing therapist. I’d love some guidance from someone who’s lived such a full life.

Of all the independent venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
The Bedford in Balham was my first show as an artist and it holds so much history.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
I think Azealia Banks is still misunderstood. I watched the Nina Simone documentary and it reminded me of her and I think she’ll be understood after her time.