With a recent Brit Award for “Best British Female Solo Artist” under her belt, Scottish singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist KT Tunstall is poised to win hearts stateside. Influenced by Joni Mitchell, Billie Holliday, Johnny Cash and PJ Harvey, her debut album ‘Eye To The Telescope’ thrives with lyrical bite and earnest melodies. Here’s KT as she talks to mtvU’s Hot Seat and gives advice to guitar-playing girls.
Q: Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
A: We played a joke on Kenny & Arnie, the keys & bass player, where the local police agreed to pretend to arrest one of the roadies in front of them and thanked them for their help them get their ‘man’.
Q: What type of college class would you most want to take and why?
A: Sculpture. I have a mind to make a robot.
Q: What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
A: It would have to be NYC. Whenever I go, I hook up with friends and discover a new nook or cranny.
Q: What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
A: Don’t take any advice - Robert Smith.
Q: What’s in heavy rotation in your mp3/CD player right now?
A: The Arcade Fire’s Funeral.
Q: The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to.
A: Johnny Cash’s biography.
Q: What’s the first concert you ever saw? How was it?
A: !0,000 maniacs. It was splendid - a big old outdoor gig, and Natalie Merchant was so relaxed and full of confidence.
Q: What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
A: Boots, vintage dresses, pen.
Q: Who are your major musical influences?
A: Tom Waits, Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone, David Bowie, The White Stripes, The Flaming Lips, Beck, PJ Harvey, Carol King, Billie Holiday, Johnny Cash, Son of Dave, Halfcousin.
Q: Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to mtvU watchers?
A: Girls, get yourself an electric guitar amp with a dodgy mains connection and experience free collagen lip plumping via electric shocks through the microphone during your gig. Start off like Beth Gibbons, walk off stage like Dolly Parton.
