What is the best thing that I love about my work?
I love that my work enables me to develop my ideas and to give them a platform. I love performing, and everything about the creative process.
What is my idea of perfect happiness?
Perfect happiness for me is spending time in nature, as it allows me to breathe and to truly relax. Also, I love that there are endless amounts of material for inspiration in the great outdoors!
What is my greatest fear?
My greatest fear is that I won’t achieve everything that I want to within my lifetime.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
The trait I most deplore in myself is fearfulness. It can be paralysing and there are times when I must fight hard against it in order to make my way.
Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?
Tori Amos and Björk. They are both incredible artists who have always had a firm sense of who they are, and have been absolute trailblazers.
What is my greatest extravagance?
I feel that working from home or wherever I happen to be, is a huge extravagance.
On what occasion would I lie?
I suppose I would lie if it was the only way to protect or save a loved one from harm, but lies create problems…
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
All of the administrative duties that come along with it – I don’t enjoy that part at all!
When and where was I the happiest in my work?
Here and now.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
I would be more outgoing. I tend to be very private, and it’s not always helpful.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
The fact that I am able to pursue it at all is an achievement for me!
Where would I most like to live?
The California coast, where I am from!
What is my most treasured possession?
I think it is probably my imagination. It can often be a bit wild and get in the way of things, but life is never boring!
What is my most marked characteristic?
I’m a bit of a dreamer…
What is my most inspirational location in my city?
There are a few small places in the older part of London, like Postman’s Park and Bunhill Row Cemetery.
What is my favourite place to eat and drink in my city?
I love picnics, and my very favourite place in London (weather permitting) is Greenwich Park. It is one of the oldest parks here, and it is a lovely place to watch the clouds fly by.
What books influenced my life, and how?
A long time ago it was “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis, and more recently “The Left Hand of Darkness” by Ursula K. LeGuin. The idea of exploring different times and places took hold of me from the very first, and has a strong influence upon the stories in my songs.
Who are my favourite writers?
Margaret Atwood, Virginia Woolf, and Ursula K. LeGuin
You only die once. What music would I listen to on my last day?
This is a difficult one. I would have to make a playlist bursting with composers and artists from Palestrina to Miles Davis.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
When I was small I adored the cartoon character She-Ra. She was strong, kind, honest, and fought for equality. I don’t think I ever really got over her.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
This is another difficult one. I’ve always admired the fact that Queen Elisabeth the First managed to keep her head and to rule as she did – as a single woman in a time when it was quite unthinkable. Unfortunately it is still all too seldom for women to be in positions of power and influence even now.
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?
“Raise The Red Lantern”, directed by Zhang Yimou. I was perhaps a bit young when I first saw it, but the soundtrack, colours, and most importantly the story left a deep impression on me.
What role plays art in my life and work?
Theatrical arts captivated me from very early on. In everything I write, there is a scenery to the story and a meaning to the sounds alongside the lyrics. There is never “only” an accompaniment. Each detail has a role to play, just as if it were an actor on stage.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
My other half.
Whom would I like to work with in 2017?
The Berliner Philharmonie. Unrealistic but true.
Which people in my profession would I love to meet in 2017?
I would love to meet Chilly Gonzales.
What project in 2017 am I looking forward to work on?
There is a series of live performances I’m working on right now and I’m really excited about it!
Where can you see me or my work in 2017?
Live:
Strongroom Bar, Thursday 28 September
Servant Jazz Quarters, Tuesday 21 November
Online:
Spotify – https://play.spotify.com/artist/5JNfdrSStxFRYyAm3s1pv4
iTunes – http://itunes.com/hazeliris
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
We cannot help but feel fire for certain things. We are simply born with specific passions and when we embrace them properly, we are as we should be.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
Jessica Cottis and Linda Horowitz.
How can you contact me?
The Heroine's Journey 