Music
What's the story behind 'Pack Up'?
"It's basically a song about being carefree and not worrying about things like people talking behind your back and whether you've got enough money. Money really takes over our lives sometimes - obviously, because you can't live without it - but it's good to get a bit of perspective and realise there are more important things going on."
Do you generally succeed in being quite carefree?
"I really try to, but the more work you've got to do, the more things start to get to you. If I do get a bit overwhelmed by everything, I just try and think 'OK. Bothered. Just keep going.'"
Were there any really stressful moments making the album?
"Well, there's always a bit of a fight when you're co-writing with someone. If I felt like a line wasn't really me, I'd kick up a bit of a fuss about it. I'll always be true to myself, I love writing and I love putting my stamp on my music. I will never sing anything that I don't want to sing."
Was there one lyric in particular you really hated?
"Oh, I remember one writer suggesting I sing something really cheesy like 'I can't believe this is love'. I hated it and I never write about love anyway, so I was like 'OK, let's just move on'."
How would you describe the album's sound?
"Well, it's got a few mellow moments, and a few sad ones too, but mainly it's a really fun, summery and uplifting album. I listened to a lot of Beach Boys and Steely Dan while I was making it and I think that comes across. 'Pack Up' and 'Skinny Genes' sum it up really well I think."
Your real name is Eliza Caird. Why do you call yourself Doolittle now?
"Doolittle's been a name that's stuck with me from a young age, so for me it's not really a change - it's just always been there. I've always been a big fan of My Fair Lady. I think Audrey Hepburn's just beautiful in it and I saw the Martine McCutcheon stage production a few years ago too. I thought she had a really cracking voice actually."
Your grandmother is the legendary Sylvia Young. Has that been more of a help or a hindrance do you think?
"I do worry that people might think I've traded off my connections, but my grandmother didn't even know I could sing until a couple of years ago. I used to go to Saturday classes at her school and once a term your parents would come in to see what you'd been doing. My grandmother used to try and creep in but I'd always get really embarrassed and tell her to go away!"
Has she given you much advice on how to survive in the industry?
"Of course she supports me in the same way any grandma would, but she's never actually said, 'I know someone who can help you out'. I've really done this by myself. I shouldn't care what people think, but because I've worked so hard I think it would be a real shame if people thought, 'Oh, she's Sylvia Young's granddaughter and she's had all the help she can get'."
The single was at number 13 in Friday's midweeks. Are you happy with that?
"Very! Obviously I'd be over the moon if it managed to sneak into the top ten, and I'm going to try and push for that, but if it sticks at 13 I'll be super happy."
What's your aim for the album?
"Hmm... I have no expectations with the album and I have no idea how it's going to do. I'm quite nervous about it but I'm going to try and just go with the flow."
A lot of pop critics have been comparing you to Lily Allen. How do you feel about that?
"To be honest, it's starting to get on my nerves a little bit! I think it's because of my accent, but I'm not going to start singing in an Australian accent or an American accent or whatever. I'm going to be myself and I do have quite a strong London accent. I think musically we're very different and we're very different as people too. I really want people to realise that. That said, I bet all female artists are sick of being compared to those who came before them - it's annoying for all of us! At the moment I keep hearing people compare Diana Vickers to Ellie Goulding."
Which of your fellow female artists do you most admire?
"I really like Janelle Monae actually. I went to her Hoxton gig and she was just fantastic - she's so cool, she's got a great voice and her cover of 'Smile' by Charlie Chaplin is amazing. I liked it so much I put it on my blog! Oh my God, she sounds like a cuter version of Lauryn Hill."
Finally, who would your ultimate collaborator be?
"There's about 500 people I'd really love to work with, but top of the list would probably be Andre 3000. The Love Below is probably one of the best albums ever. I think he's quite fussy about who he works with - he won't work with anyone unless he really likes their music - so that's an incentive for me to keep working hard!"
'Pack Up' is out now. The album Eliza Doolittle follows tomorrow.
More: Eliza Doolittle, Music
