Being Honest with LOUQ
Mustard had the pleasure of speaking with Yorkshire singer-songwriter LOUQ who recently released their newest single "Honest."
Mustard had the pleasure of speaking with Yorkshire singer-songwriter LOUQ who recently released their newest single "Honest." Additionally we talked about tofu, their “Noodle Sessions” on TikTok, being honest, and so much more!
1. Mustard is grateful and appreciative to have you join them at On The Shelf. How are you doing today?
Today I'm doing well thanks, and feeling optimistic. Hope you're well too <3
2. Mustard wonders what your relationship with music was growing up?
I used to songwrite when I was a kid just for fun, the first song I wrote was about a jellyfish called 'Oh Jellyfish Sting Me' - iconic and concerning upon reflection. My parents brought me up on a lot of Bob Marley, Queen and a lot of Soul/Motown classics, I also loved current popular artists at the time like Spice Girls and Destiny's Child. When in school, I joined the choir and was offered classical singing lessons which developed my voice in that training style - so it was pretty eclectic.
3. You can often be found creating delicious meals on your Instagram stories. What is your go-to favorite meal to create?
Haha! Well, I love any type of peanut butter/sweet/spicy tofu noodle dish as a go-to meal but I'm also part Sierra Leonean so Peanut Butter Stew and Okra Stew I find comforting.
4. Mustard's human intern has no idea how to cook Tofu properly. What is the secret to utilizing tofu to its fullest potential?
I believe Tofu is a vehicle for flavour, once you accept this truth, the possibilities are endless! A good tip for cooking tofu would be to use a tofu press or something to remove the moisture, that way you'll have more absorption of flavours (at least I think you do), if you fry it in breadcrumbs too with seasoning you're onto a solid winner.
5. Mustard is curious if you have spoken again with the human woman who had a hamster?
Haha I have! Yes, though we haven't spoken as much as I'd like - I'll check in with her again soon.
6. Who (or what) influences you?
I find my life influences a lot of my writing but also films, art, and books - usually there's one core emotion or feeling I'll get from something and it will be something I'll connect with and then want to make into a song. For me, songwriting is often a tool for processing something that's happened in life but I'm also inspired by things that aren't related to me directly but a feeling.
7. Mustard wonders what is your creative process?
My process varies depending on if I'm working with others or on a solo project, I view collaborations as something that we work on together in a way that suits both people and we both add value, some people I write with are very 'strategic' and others are more 'see what happens' and I adapt to them within reason. If I'm writing alone, I'll first have a feeling, something I want to say or inspiration and then either a lyric or phrase will come to mind or melody or I'll start playing around with chord progressions that feel in line with the emotion I'm trying to capture. Often it involves me singing and keys and my voice notes app.
8. Mustard has observed that you sometimes host "Noodle Sessions" on TikTok. When did you first come up with this concept? Did a specific type of noodle inspire the name?
Noodle sessions just came about because I tend to not put out music if it's not the best I can make it. Therefore I overthink and get in my own way. I wanted to create a casual fun 'noodling' style of session where I just pick up my guitar and play a song with very little to no practice, to allow the music I perform or create to sometimes be for enjoyment alone, not so caught up on the finer details like I do with other projects but enjoy the playfulness like I did when I was a child....plus noodle sounds cute no?
9. They have also observed that misogyny remains an issue within the music industry. What are some practices that can be put in place to change the industry and make it a safer place for women?
I think speaking up when you see something that isn't right even if it doesn't directly affect you and trying to be mindful of how inclusive your projects are, if you're consistently working on projects that aren't very inclusive it may be worth reflecting on that. Treat everyone with respect and if someone comes to you for a work opportunity, regardless of their gender treat them fairly and respectfully as you should in any profession. Sadly the industry doesn't have HR or a code of conduct for projects so it's very easy for people to ignore poor behaviour and turn a blind eye, I'd like to see that improved.
10. In 2020 you released your debut single "Jeff Goldblum." Mustard wonders how human actor Jeff Goldblum inspired this single?
Hahahaha so I felt at the time that the person the song is about didn't deserve a song to be written about them in the first place... but such is life. I thought ' Who deserves a song about falling for them and them being fab?' written about them and then I thought Jeff Goldblum seems like a good egg.
11. They also wonder if you have a favorite Jeff Goldblum film?
I haven't seen Jurassic Park so I'm gonna say The Fly seemed pretty iconic, let's go with that.
12. Mustard would like to wish you congratulations on your newest single "Honest." They are curious if the story told on this release was inspired by actual events?
Honesty is reality, kindness in honesty is important and we all as humans can struggle with being honest at times, often I find even within ourselves we can struggle looking at the truth. I think it's important to try your best to be honest because life's short and try to be kind in doing so.
14. As a condiment Mustard wonders why is it important to be honest? Would you agree that “honesty is the best policy/?”
Yes, but I also think you don't always have to share your opinion if it's not warranted or important for someone's well-being. For example, if I bake a cake and it's terrible you don't have to tell me it's bad just be grateful that I made the cake which (hopefully) you would be... then don't eat it hahaha. But if I'm going for a huge cake competition and I need your genuine opinion then be honest and kind in sharing your opinion as it's important for the person's future.
15. Mustard wonders what Louq has on the horizon for 2024?
More music releases! I have some collaborations with artists, and I'll be dropping more singles as and when. I'd love to collaborate more in writing and/or singing for/with artists and I'm pretty open to new opportunities if they feel like a good fit.
16. Where can readers listen to your music?
My music is on all major streaming platforms and you can follow me on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube etc. at @LOUQMUSIC
