For most aspiring young rock stars, the road to fame is long and rocky. But for Dublin-born, 20-year-old, London-based Kate Nash-- the whimsical indie-rock star whose ascension to stardom was instigated by both Lily Allen and MySpace-- it was more like a hop, skip and a jump (once her broken foot healed). Last August, Nash’s debut LP, Made of Bricks (Fiction), which she wrote on a whim while bedridden thanks to the aforementioned injury, hit #1 less than a week after its release.

Nash, who won NME’s “Best Solo Artist” award this past February, is currently touring the U.S., winning over even the most skeptical audiences thanks to her inimitable mix of '50s-inspired style, no bullshit lyrics, and catchy musical concoctions. The term "likeable" is a vast understatement in describing the singer/songwriter’s affable nature. Here, we spoke with Nash about the London music scene and her dogs’ penchant for eating panties:

Where are you now?
I’m in a hotel room in Atlanta on a bed.

Do you miss things about home?
I miss my dogs—two Labradors that are a year old—Max and Molly. They’re so naughty. They eat absolutely everything. I remember I pulled my sister’s underwear out of Molly’s bum one time [laughs]. They’re not bad dogs, they’re just really mischievous. They’ve got no sympathy.

Have they ever done something that made you mad?
One time I was having the worst day: I went on this date where I got stood up. I was wearing this really cute green vintage dress and green shoes to match. I went out to meet this guy, but he never showed. A friend of mine spilled a whole glass of wine over me, too. I went home really upset and asked Max and Molly to make me feel better. When I woke up, they’d eaten the green shoes. They do like shoes.

What was the last book you were reading?
I was reading Tim Burton’s biography. I really love him.

Have you seen Sweeney Todd?
No, I haven’t had the chance to go to the cinema. I liked his short film Vincent, and Edward Scissorhands.

Any other favorite films?
My favorite film is Harold and Maude. I love '70s cinematography and the story is really beautiful. Freaks, I love that film as well. It’s black and white about sideshows and circus freaks. There’s a guy who’s basically a torso, who walks on his hands, and a girl who everyone loves, and she’s horrible to him. She’s the real freak.

Do you identify with Freaks?
Yeah, I think everybody’s a bit of a weirdo. Human beings have weird tendencies. I still definitely have the child within, which some people see as weird. I like playing and using my imagination—writing and making stuff up. One time when I was at the beach with my boyfriend, we made up a whole story about if we were vampires: where would you go, where would you hide…

Speaking of storytelling, are you still working on a children’s book?
I’m in the process of something, which isn’t exactly that. When the album campaign is over I’m going to release a book that is scored music for guitar with lyrics, poetry pieces and tour photos.

Are there books you like to bring on tour?
I really like Lovely Bones. We Need to Talk About Kevin. I love Shakespeare-- As You Like It and Hamlet. And I like reading history books. Norman Lows. There’s an amazing book called Riot Grrrl: Revolution Girl Style Now. It’s really good. I really loved Bikini Kill a lot, and all the ‘zines.

What are your thoughts on London’s music scene?
I don’t know where the scene is. I’m excited by a lot of new stuff: Peggy Sue and the Pirates, Blah Blah Blah, Emmy the Great, Metronomy, Laura Marlin. I’m really into Soco from Paris. Europe is an interesting place for music. I’d love to go to Berlin; Portland has a good scene. I’m excited to go there, because I’ve never been. There are always ups and downs though. There’s also really crappy stuff. As soon as you get good stuff, you get a lot of people jumping on a bandwagon.

How would you describe your summer style?
I wear the same kind of stuff—I love vintage dresses. At the minute I’ve been wearing massive T-shirts, tights and shoes. They’re really nice to do gigs in. I’m obsessed with Marilyn Monroe, Jackie O-– '50s icons who were really feminine. I like looking girly, but sometimes when you need to be a bit harder, I wear darker clothes more black eyeliner.

Why do you think you've been so successful?
It’s been really nuts. I didn’t realize people would connect with me. I think it’s because I’m down to earth and a nonconformist. I’m not some skinny girl; I’m happy to be myself, to express how I feel– honestly. I’m optimistic and try to have a sense of humor.

How do you feel about blowing up?
I think it’s an amazing platform to speak from and do stuff like books and maybe acting again one day. Being in the studio and traveling… the possibilities are exciting.

~Alisa Gould-Simon


First, second, and sixth photos, courtesy of Kate Nash
Third photo by Oliver Peel