Anita Blay -- aka “cocknbullkid” -- unashamedly describes her music as ‘pop.’ Her songs about life and love have slowly earned her attention from respected musicians such as Jools Holland, whose live-music television show she appeared on late last year. But the up-and-coming musician, on the cusp of an album deal, has another love: TV. And not necessarily British TV. We spoke to the East London resident about her music and her obsession with American sitcoms:

You describe your music as ‘pop’ -- can you elaborate on that?
Well I don't mean it ironically. I've been hearing recently that saying your music is 'pop' is a modern way of trying to be cool. I'm honestly not though; I just love pop and have been trying to champion it for awhile now.

Where did you get the name 'thecocknbullkid’ from?
I just liked the play on calling myself a bullshitter.

If you had to 'pitch' a cocknbull album to convince a record exec to sign you, what would you say?
Hopefully I won't need to convince anyone, as I’m just about to put pen to paper. But don't ask me who with, because I'm almost certain I'll jinx it!

What are your favourite three American sitcoms?
"Seinfeld," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," and "Martin."

Who is your favorite American sitcom character and why?
Oh God. I can't choose one; can I choose 3? Larry David, George Costanza, and Susie Greene. Larry David is an extension of every being walking this earth, whether we want to admit it or not. You don't know where his character starts and real persona ends. He's a master stroke. George Costanza is almost identical. He is actually based on Larry David. And Susie Greene makes being an angry and unreasonable woman, acceptable and funny.

What do you think are the differences between American and British sitcoms?
I just have to admit Americans do sitcoms better. We have brilliant shows like "The Office," "Bottom," "Brass Eye," but in recent years, our only triumphs seem to be "Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps" and "My Hero." Americans have given us "Seinfeld," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Cheers," "Arrested Development," "Frasier," "The Cosby Show," and "Friends"-– which, even though it's a blatant rip-off of "Seinfeld," it was still funny.

If you could be a character from any American sitcom past or present, who would you be and why?
I have aspirations to live a life like Susie Greene from "Curb Your Enthusiasm." How she manages to remain adorable whilst screaming that her husband is a "Fat Fuck" is a feat in itself. And I have always secretly envied the lifestyle of Jewish housewives.

What's the worst American sitcom you've ever seen?
Do you remember "Malibu?" It was like "California Dreams," but shit. And not even in a good way. They wouldn't hire anyone ugly or people who could act.

What's your favorite ever scene from an American sitcom?
In "Curb Your Enthusiasm," Larry meets an ex of Jeff's who claims Jeff had a small dick, but Jeff says it was in fact her who had a big vagina. In Jeff's words: "These big vagina ladies are getting away with murder." The hand gesture used to demonstrate the big vagina was grossly brilliant.

~Donald Crunk


First and second photos by Dan Wilton
Third photo by Phil Gay