Sigrid on what to expect from her debut album – and dreams of working with Neil Young

[Ulquiorra]

She also shares her thoughts on the diverse Reading + Leeds line-up

Sigrid has spoken out about progress on her hotly-anticipated debut album – while also revealing that her dream collaboration would be with Neil Young. Watch our video interview with the singer above.

Tipped by the NME 100 as one of the most essential new acts to keep an eye on in 2018 (as well as being crowned winner of the BBC Sound Of poll), the rising Norwegian star is expected to drop her debut album towards the tail end of the year.

“I want to be a bit secretive about it, not because I’m told to but because it’s this borderline sacred process of making something,” Sigrid told NME backstage at this weekend’s Reading Festival. “It’s like my baby and I want to protect it until it’s out. Date-wise, it’s out when it’s finished.

“I’m working on it, mostly with the same producers and writers. It’s just a very collaborative process. It’s very exciting.”

So who would be her dream collaboration?

“That’s a difficult question. Who could that be? Neil Young, but I know that’s not gonna happen. In my dreams, it would be Neil Young. My family would die of joy.”

Asked about the divisive nature of the diversity of this year’s R+L line-up, Sigrid replied: “I’m not British, so I don’t know the full history of this festival. I’m from Norway, so I wouldn’t have the same knowledge. I played here for the first time last year and that was the first time I heard about the festival.

“I really like it and it’s great to play here, but when it comes to the question – yeah. I think adapting is something that it’s cool to do, but the most important thing to do is show a diversity of music.”

Sigrid continued: “That includes rock music. It includes every genre. I think festivals have a responsibility to show different genres of music to people. When a different type of music is put in front of you, you can choose for yourself what you’re supposed to like. Festival line-ups should have all types of music. It’s part of cultural growth.

“If there’s only one genre that it’s possible to listen to or possible to see live, then how can you explore different styles? How can you evolve, musically?”

Sigrid tour dates and tickets

As well as supporting George Ezra on his upcoming UK arena tour, Sigrid’s own upcoming UK and Ireland tour dates are below – with tickets available here.

November

Sunday 4 – Birmingham, O2 Birmingham Academy
Monday 5 – Dublin, Olympia
Wednesday 7 – Glasgow, O2 Glasgow Academy
Friday 9 – Manchester, Manchester Albert Hall
Monday 12 – London, O2 Academy Brixton