Blonde on Blonde

Peroxide princess of pop Sarah Cracknell has fronted Saint Etienne since 1991. uk-fusion catches up with Crackers to talk about Britpop, Burger King and David Essex

You were discovered by Saint Etienne band mates Pete Wiggs and Bob Stanley when they overhead you singing ‘April Shower’ from Disney’s Bambi in a Burger King toilet. Which branch were you in and was it a unisex loo?

It was the Notting Hill Gate branch. No, it wasn’t a unisex toilet. It’s just that the walls were very thin.

Your father Derek was a film director and your mother Julie’s an actress. To what extent do you feel you were fated for this sort of life?

It was the last thing either of them wanted me to do, but I was like a moth drawn to a light bulb.

"Saint Etienne invented Britpop." Discuss.

I don't want to be held responsible for some of the dodgy music that made up the Britpop movement. However, I do think the fact that we were played on national radio early on opened doors for other people and made what was previously considered alternative more mainstream. And we were definitely doing something different at a time when "alternative" music usually meant grunge.

What are your recollections of Oasis supporting you on your first full tour in 1994?

Oasis were the loudest band we've ever had support us (we gave them the run of our PA) and I think they terrified some of more sensitive fans. They were a real blast of fresh air, though, and were definitely what was needed at that time. Which makes it more of a shame they didn't really develop their music after the first two albums.

In the past, you’ve been quite candid about your vocals. So, do you still think you’re "a crap singer"?

I'm getting better. One would hope so after all this time.

Your latest album, Tales From Turnpike House, has been garnering a surfeit of positive reviews. What’s your favourite song on it and why?

I really like 'Teenage Winter'. It’s pure pathos and very melancholy too.

What was it like to work with an original pop idol in David Essex who sings with you on 'Relocate'?

David Essex has been a real super hero of mine for some time, even more so than Bob and Pete. Consequently, I was a little overcome when we were in the studio together. I was all fingers and thumbs. Hope he doesn't think I'm a complete idiot.

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Tales From Turnpike House 

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