“Prince is an icon, that’s something I’m sure no one would argue. I grew up in and around music. My parents were part of the underground London music scene in the 90’s, this exposed me to a collection of artists. Sunday was a day spent in the record store, you could say music was my religion! My household was a hub for soulful and emotive music. I was raised on Bob Marley not Hannah Montanna! Prince’s albums were on regular rotation in my home, ‘Purple Rain’, 'Sign of the times’ and 'Love Sexy, all part of the soundtrack to my life, music that I grew up listening to. People often ask me if this has an influence on my own work? Absolutely… not only my work but my life. The music I grew up on has given me my backbone.

If I had to pick one Prince track it would be ’Ballad of Dorothy Parker” because it’s sooooooo unique and conversational and clever. And yet the musicality is never compromised by the colloquialism!! lol

So last week when my management called and said “Guess what, Prince wants you to support him on his Australian tour” I was shocked to say the least, almost in disbelief, “he knows who I am???” Two days later I’m at home in London and Prince calls me up, it was slightly surreal but he was really easy to talk to. He tells me he’s heard my stuff and loves my music, he starts explaining how the 'Love’ show will run, lights, staging the lot! OMG! The excitement was unreal! We chatted for nearly an hour, he was amazing, really supportive & assuring and very down to earth.

How do I feel? Elated, Excited and most definitely honoured, there are so many talented up and coming artists around at the moment, being recognised by a legend like prince is a real honour and I can’t wait!“

- Delilah