That's another Fine Frenzy you got me into

• 28th Nov 2007

Seattle born literature loving lass Alison Sudol is a lovely gal who is better known by her stage name A Fine Frenzy. Influenced by far afield folk from the likes of Aretha Franklin and The Beatles to Philip Glass and Keane, she joins the new wave of female balladeers proudly doing their bit to sweeten and quirkily animate the world around us.

With her predominantly piano driven and sentiment soaked pop, A Fine Frenzy is atmospheric, hypnotic, melodic and globally irresistible. Regina Spektor, Laura Marling, Gemma Hayes blablabla are all on the march in this new musical revolution…and I like it, especially now that A Fine Frenzy has stepped up too!

Her new LP 'One Cell in the Sea' is released here in the UK in January. The super sexy 22 year old took some to answer a few questions.

AS: Why the name Fine Frenzy?

I stole it from Shakespeare. It’s from a Midsummer Night’s Dream. Basically, it describes a poets writing process, the madness of inspiration that takes hold, the beauty that finds a shape and a name because of it in the form of a poem. I can’t say it nearly as well as Shakespeare did, which is why I nicked the name.

AS: What inspired the ‘One cell in the Sea’ title of your LP?

The song ‘The Minnow & the Trout’, about looking past petty differences and realising that, at the end of the day, despite all the multitude of beliefs, circumstances, ideals and theories regarding human beliefs and origins, we all came from somewhere and are all thus united. We all go through many of the same things and have the same emotions and the album touches on a few of them. ‘One Cell in the Sea’ is also the start of something.

AS: How did your input for the ‘Dan in Real Life’ OST come about?

I was asked to come in and record ‘Fever’ with Sondre Lerche for the film. I did my best and had a good time with it, not very complicated really. It was a pleasure to be part of such a wonderful film.

AS: Who would you most like to collaborate with?

Sigur Ros, Bright Eyes, Death cab…

AS: What does 2008 hold for you?

Well we’re going to run around Europe a bit more for now and then December will be spent with me at the piano and guitar and possibly in the studio making the next record, that’s certainly something to look forward to.

AS: Is your parents influence on your life something that’s perhaps overstated?

I’m not quite sure what people say about that. Yes, my parents are wonderful and are a big part of my life. They made it safe to be myself and an artist. They also left me alone to do my thing. I suppose perhaps focus falls on my relationship with my parents because it’s a good one and that’s rare these days, well, I think it’s rare for people to talk about it. Parents aren’t very rock & roll, I guess. I don’t mind.

AS: Where do you go when it all gets too much?

I go walking or read a book. A little alone time goes a long way these days. If possible, I bang on the piano until I feel better.

AS: What time is bedtime, more half 9 with a half read book or half 4 with fully red eyes?

Bedtime is around 2 with a half read book, one headphone with mellow music and a foot hanging off the bed.

AS: When you aim your peashooter/pellet gun/sniper rifle, you’re aiming at?

Umm… definitely my peashooter at the TV! There’s a lot of rubbish on these days, it makes me mad.

AS: Where’s the place to be?

Iceland.

AS: What is it that makes the world go round?

Discovering a piece of chocolate in one’s pocket when one is stuck in traffic.

AS: What’s your weak point?

Geography and remembering names.

AS: What’s your favourite instrument?

The piano of course, the cello and the harmonium.
And so there you have it! For full information on FF please visit

Official website: link