Interview: Dana Gillespie on Music, Memoirs, and New Album ‘First Love’

This Bank Holiday Monday our editor Andrew had the pleasure of spending some time chatting to the legendary British singer-songwriter Dana Gillespie. Dana has released over seventy albums, beginning in the world of British folk pop before moving to Bowie-produced glam (as heard on her seminal classics Andy Warhol and Weren’t Born a Man LP), and now impresses with her impressive blues recordings. Dana returns with her upcoming new album First Love which is preceded by an impressive take on Morrisey’s Spent the Day in Bed.

Dana shared some insight into the creative process regarding her new album – which features production from Marc Almond and Triss Penna, and sees Dana cover the likes of Lana Del Rey, Green Day, and Bob Dylan. The star also delved into stories of the music industry in the sixties, working with David Bowie and Mick Jagger, and writing her fascinating memoirs.

Dana, the quintessential raconteur, shared her experiences of working with celebrated cinematic auteurs Nic Roeg and Ken Russell, as well as the charm of starring in cult classics such as The People That Time Forgot and The Lost Continent. The musician also took some time to share of her experience of taking to the stage in Una Voce Per San Marino, the principality’s Eurovision Song Contest selection.

A huge thank you to Dana for taking the time to chat. You can order Dana’s memoirs Weren’t Born a Man from Hawksmoor Publishing. You can pre-order First Love now, as well as the limited vinyl edition of Spent the Day in Bed. First Love arrives on May 31st from Fretsore Records. You can stay in the loop with Dana’s tour dates on her website.