CLASH had a conversation with Naima Bock beneath a shady tree at this year's Green Man Festival. Taking a brief break from the sun, Naima shared insights about her recently announced live EP, ‘Live in Toulon’, which celebrates intimacy, instinct, and the raw energy of transitions.
The English singer-songwriter discussed her connection to live performances, experiencing both the communal joy and tension with her audience, and expressed her belief that music is best enjoyed while seated. She also shared her thoughts on her latest standalone single ‘Rolling’ and the meticulous effort required in selecting songs for an album.
—
—
Your EP ‘Live in Toulon’ is set to be released soon. What was the live album recording process like?
I performed in a church in France, and when we received the recording, it turned out really well. I thought it would be nice to have something that felt a bit more spontaneous. Personally, I don’t enjoy listening to live albums as I find them tedious, but I know some people do, so this is for them.
Was there anything specific that attracted you to that live recording?
It was my first experience playing an entire hour solo. It was amusing. Most of the performance featured new songs, so I can only release the ones that have already come out. But churches have great acoustics! The sound engineer captured the performance well, and since it takes a long time for an album to be released—we're working on another one that won’t be ready for about a year and a half—this gives me something to share in the meantime.
Do you frequently revisit recordings of your live shows?
Not usually, but I've started doing it a bit more. When someone has a USB or if I have mine, it’s useful, yet sometimes it feels unnecessary. I often regret recording when I’m with a band because I can’t hear my vocals and end up out of tune. However, when I’m solo, it sounds better.
Do you find yourself being critical when listening back, or can you appreciate it?
I do tend to be critical. I’m not a perfectionist, though; it’s not about technical issues but rather whether my musicianship feels good. The recording from the church felt right when I listened back, which made me want to release it. However, I’m far from a perfectionist and would release things much sooner if I had a less critical perspective. I have people around me who are more scrutinizing.
How do you select the songs for your live performances? Is it instinctual, or is there a more deliberate method?
We aim for a mix from both records. Like many musicians, I enjoy playing new songs. I know attendees come because they appreciate my music. If it’s a support show, I’ll combine new tracks with covers, as I find that enjoyable; it feels like a way to engage the audience instead of meeting their expectations. It’s flattering when folks know my albums.
Is that the same approach you have for festivals? Do you feel the pressure to engage the audience similarly?
At festivals, it's beneficial to play songs that are already released, as people come to see you. However, there’s a unique dynamic with the audience—I sometimes feel caught between viewing them as adversaries or as individuals I need to please. I often find it hard to determine where I stand regarding these feelings. Occasionally, I feel a sense of animosity towards them.
Does this relationship shift based on your performance venue or your current mood?
It’s probably more dependent on how I’m feeling. Sometimes the audience's reception doesn’t resonate, which doesn’t make me angry, but it does create more of a struggle. It feels like pushing a heavy rock uphill, requiring more effort, which could negatively affect the performance. Audiences are standing, and I relate to that feeling—I’ve attended shows where I wish I had stayed home instead.
Yet occasionally, there are those stellar gigs that feel great—I've only found a few enjoyable shows in the past year, where I felt comfortable and engaged. I’m in decent shape at 28, but I dislike standing for long periods. If I can sit down with a drink, then I’m having a wonderful time.
You recently released a new single, ‘Rolling’, which reflects your previous project. How do you determine which songs make it onto an album?
There are usually four or five songs that don’t quite fit in the sequence or disrupt the flow. I wrote ‘Rolling’ just before we began recording that album, and I wanted to include a new track. I’m happy we released it; it’s quite a quirky little song.
While creating a tracklist for an album, do you find yourself making numerous cuts and revisions?
It actually requires considerable thought. I often have an initial idea and then gather various opinions on it. Eventually, I’ll concede to whatever they suggest. I find it tedious to listen to my songs repeatedly,
Musician, producer, and storyteller Jairic has launched his daring new single, 'Don’t Let Me Put A Track On You', which was officially released on September 5th through Rich.
In our second CLASH Film column, we witness the reunion of two legendary figures in cinema, a sapphic crime narrative from one of the Coen Brothers, and a raw boxing thriller.
Gaining traction for their eagerly awaited second album, The Last Diner Party has announced a 35-date headline tour today. Starting off...
You may already know the LA-born, London rapper CA$PAR from his intense freestyles, where he offers piercing looks to the camera and delivers monologues.
CLASH caught up with Naima Bock beneath a shaded tree at this year's Green Man Festival. Taking a short break from the sun, Naima shared her thoughts on her recently announced live EP.