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With an Ivor Novello Award for Rising Star already under her belt, singer-songwriter Griff is breathing fresh air into the world of pop.

Pop music, with its fair share of lyrical clichés and go-to melodies, can often get a bad rep. London-raised artist Griff knows all too well that saying something fresh doesn’t come easy but, by mixing honest lyrics and enchanting melodies, she has become a voice for her generation. While lockdown might have pressed pause on live performances for now, Griff continues to make her voice heard.

As the adage goes, be careful what you wish for. Pre-lockdown, Griff was craving a moment of respite from her non-stop schedule to get back to doing what she loves – writing. “I was so busy, I thought it would be nice to shut myself off to just write again,” she recalls, “but then lockdown came and I wasn’t inspired at all so it became really hard to write. At home, I never feel like I’m being productive enough.”

Griff is a self-confessed perfectionist. “I’m always trying to write better songs,” she admits. It is this drive that has led to awards so early on in her career and, although she’s not focusing on that, it’s certainly been an added reassurance during these uncertain times. “It feels like I must be doing something right,” she muses. “Songwriting is difficult. It’s hard to always find something new to say. In lockdown I’ve been driving myself mad not knowing if something is good or bad.”