Figuring it Out with Hetticee
Mustard had the pleasure of speaking with Hetticee! Together we discussed their influences, cinematography, their debut single “Not Another Dinner Party”, and so much more!
1. Mustard is grateful to have you join them at Music Shelf. How are you doing today?
I’m doing really well! Very happy to be chatting with you!
2. You've been writing music since you were younger. What were some subjects you wrote about?
Yeah! I started writing my own music when I was super young, around 10 years old I would say - though pretty sure that first song was about going to the club which I obviously had no experience with ahah. But as I got older it turned a little more introspective, wrote a lot about trying to navigate your teenage years, especially as someone who was a little shy and socially anxious.
3. Amy Winehouse, Hayley Mary, and Olivia Dean, and Joni Mitchell are some of your musical inspirations. What songs of each do you consider essential listening?
Oooh great question! I mean they all have incredible catalogues. For Amy some of my favourites is ‘Stronger Than Me’ and ‘In My Bed’ from her Frank album. They’re some of her more technical melodic pieces I would say, but she makes it sound effortless. And the lyrics are so smart snd cheeky and classic Amy. For Hayley it would have to be ‘Like A Woman Should’. Its such a liberating song and again, melodically is just so detailed. For Olivia I would say all of them?! But if I had to choose, it’d probably be Fall Again. Its one of the most beautiful and vulnerable songs I’ve ever heard. She has a real talent at taking a very complex emotion and narrating and describing it in a way that is so perfectly simple that it says everything you need it to. Shes a big inspiration for me lyrically. And I mean for Joni its impossible to pick just one, but some that I’ve loved ever since I was a little girl are ‘Case of You’ and ‘River’. Similar to all the others, she turns melody on its head and makes something so intricate and technical sound seamless. Lyrically shes an absolute genius and for me is G.O.A.T without a doubt.
4. Mustard wonders what role music plays in Zimbabwe? How has your family history influenced your music?
My family history has been a massive influence for me musically. I think because I dont get to see that side of my family as much, listening to Afro and West African music has been a way for me to feel more connected to them. So I’ve always loved Afro rhythms and tonalities and I think those influences come through a little in my writing.
4. In addition to being a musician you work in TV/Film with a particular interest in cinematography. What is a show or film that has great cinematography? What makes a good "shot" in your opinion?
I think the thing that makes a good shot is when every frame looks like a still painting, so everything from the composition to the colour scheme are all working cohesively to tell the story. Breaking Bad and Better Caul Saul both feature some amazing cinematography that at times deceives or reveals things to the audience that adds to the overall narration and manipulates the viewing experience so much. Makes you realise the power that it has in storytelling.
5. If you had the chance to collaborate with any cinematographer who would it be and why?
Probably Rachel Morrison. She’s a trailblazer for female cinematographers so it would be an honour to work with her.
6. You are tasked to choose only one streaming service. What streaming service do you choose? What does it offer the others don't?
Ooo probably Binge. I mostly watch British TV and HBO which Binge offers a lot of that the other streaming services don't.
7. What is your creative process?
I usually start with a concept or topic that's been on my mind that I feel I need to get out onto paper. Usually phrases will come to me first and then I find the melody. Harmony is always last for me as it takes some time for me to be happy with it. It holds a lot of power in a song and I think its something that doesn’t come as natural to me as lyrics do, so I often have to spend more time on it.
8. Your debut single "Not Another Dinner Party" tackles not being ready just for adulthood. Do humans receive a guide on how to be an adult?
No we don't! We’re really not taught much on how to be an adult before we become one. I think that's part of what the song is about too - we’re all just trying to figure it out in our own time and I don't want to feel like I have to rush that.
9. Could you elaborate more on humans playing pretend? How do humans play pretend?
I think in this sense, playing ‘pretend’ just means putting on a show or a facade that everything is perfect and going great. For dinner parties you have to clean the house, dress the table, curate a menu and then spend the night sitting around talking about all the things you’ve achieved and how happy you are - it just feels fake.
10. You get the opportunity to remove one bill that you have to pay. Which bill do you get rid of?
Phone bill! I upgraded at the end of last year and the monthly payments have been awful.
11. Mustard wonders what is typically served at a Dinner Party? What would your ideal dinner party menu look like?
Depends on who is hosting! If I had to host it would probably be bread rolls with butter + olive oil/balsamic vinegar, some pesto pasta for the main and then some ice cream for dessert. Maybe with that Magic Ice chocolate stuff that hardens when you squeeze it on the top. And looooots of wine.
12. Do you have any upcoming shows?
Yep! I’m currently organising a show in mid July, more details soon!
13. What is next for Hetticee?
Got a couple more releases this year, leading up to an EP release hopefully in October!
14. Where can readers listen to your music?
Everywhere! But Spotify and Apple Music are probably the easiest options.