09.07.20
Words by:

It’s impossible to not be charmed by Jessie Ware.

Speaking to the west London singer, who boasts a Mercury Prize nomination in her long list of accolades, is like catching up with an old friend – one who still knows when to deploy a healthy dose of dry humour. Her stylised, pristine take on smooth R&B, as exuberant and warm as Ware herself, was introduced to the world on 2013’s chart-topping debut Devotion. Since then, she’s put out two more albums and even launched a food podcast with her mum, Table Manners. As she gears up to release her latest full-length, What’s Your Pleasure?, we pinned her down for 20 Questions, which, you guessed it, mentions food.

What’s your biggest fear?
I’m still scared of the dark.

The weirdest DM you’ve ever received?
To be honest, I hope this album encourages a few more freaky DMs as everything I’ve received to date has been pretty tame.

Signature dish to impress at a dinner party?
Marbella chicken. It’s a surefire winner with pesto rice.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?
It’s a toss up between recording [a live performance for] Graham Norton over Zoom in my daughter’s bedroom or pushing out two babies.

Weirdest thing you’ve experienced in a club?
Dave Chappelle licking my cheek in a club in Minneapolis.

What’s the biggest realisation you’ve had in the past year?
I’m not half bad at my job.

Favourite Instagram account?
@raven__smith

Best survival tip for 2020?
Wash your hands.

Proudest moment of your life?
Pushing a baby out without any drugs.

Most memorable dancefloor moment?
At my wedding, dancing our first dance to Wayne Wonder’s No Letting Go and grinding up on my husband in front of all our guests.

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What’s your worst habit?
I’m a bit of a slob.

Who’s inspiring you right now?
My brother Alex who works on the frontline for the NHS.

What’s your earliest childhood memory?
Throwing up in the back of the car when I went to pick up my baby brother from hospital when he was born. It was incredibly inconvenient for all involved.

What’s the weirdest party you’ve ever been to?
One where Wim Hoff made us all hold our breath for as long as possible. I couldn’t take it seriously.

Favourite city?
Chicago – amazing music scene, full of characters and really great food.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Smile, count to 10 and say darling.

What instantly cheers you up?
My kids laughing.

What would you want written on your tombstone?
“Can I have a little more cream, please?”

What’s your favourite lyric you’ve ever written and why?
‘Chivalry is dead but you revived it’. Just because it’s excellent, isn’t it?

What piece of advice would you give young Jessie?
Don’t apologise so much.

What’s Your Pleasure? is out now via Interscope