Singer-songwriter Yvonne McDonnell returns with her stirring new single Its Not That Cold Anymore, out on now.

Inspired by vintage photography, the single tells the story of how loneliness can be felt at any time, even times when we are supposed to be full of happiness and warmth, like at Christmas. Yvonne elaborates, “it’s a story of love lost, and a longing to hear from people we care about, who are no longer in our lives.” Its Not That Cold Anymore feels instantly compelling as the gentle musicality floats effortlessly underneath Yvonne’s distinctive vibrato, creating a sound that is both emotive and intricate. Fans of the likes of Joanna Newsom and Kate Rusby will feel at home here.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Yvonne about the new music, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?

It’s not so much an attraction, more just what comes out of me. I don’t really feel like I have much control over it. I’ve often wanted to create other genres of music, as I love soul, r’n’b, funk etc, but the style I put out is the only one that feels really authentically me. My songwriting process is very simple, it literally just pours out of me whenever I feel something, so I try not to mess with it too much. I think keeping it raw maintains the emotion I felt at the time of writing it. In the past when I tried to make my music a bit more fancy and ‘busier’ it always feels as though it was taking away from a song, rather than adding anything. I am still open to experimentation in the future and the songs I am working on at the moment are my most experimental yet, which has been really fun! 

What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?

I really don’t know to be honest. For me it’s just what I need to do. There is nothing in the world that makes me happier, there is nothing I would rather be doing and nothing that get’s me more motivated or passionate. Ever since I can remember music has been my first love and it’s what I want to spend my time doing. I think my life would be quite pointless without it! I suppose the main reason I push it out is I hope that my music can do for other people what my favourite artists did for me, as optimistic as that might sound! They got me through some rough times. I write about things that I have experienced and overcome; lots of feminism, mental health related issues, love lost and general crises. I am a firm believer that communication is a great way to deal with things and I personally find music the easiest way to do that. 

Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?

I think my favourite artists are my biggest inspirations. Hearing some of my all time favourites was always a life changing experience for me, and that’s not an exaggeration! Artists like Janis Joplin, The Velvet UnderGround, Aretha Franklin, Nick Cave, to name a small few, just blew me away and I remember hearing their lyrics or their voices and pretending it was me singing them. I suppose I am just trying my best to create something I am proud of and attempting to emulate the things that have made a lasting impression on me. I don’t think my taste has changed much actually. I was always into pretty much anything, as long as I thought it was awesome, rare or moving. 

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?

Yes actually, it was my first attempt at recording something myself. I invested in some recording equipment this year and was messing around with vocals and guitar. The song was just meant to be practise, but it ended up sounding like something I wanted to create. It was completed by my friend Kyle, who added bits and did the mix, but I was quite proud with my little beginner recording project. 

What was the last song you listened to?

Hospital by Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers. 

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I absolutely love vinyl. I love everything about it. I am one of those geeks. I think MP3 is great for convenience, CDs for the nostalgia, but vinyl still wins for me. 

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I think as an artist I prefer Spotify due to the potential it has for reaching listeners and the playlists are really cool for discovering artists yourself, but probably bandcamp for being able to sell stuff and providing a way for independent artists to make some money. 

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?

I think being yourself can be super hard. The digital era can also be super engineered and can make us feel like we aren’t good enough, which makes it tough to put yourself out there without feeling silly and irrelevant. But I think everyone has a story and they’re all important. And actually, if no one cares you may as well go for it anyways and see what happens! 

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?

Facebook, instagram for any music info and updates and spotify for actual music. 

Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?

Thanks for the chat and I hope you enjoy the record!