by ngaire ruth

Protest-Punkster Louise Distras is one of the headliners at our LOUD WOMEN Fest. Currently working on her second self-released album, in between relentless gigging and touring, Louise is our kind of girl. The awesome Ngaire Ruth posed her some probing questions …

ngaire ruth: So, Louise Distras, where did you come from? (musically, geographically, influentially … any way you want to take that question)

louise distras: Geographically, I come from Wakefield. Influentially I come from Nirvana, and musically I come from The Beatles.

nr: Why this type of visceral, folky punk?

ld: Somebody once said my music is “too punk to be folk and too folk to be punk”, but I really don’t consider it to be either. In my head it sounds totally pop, like Abba. But regardless of however folks want to define my music, it wasn’t a conscious decision to make it sound the way it does. It just came out that way and I don’t really know why. It just is what it is.

nr: What sort of bands/acts do you see yourself billed with and why?

ld: One day I’d really like to open for Pearl Jam. I’ve been a huge fan since I was a teenager. I love their music and their message. In my opinion, Eddie Vedder is a really good example of what it means to be a true artist.

nr: You seem to play a lot in California – what’s the link?

ld: Last year my first album ‘Dreams from the Factory Floor’ was released on vinyl by an American label called Pirates Press Records. The response to my music in the States has been really good, and folks have been connecting with the songs in a big way which is the reason I’ve been touring over there so much recently. I love America, it’s a great country and I can’t wait to go back.

  • “Arriving in America to find people singing along to my songs at the shows was a mindblowing experience.”


nr: Given your time again, would you do anything differently?

ld: No, I wouldn’t do anything differently. I’m really proud of the fact I have always stood firm to my own truth and vision regardless of other people’s opinions and would advise any aspiring songwriter to do the same. When you are someone who creates your own path, the journey can be very lonely at times but it’s important to remind yourself that nothing worthwhile ever comes easy.

nr: Do you believe that music can make world a better place?

ld: I believe it already has made the world a better place and will continue to do so forever.

nr: What’s next for Louise Distras?

ld:  LOUD WOMEN Fest of course! See you there!


Louise Distras’ debut album Dreams from the Factory Floor is out now.
Find her on Facebook and Twitter.