I love this time of year. Maybe it’s because I grew up in Denmark, or perhaps it’s just the years spent living in Northern Europe — but late autumn has always been my favourite season. It may not burst with the colour of spring or the renewed energy of summer, yet I find this time of year quietly strengthening. It’s a calming, reflective period — what I like to jokingly call my hibernation season 🐻.

Right now, my creative energy is ebbing and flowing after a very prolific year of songwriting. But just like my houseplants, I know that inspiration needs watering through the winter (both metaphorically and literally!) — with the faith that new buds will bloom come early May 🪴.

For now, the pavements are officially carpeted in autumn leaves 🍁 — every imaginable shade of yellow and brown — and the shops are slowly but surely sliding into Christmas mode. That can only mean one thing: the London Jazz Festival is almost here! Starting today, the city will be alive with some of the best music and musicians from around the world. Another reason why November absolutely rocks!

Unsurprisingly, the three gigs I’ve booked to see all feature singer-songwriters — not “jazz” in the traditional sense. It’ll be a real smorgasbord of music and lyrics 🎼 : the exquisite jazz-folk of Fini Bearman and Michelle Willis, followed by the powerful collaboration between Taylor Eigsti and Becca Stevens, who blend chamber pop and indie rock. And to end my LJF experience in style, I’ll be grooving to the futuristic sounds of Tune-Yards and their infectious alt-pop grooves.

Speaking of great gigs, a few weeks ago we had a truly beautiful crowd at Pizza Express Jazz Club — warm, open, and full of enthusiasm. It felt incredible to perform original music with some of my dearest musical friends: Luca Boscagin (guitar 🎸), Richard Sadler (bass 🎻), and Chris Nicholls (drums 🥁), who always make the music sound soooo lush. This is an unreleased video of our crowd favourite "Stone" that I'm happy to share with you before making it available to the wider public.

To top it all off, a very well-known jazz singer whom I deeply respect came up after the show, bought two CDs, and congratulated me on my voice, the music, and the honesty of my lyrics. That meant a lot — especially since my songs often pull no punches and dive straight into personal territory (even more so on the new album). Knowing that that honesty connects and resonates with others is the best reward I could ask for. This "no holds barred" approach definitely worked on Lily Allen's new album, "West End Girls", a masterclass in not mincing words.

Until next time — keep chasing those dreams,
Ire x