She makes feisty power pop and has been likened to a 21st century, punk infused combination of Suzi Quatro, Pink and The Bangles. As singer-songwriter Anita Maj gets set to release her single ‘Playtime’, she entices us to come and play with her!

Tell us a bit about your new single ‘Playtime’ – what can we expect?
Remember what it felt like to really play? That’s what this song is all about.

What are you most proud of about the track?
I like that it’s all about taking life into your own hands and doing what you want to do. I think that’s a great way to be.  

"It’s all about taking life into your own hands and doing what you want to do. I think that’s a great way to be." 

Is ‘Playtime’ representative of the rest of the music you make as a whole?
'Playtime' is a very playful song – a lot of my songs are darker and explore deeper emotions. Human beings are complex. I like to explore every aspect of what makes us tick through my songs.

So, when did you first realise you had musical talent?
I’d like to say I was struck by lightning and then I just knew – but in reality, as a musician, you never know your own talent. I just knew I loved music and that’s what I wanted to do.

Who were your childhood musical heroes?
John Lennon, The Bangles, Heart, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Catatonia, Blondie, PJ Harvey, Joan Jett, Bob Dylan – there are so many musical heroes to choose from. I love great songwriting, storytelling, and the sheer energy and power of rock.

Do you remember your first ever gig? What happened?
It was some US rock band that was big at the time and came to Bradford, and the most I remember was my friend and I wrote our names and phone numbers on a piece of paper made it into a paper airplane and then ran to the top of the venue and launched the plane so that the band would get it on stage- which they did. Unfortunately we never did get a call.

 "I’m not always good at knowing who is lesbian or not (I need better Gaydar!), but...we get a good mix of people coming up to us after gigs...We’d be thrilled to have a big lesbian following."

What’s in store for the crowd at a live gig?
Passion baby! Not to go all Austin Powers on you – but I love playing live! The connection you get with the audience at a gig is just amazing and it’s worth all the prep, long journeys, soundchecks, slow waiting periods and tedious or unpleasant sides of the whole music making machine, just to be able to get on stage, rock out and connect with the audience.

Lesbians seem to love female singer-songwriters – have you noticed a big lesbian following so far?
I’m not always good at knowing who is lesbian or not (I need better Gaydar!), but I do get a thrill anytime anyone comes up to us after a gig or interacts with us when we’re onstage. We get a good mix of people coming up to us after gigs and it’s always great to meet new fans. We’d be thrilled to have a big lesbian following.

Finish the sentence: A good night out starts with...
My hoop earrings, boots and my iPod.

It ends with...
I don’t normally remember the endings.

It’s our round – what are you having?
Vodka and tonic.

"Human beings are complex. I like to explore every aspect of what makes us tick through my songs."

What makes you happy?
Freedom, love, music, seeing other people follow their dreams and eggnog lattes.

What makes you angry?
Injustice, hyprocrisy and, at the moment, Jeremy Clarkson.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Do what you do to the best of your ability and let the chips fall where they may.

Anything to add?
GaydarRadio, it’s been a pleasure - now let’s go play!

'Playtime', the new single from Anita Maj, is released on 2 January 2012 on Lil Minx Recordings. Find out more at www.anitamaj.com. 

Photos Rupert Hitchcox Photography - www.ruperthitchcox.co.uk.