Hi, this is Paloma Faith, singer from the UK. I have an issue with truth. Ask me anything.

Loved you on Buzzcocks with Noel Fielding. Will we get to see you two be adorable again soon? xx

I'd like to go back on it! A lot of Americans have got it on YouTube.

You're locked in a room with a starving hippopotamus. You have two cans of play-doh, a baguette and a Human League CD. What's your first move?

HAHA! Firstly, I would feed the starving hippopotamus with the baguette to gain its trust, and make friends. Then I would make a comfortable saddle for myself on the back of it with the play-doh, and with Human League CD in hand, I would get him to walk through the wall and get us through it quick-time.

Generally speaking, which is actually the one you'd want: the truth, or something beautiful?

I used to say something beautiful, because I'm a fantasist. But the older I get, the more I prefer the truth.

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HAHA! Ehm - Marilyn Monroe, for fashion. And Frida Kahlo, Grace Jones, Edith Piaf, Josephine Baker, and, ehm, for music... Etta James, Tina Turner, Shirley Bassey, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Laverne Baker...

Hello Paloma, I am looking so forward to your show in Portland next month, I have wanted to see you for years! I have two questions... One, will you be doing any kind of meet and greets before or after the show? and Two, what is your favourite song to perform and why?

Yes. I will be doing meet and greets. I will come out and say hello afterwards.

Ehm...Trouble With my Baby because it's a good opportunity for the band to go a bit wild.

What's your favorite song to cover ?

Ehm - Nick Cave "Into My Arms."

Huge fan from NYC. When I first listened to your two previous albums, I was blown away because you're like nothing out there at the moment. Your third album sounds very different (in a very good way). What inspired you to change the vibe of this new album? Will there be a second NY show?

I hope that there will be another NYC show, but it won't be on this tour. I don't believe that I'm a one dimensional person, so don't be surprised if every album you hear from me sounds different. I don't see it as change, I see it as showing another side to what I can do.

Hi Paloma! Big fan from Ireland: saw you in Waterford recently, can't wait 'till you come back and do a headline show for us! I was wondering what your favourite song on A Perfect Contradiction is, that you wrote? Also, I saw in an interview that Jeanette Winterson is one of your favourite writers: what's your favourite of her books? Thanks, and best of luck with everything! x

My favourite book of hers is Why Be Happy When You Can Be Normal. And my favourite song... probably Mouth To Mouth.

How are you?

I'm a bit jet-lagged. But happy to be back in the USA... and ask me anything, you can do better than that! Haha! There won't be many opportunities to ask me anything!

How do you feel about meeting your fans at stage doors after your shows? I would love to meet you after your show in my town! You are absolutely fabulous and your music has got me through some tough times. Big love from a Scottish fan!

I feel very strongly about it. But in the UK, it's harder because the shows are so big, and I don't hire security guards! So you'll have to come to somewhere with a smaller show to meet me, somewhere safe.

What do you think about Lana Del Rey?

I think she's creatively really inspiring. And I love her image.

Is the DoD aware of your plans to "take the US by storm"? Do anticipate resistance? Care to share your strategy?

HAHAHAH! That's a good one!

It wouldn't be an attack if I'd notified them. So I'm hoping to take them by surprise.

Do you have one fear that keeps you up at night?

Btw, love your voice. Your tone is impeccable and reaches the farthest corners of my soul. Thank you for your brilliance.

American Horror Story! Hahaha!

Where do you draw your inspiration from, both in music and in your amazing fashion sense?

See: above.

Will your U.S. tour dates have a merch booth? There's a t shirt with a horse on your online store that's been sold out in men's sizes for months now... Sad face.

Hopefully by the time we get to your town, we won't be sold out of it, but: yes.

I'm a huge fan of Vintage Trouble and have been lucky enough to see you perform with them. Is there any recording planned in the future?

Well, with the re-release of my album in the UK, the Outsiders Edition, we have put 45 minutes of the Prom's show that I did in which there's a duet with Ty on it of "I'd Rather Go Blind" by Etta James, with a 42 piece orchestra and 30 piece choir. It was the Proms, it was like the biggest highlight of my career.

What is the best thing about your life at the moment?

Ehm, best thing... I think like, finally, having two Number Ones within a very short space of time. I'm three albums in and it took a while.

Paloma, I find your voice incredibly soulful and unique, I find a lot of similarities with you and the late Amy Winehouse? Was she someone you looked up to? and if so, what was your favorite song of hers?

Big Irish fan by the way!

I don't think anyone should look up to anyone. I looked along to her, and I thought she was an incredible artist. But at the time that she came out, I was already doing the same style of music, it's just that everybody in the world heard about her first, so I would say she was somebody with similar taste to me that I liked because of that. I think Tears Dry On Their Own.

Are you a Beyonce fan?

Yeah, who isn't?

Is your hair currently red or blonde? or both?

BLONDE.

Will you ever perform 30 minute love affair again? And what are you most looking forward too on tour? X

Of course I will perform 30 Minute Love Affair! I'm planning to do that for my March Arena tour in the UK. But in the US, my sets are quite short, so I have to just play the album I'm promoting right now. I'm most looking forward to meeting my American fans after the shows.

Hey Paloma, if you could choose any artist(s) past and present to sing with... who would you choose?

Etta James... Andre 3000.... Paolo Nutini... and Amy Winehouse.

I am your biggest fan in North America and can't wait to see you at the Roxy in LA! I know you enjoy cooking- what other things help you unwind when you aren't writing or in the studio?

The cinema... reading... and that thing that makes the world go 'round.

you have always marvelous hair. Is it you the genius behind that or is it someone?

As with most good things, it's also collaborative. I'm an ideas person, and I have a lot of help making them reality. I take Viviscal, have you heard of it? It's a hair supplement. It works.

What's better : bacon or eggs?

Bacon.

Will you ever tour in Canada or just in the united states?

I'd love to tour Canada! I suppose if record sales look good there, then I'll come! Tell your friends!

Can I have one of your lovely hats, a la the Off The Cuff video? I've been looking for one recently to no avail.

I had to give it back too, sorry!

Are you going to be on Alan Carr soon? You guys are f'ing hilarious together. Love from Chicago x.

Yes, if he'll have me! I gave him and Adele food poisoning last summer. Yeah, I did !

Yes Paloma, nice to see you on reddit, I love your stuff. I have a couple of quick questions.

1). What were your first thoughts when you heard MK was going to remix Can't Rely on You? How do you feel it turned out?

2). How was performing at Bestival this year? Correct me if I'm wrong but I think I saw you mention on C4 that it was your favourite festival. Did this year's gig live up to your expectations?

Best of luck in America!

EDIT: Here is the remix for anyone wondering - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TbiI6NSPKo

1) I'm not really very up to scratch with remixes, so I didn't really know who he was, but I really like the remix.

2) It was difficult, because we were onstage and finishing at 2 AM in the morning, which is not an ideal time to sing...but we did enjoy it, and the crowd was wonderful.

Hello Paloma! I found your album Fall to Grace after you were on Chelsea Handler. I had just ended a long term relationship and your music helped me heal. I was wondering if you will do any American talk show appearances while in the states? I also live in the southern part of the U.S.- will you have any shows for your fans down here soon (like in Texas)?

Thanks!

My aim is to get to as much of America as I can, but not this tour. I'm addicted to talking, you can't shut me up. It's just a case of trying to get the opportunities.

I'm singing on Letterman though!

Hi Paloma! Just wanted to wish you luck for your performance on David Letterman tonight and for your tour of the USA! Hope you and the band have a brilliant time... My sneaky question is, will you be performing any of the 5 new songs from the re-release of A Perfect Contradiction on your UK Autumn Tour? So looking forward to seeing you then! Lauren x

Unfortunately I won't be performing those songs because they aren't even finished production-wise yet, so the band can't know them because they're not telepathic (okay, well a couple of them are telepathic, but the others can't keep up).

Hi Paloma, which of your looks from any of your videos should I copy next month for Halloween? My name's Graham and I work in mail delivery.

Mail, or Male? If it's the latter, you lucky bastard! Haha!

I think the Cult Situation is obviously going to be the one.

Aussie here.

Were you surprised your first number 1 was outside the UK?

Do you wish we fell in love with you a little later so Changing was your first in the UK?

I can't wait to see you next year.

No, because the single I was number one with in Australia was my song, not somebody else's. You have my heart!

Tea or Coffee?

Herbal tea.

Hi Paloma! I'm just going to keep asking questions until you reply :)

What is your favourite food?

I quite like paella.

Hi Paloma. Thank you for the great music. Your voice is incredible. I'd like to know as someone from Liverpool how you happened to get involved with the Hillsborough charity single. Was it something in particular that struck you?

Well, they approached me and I just thought it was a really good cause.

Hello, Paloma! I have been a fan ever since my UK penpal sent me your album a few years back, so it is a pleasure to get to talk to you now.

My question applies to you, as well as musicians who are touring in general; Who gets to decide which venues/cities you'll end up stopping by on tour? I have been fortunate enough to see so many great acts in Pittsburgh, but most seem to skip right over it and go from Philly to Columbus. Whats up with that!?

I don't decide. I just turn up. If you want to write a letter of complaint, write to Jeff Rasco at CAA.

Hi Paloma, it was nice to meet and support you (we opened the show) a few years ago at Big Feastival. Just wanted to say thanks because it really helped get our music heard!

My question is: What is your favourite song to perform from your very first album?

Probably Do you Want the Truth, or Something Beautiful.

How did you feel about Prince liking Stargazer? Do you prefer doing big shows with lots of production or smaller intimate gigs? (I've come to see you live every time you've toured!)

Obviously it's flattering for Prince to like anything that you do as an artist because he is a god of music... I can see good things about performing in big situations and small... I think that my heart of hearts it prefers intimate venues.

Thanks for answering my first questions! Got another one for you... You're stranded on a desert island, that magically has unlimited power, and a record player... What five albums do you want to have with you?

Paolo Nutini, "Caustic Love"

Laura Mvula, "Green Garden"

Etta James' Greatest Hits

Prince 1999

Ministry of Sound, best of 90's garage

I've read lots of rumours about you possibly taking up a judging role on a show like the x factor or the voice. Would you ever consider accepting a judging role?

No, I don't like judgment. I've been offered these shows several times and said no to all of them because I think music is subjective.

As a musician, do you think it's important to get a full education before trying to put your material out there for people to see, or should you get involved in the music industry as soon as possible?

I think education is really important, because it gives you a plan B, and it's a very difficult industry to get into, so it's always good to have like a backup. So I would say: study first.

Hi Paloma, your performance on "live from Abbey road" was spectacular and "Do you want the truth or something beautiful?'" had remained one of my favorite songs since that performance.
Are you doing to perform that song/album on the Australian leg of the tour? And what was your motivation for that song?

I'd like to perform it, I'll see. Inspiration was: I found myself being asked quite often questions that I didn't like the answer to, and also being judged for my answers, like things to do with my age or my experiences in my life, like I just at time and in situations where I wish I could have erased them, so that's why I wrote that song.

What is your biggest regret? (ps: my god, what voice you have! I knew I would love it from the first time I heard, big hug from France! xx)

Putting some stupid men on pedestals.

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There's a new LV volumizing thing that's quite good.

What's your perfect Sunday?

I love going to the cinema... I really like cooking. Probably have a roast dinner, because that's very British. Jamie Oliver's roast potatoes must be involved... And I like it to be calorie-free, so I can loads of Ferrero Rochers.

Do you support any organizations (like non-profits)? I started a movement that helps people with mental illness. It would be cool if you checked it out!:D

@hopeinsidelove on twitter www.hopeinsidelove.com

I'm an ambassador of OXFAM and a patron for Topsy Charity... Keep A Child Alive, Comic Relief (as much as possible)...

What children's song do you still regularly sing to yourself?

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Will we be getting more music videos to complete the story?

YES! But I think I'm going to - I'm currently looking into the new single, like what I'm releasing next. So I might not be able to be in it, because I don't have much time, but I'm definitely going to feed into the narrative.

Do other people decide what outfits you wear durring your music videos or do you get to decide?

Oh, it's a combination, it's collaborative.

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Well, Graham's gay, so it would be hard to make a baby with him, so I have no choice there.

Hi Paloma! Love your music so much! I know you were in the first St Trinian's film, what was your experience working on that film and do you have any particular standout memories?

Ehm - I love acting, it was fun. The people were really nice and I made some good friendships. People who stood out as being particularly nice were Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, and Gemma Arterton. And I think, what was the memorable bit, was when we had to steal the painting and we were doing ab-sailing upside-down and above loads of school kids? I don't know what it's called? On the ceiling.

Paloma! I am a huge fan :) How was working on your latest album? What did you find the most challenging and most exciting about creating your current work?

I think working with people that I've admired for a lot of my life was exciting, like I've been a Raphael Saadiq fan since I was 13, and Pharrell, obviously, I grew up listening to NERD, John Legend, and some British Artists like Plan B, and then I think the most creative element of it has been working on the visual side, like the visuals and the artwork, I'm very lucky at my label because they give me full creative control on everything, so it's something I can sink my teeth into.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Ik this is cheesy oops x

Okay... don't try to fit in, because you're never going to anyway, so embrace you're different. I tried that for ages! And... ehm... please don't feel so un-worthy. There you go.

will you ever have concert in Turkey?

I don't know, maybe? I'd like to. Maybe I can squeeze in a holiday too!

Are all your songs inspired by personal experiences of love, relationships, and people around you (thinking about songs like Black & Blue where you talk about a variety of people and experiences)?

You know the answer to this question: YES.

Hey Paloma, how excited are you for us to hear the new tracks you've made for the Outsiders' edition of the flawless album that is A Perfect Contradiction? And do you think we will hear the other tracks you did with Pharrell? x

Ask Pharrell about those tracks, please! Because I'm having difficulty! HAHAH!

And then for the rest of the answer, put: I'm excited about the 5 new tracks. I think people will be surprised, they add another layer to it.

Hello Paloma! I love your music and discovered it through a BBC promo that had "Never tear us apart" in the background. Hooked ever since!

Do you have any stories of how you discovered an artist you love? And what's your current most played track when you're listening to music? Thanks, and have a wonderful time in the US!

I tend to discover artists quite a lot because I'm around a lot of music, but I think I've often worked with people in my band who've gone on to become incredible artists, particularly, especially Lianne LaHavas, who was one of my backing singers. She has now got a blossoming solo career of her own...

Will you cover Candi Staton's "Young Hearts Run Free" on your U.S. tour since you said it inspired the new album? P.S. see you in SF! I'm beyond excited and have been hyping you up to friends for months!

I'm not going to cover that song, I'm afraid, but I've got other ones... I've been told to play for an hour, but I have the feeling it's going to run over!

What is your favourite track right now...?

In all honesty, I don't really listen to much music! I am just really busy, I don't have much time.

If you could be a food what food would you be?

Ehm - I wouldn't want to be a food because then I'd be eaten and then I'd be dead!

Hi Paloma.. you are such a gifted and charming woman. Love your personality and style. Please stay true to yourself and don't let other people control your career. Who would you love to duet with?

I've already answered that, I swear!

You mentioning 'The Great Beauty' as a fav film made me seek it out. It was stunningly beautiful in every way. Any other recommendations? I love foreign films, esp. those of Pedro Almodovar.

Holy Motors again... The Beat That My Heart Skipped... In The Mood For Love... And if you liked The Great Beauty you should watch any films by Fellini.

I love your music and have all your albums. I particularly love the overall sound and style of A Perfect Contradiction. My question though is what would you most like to receive for Valentines Day?

I don't really need anything but love.

Hi Paloma, thanks for doing this AMA! What are you most excited about coming back to Australia?

Well, I'm coming to tour there in May... and I'm really excited to do a proper show. I've never done a proper show in Australia. And meet my fans.

I'm so excited to be seeing you next week! Also congratulations on the number 1! Can you give any hints about what the new single will be like on the repacking?

That would be telling.

Do you know what northern soul is? and What is your favourite song of all time? x

Yeah! Lots of talcum powder on the floor to dance to, haha.

Favourite song of all time... it's a difficult question. Depends what mood I"m in. When I'm feeling reflective, I think Strange Fruit by Billie Holliday, and when I want to dance, probably Bloodshot Eyes by Wynonie Harris.

I wanted to ask What's your favorite movie? and What are your favorite places to visit when you are in USA?

Ehm - Holy Motors. It's a french surreal film, featuring a cameo by Eva Mendes and Kylie Minogue! Well, every city's different. I really like, in New York, going to Miss Lily's, the MOMA, and in LA, I like Lady Peter's Whimsy, it's a great shop. And the Tiki-Ti, and the Dresden Rooms, to see Marty and Elaine.

Bought me and my mum some tickets to your O2 gig in March next year as she's a huge fan. Any idea who you're gonna get supporting you? Would love to see you and Ty performing together again! Saw you both at your last O2 show and have been to a Vintage Trouble gig since :)

It's funny you should say that, I'm trying to persuade him!