Who are you and what do you do @minniebirch?

I’m Emily and I sing dreary little acoustic folk pop songs. Sometimes on my own, other times I drag friends onboard.

So why Minnie and not Emily? Or is it now Emily and not Minnie?

Minnie is my aunty’s middle name and Birch is my grandma’s maiden name. It’s a stage name I guess.. that sounds naff!

What inspires the music?

Little stories you see everyday in the people around you I guess. Lots of old fairytales too. I studied fairytales at uni.

War. What is it good for?

Ugh. Absolutely nothing. It’s heartbreaking.

If you could take four things to a desert island, what would they be?

My guitar, a boat, snacks...and a sailor.

Which music scene is better. Watford or Hemel Hempstead?

Watford is the scene I grew up with it will always be really special to me. I’m excited about Cheri’s bar opening in Hemel.

What is it you’re thinking when you go on stage?

Pure nerves take over usually and I think: ‘Why won’t my hands stop sweating? Where has my voice gone?!’, I’m excited too.

Of all the music you’ve made, which track are you most proud of and why?

A song called Sea Shanty because it won me a support slot with Joan Armatrading and then it won me a days recording!

What was Joan Armatrading like?

Lovely! She gave me lots of advice. She had a lot of time for me. She’s really supportive of unsigned artists.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Mum once said: ‘You just take all the time you need, then one day you’ll fall in love again’, taking your time is good advice.

Has it worked?

I dunno. Sometimes you have to rush into things don’t you? Seize the day! But yeh, I’m a slow burner and that works for me.

Is folk music cool?

I think it is. It’s an important part of our history too. Watford Pump House Folk Club is great!

Silencio Watford. In the words of Terry Tibbs: Talk to me!

It’s a great thing. Stephen created this amazing night and I’m so pleased it’s coming back!

If we come along what can you promise?

It’s in the beautiful ChaChaCha cafe. So cups of tea!! Wonderful acoustic music. Friendly faces and possible singalongs :) l Silencio Watford is at Cha Cha Cha Tea Pavilion, 3 Cassiobury Park, Watford, on Saturday October 5, from 8pm.

Details: www.silenciowatford.com