ADELE
The SiS Interview by Dany Sloan

While Adele's first single sang the praises of her neighborhood of Tottenham, this Arsenal fan will not hold that against her. Influenced by Etta James and Dusty Springfield, she graduated from The BRIT School, whose other notable alumni include Amy Winehouse, Kate Nash and Leona Lewis, and toured with best friend Jack Peñate, Jamie T and Devendra Banhart.

Since she's a trooper, Adele responded to our interview via her Blackberry -- a first for us! Her Columbia Records (she's on XL in the UK) debut 19 came out earlier this year, a record that has quickly become a critical and fan favorite.

SIS: When did you start playing? When did you realize that it was going to become a career?

Adele: I've been singing forever. I started playing the guitar when I was 16 and then bass when I was 18. I never thought this would happen. Its quite unlikely you'll end up being a singer, and I'm yet to realize anything. I have to be reminded of what it is I do everyday!

SIS: What are you into in 2008?

A: Rockband...the new Guitar Hero!

SIS: Who do you often find yourself compared to, and do you like or dislike that comparison?

A: Amy Winehouse and/or Alison Moyet. I don't mind at all, they're both legends and I'm a huge fan of them!

SIS: Who are some of your favorite bands to play with? Do you think any of them will take over the world?

A: Yes, Vampire Weekend will!

SIS: What is your favorite and least favorite thing about being on the road?

A: Favourite thing is singing for people, seeing lots of weird and wonderful places. Least favourite thing is it's hard to keep clean on a tour bus with five boys and I hate flying too!

SIS: When family ask your what your music sounds like, what do you tell them?

A: They tell me what my music sounds like more than I tell them! They say pop with a big voice!

SIS: What's something about your hometown that most people don't know?

A: I dunno? It's my favourite and least favourite place in the world at the same time...

SIS: In 15 words or less, why should people buy your records?

A: Because I'm honest and so are my songs!