STEPPING away from the norm can sometimes be a tricky thing to do. When it comes to musicians a change is style or sound can come with a wave of criticism.

But for Irish singer/songwriter Imelda May, her latest record Life. Love. Flesh. Blood removing herself from her rockabilly tag was the best thing she could have wished for.

“I have always just followed my instincts,” May told The Gazette.

“In my music I have always moved things around, I have never followed one formula. People may know me best for the rockabilly image, but if I want to mix things up I am going to.

“I don’t like to be told what to do. So if someone says to me don’t do this, don’t do that, then I’m not going to listen.”

The success of Life. Love. Flesh. Blood saw it top the UK Americana chart and landed at number five in the official UK album chart.

Further to this, the singer extended her tour which will see her come to the Anvil on Tuesday, 14 November.

But this success did come with trepidation. With a new look and a more open and heartfelt sound to her music, May said she wasn’t sure how her fans would receive the record.

She added: “There are pros and cons to having such amazing fans. Being a ‘known’ name means it can be easier to get your work out into the world.

“But this record was a bit more of a risk to some extent, and there was a point where I didn’t even want to put my name on the record, almost leave the artwork blank.

“Thankfully the reaction has proved that it was the right thing to do.”

Since first being discovered by Jools Holland, May’s career has gone from strength-to-strength.

Now, she is one of the most successful Irish artists and says she is proud to wave the flag for her nation around the world.

“I love going back to Dublin, and when I performer there, there is always a very special atmosphere,” she continued.

“Being in front of an Irish crowd really makes me appreciate what I have achieved and makes me work even harder.”

For more information and tickets visit anvilarts.org.uk.