Little Fish

Little Fish is an Oxford, United Kingdom group formed in 2006 by singer-songwriter Juju Sophie, who sings and plays guitar, and JB Walker, who handles organ and other instruments. The group begins with a punky garage-rock sound and later moves towards a more electro-influenced approach, while continuing to record with real instruments in a garage setting.

Style and lyrics

Their songs are written as direct expressions of feeling, with lyrics described as poetic, reflective and candid. The writing is compared in tone to Bob Dylan and PJ Harvey. Juju Sophie’s vocals range from aggressive and forceful to blues-influenced and haunting, with comparisons made to Skin of Skunk Anansie, Patti Smith, Janis Joplin, Beth Orton and Sinéad O'Connor.

Line-up

The original drummer, Neil Greenaway, leaves the band in 2011. The live line-up later includes Elisa Zoot of Black Casino and the Ghost on vocals and percussion, and Mike Monaghan on drums and percussion.

Juju Sophie

Before turning to music, Juju Sophie spends her childhood and teenage years focused on sport rather than music. She competes in basketball at National League level with the Oxford Devils, trains with the Oxford United football team, and takes part in England U16s, judo competitions, county cross-country events and biathlons involving running and swimming. She begins writing songs in her final school years after borrowing a guitar and using a chord book. She later buses her songs around Europe.

Her background also includes several personal and physical setbacks that shape her work: depression, drug use, a career-threatening throat condition, two years without a voice, and six months with a chopped finger after an injury during a luthier apprenticeship. Her mother is French, and her mother and grandfather are both accomplished writers.

Name and presentation

The name Little Fish comes from a daydream in which Juju Sophie imagines herself as “a little fish” moving through the world with a sense of freedom and self-awareness. The group also works with Albanian artist and designer Bekim Mala on artwork and set design.