Last year,
Duffy released her debut album
Rockferry. The singer can this year be called one of the festival's biggest stars. Her hoarse, even slightly nasal voice has proved immensely popular.Twenty-five year-old Duffy comes from Nefyn, a small village inWales. She was discovered (through Rough Trade) by guitarist and producer Bernard Butler who himself had created a furore with the band Suede. He produced the nostalgic sound that at times is reminiscent of Dusty Springfield. Duffy herself disagrees with this comparison: “I think my voice sounds very different. But I have to admit that the music and style of Dusty Springfield have had a great influence on me.” Duffy's story sounds like something from a fairy tale but the reality is that the singer has worked incredibly hard for her success. 'I've really had the most awful gigs in every far-flung corner of the country. But it has made me strong.' On stage, the singer comes across even more convincingly than on her CD.
