Self Esteem on song writing, womanhood and being ‘less frightened’

Ahead of the publication of her debut book, A Complicated Woman, and her co-curation of our 2025 London Literature Festival, Rebecca Lucy Taylor, aka musician Self Esteem, sat down for a short interview about her writing journey, her inspirations and performing under a persona.

Taylor spoke about her writing process, in particular looking at how it began with poetry and how it continues to do so even as she’s moved from writing song lyrics to writing a novel. And she also considered how and why the theme of womanhood, and understanding what it is to be a woman, continues to underscore much of her work.

Looking more broadly Taylor explained how adopting the persona of Self Esteem has enabled her to be much more assertive in vocalising her thoughts. And she touched on some of the women who have offered her inspiration and some of those of whom she continues to admire. 

Lastly Self Esteem talked about her role as co-curator of our 2025 London Literature Festival, at which she presented a night of music and spoken word featuring Pam Ayres, Travis Alabama, Kelli Blanchet, Marged, Tom Rasmussen and Seraphina Simone.