Juliet Russell is a singer, composer and musical director based in Hastings, and the founder of Vocal Explosion. She talks to Hannah Collisson about working with Julian Clary, inspirational female singers, and her beloved campervan.

I’m a composer, director, and performer, specialising in vocal music...I have written for everything from bhangra bands to choirs protesting in trees, and for site-specific events from Brighton’s Burning the Clocks festival to mass sings at festivals such as WOMAD.

The most bizarre thing I have done in my working life... was a TV pilot with Julian Clary, where I was hoisted into the air, and was filmed performing a ‘fish and chip operetta’ I had written in front of a live audience. They made me wear a helmet with horns on.

I really enjoy the variety of my work...but in particular there is something extraordinary about bringing together hundreds, sometimes thousands of voices, and creating a huge sound within minutes.

When I was younger I wanted to be...Donny Osmond’s PA, and I flirted with the idea of getting my HGV licence at one point.

I’ll always remember the day when...after my first professional job, when I was still at Brighton University, the director of the show phoned me up and told me I had a rave review in The Stage.

I am most proud of...managing for over 20 years to be a working musician.

I have taken a lot of inspiration from...very strong women performers who are not afraid to put their power into their voice. The singers who have inspired me range from Miriam Makeba to Ljiljana Buttler and Edith Piaf.

In another life I’d rather like to be...a stand-up comedian.

My guilty pleasure is...Peaky Blinders, a violent, yet beautifully shot period crime drama on the BBC.

At weekends you will find me...in my ancient campervan by the sea or up in the hills.