Scottish balladeer Rachel Sermanni is about to release her second album, Tied to the Moon. Now only 23 years old (right?!), Rachel released her first album, Under Mountains, in 2012 and has toured with a number of well-known folk and indie artists in the UK like John Grant, The Staves, Stornoway, Rumer, Mumford and Sons, Ron Sexsmith and Elvis Costello. Her sophomoric album will be coming out tomorrow (July 10) and features the single Tractor, which recently premiered on UK’s Line of Best Fit (have a listen here). The album can also be pre-ordered with an instant download of Tractor.

Tied to the Moon is a stunning album, and Rachel has recently announced her Canadian tour dates for this July, which includes two stops in Toronto at Aunties & Uncles on July 20th and 21st. We caught up with her before she hit the road to ask her a few questions.

What are your favourite haunts in Toronto?

I stayed in Toronto for a few weeks about two years ago. I would go to Moksha yoga and a lovely wee vegan restaurant. I also like brunch at Aunties & Uncles. My favourite place of all, however, was in the corner of a colourful living room with my friend Colleen listening to the bubbling, hippy conversations between her and her sweet friends.

What meal brings you immense pleasure?

I like roast sweet potato and avocado. Together. On a plate.

Which virtue do you try to cultivate within yourself?

Here’s a nice phrase: “Soft as a Doe; sharp as a Fox.” I try to remember that.

The receipts in your wallet would indicate what?

I like cake and charity shops. I don’t think twice about anything that might be good for my body (i.e., yoga, juice, acupuncture).

What did you think you were going to be when you were 8 years old?

A hairdresser.

Do you have a favourite music venue? Why?

I recently played in a tiny cafe in London called No. 14 Bacon Street. It is filled with pirate people, old time music, vintage decorations, rich, red velvet draperies, wolf hounds and candlelight.

What makes you happy?

Being in good company. Being alone. Smelling incense. Swimming in the sea. Saying hi to strangers. Bouncing a bouncy ball.

What makes you cringe?

I’m not so fond of the cajon.

What quality do you loathe most in others?

Probably the one I deny in myself.

What, in your opinion, is overrated?

Having a tan (only because I’ve never succeeded in getting one).

What is the one thing you wish you could change about yourself? Why?

I could have some more patience.

What frustrates you the most?

Things taking a while.

What was the first album that really hooked you?

“The Best of Dolly Parton.”

What have you been listening to on repeat lately?

Sufjan Stevens’ new album, Carrie & Lowell and “Sleeping Operator” by the Barr Brothers.

When do you feel your most creative?

When I’m without Internet.

Don’t miss Rachel at Aunties & Uncles (74 Lippincott St.) on July 20th and 21st! Click here for more information on Rachel’s tour dates.