WE'RE meant to be discussing her latest album, Life. Love. Flesh. Blood. But conversation has developed a slightly greener hue and Dublin music star Imelda May is talking about things like the ozone layer and recycling.
"It's really strange but since becoming a mum, I find myself thinking about the bigger issues such climate change and keeping the planet tidy!," the singer tells me.
"Suddenly, I'm more aware of the environment and the need to look after it. I worry about the kind of world we'll leave our kids and hope that by doing my bit, future generations will have a better place to live."
Imelda May sounds like any other concerned parent and, now that she's traded the iconic quiff, bright lipstick and slinky print dresses, for a more casual style, it would be hard to spot Ireland's 'Queen of Rockabilly' among other mums at the school gates.
Although, if she thought the quiff and 'cinnamon bun' (as she called it) hairdo would fade quietly away, she was wrong.
"I'd no idea a hairdo could attract so much attention," she laughs.
"Would you believe, some even wondered if it was part of a career strategy?! Seriously though, there's no big mystery, no master plan. To be honest, I just got fed-up and fancied a change. That's it!"
Unlike her new fringe, her latest album is deliberately different.
Regarded by many as one of the strongest vocalists of her generation, Imelda's voice is instantly recognisable. But there's no denying that the sound is new.
Described as "classic with a kick", the album's musical diversity – which includes a wonderful exploration of the blues – makes it impossible to place in any specific genre.
Imelda tells me: "I really love this album and have poured everything into it. Surprisingly, it's been quite therapeutic.
"I'd reached a point where I felt it was time for a change, both as a song writer and in my personal life. I wanted to challenge myself and not be afraid to explore new things.
"This album kind of reflects that journey of self-discovery. Of course, there's heartbreak in it but it's certainly not the dominant theme. It's a very honest album but there's also humour and a sense of optimism, a kind of looking forward to what's coming next."
Among an impressive list of contributors, Jools Holland appears with When It's My Time, while Imelda sings Black Tears accompanied by legendary guitarist Jeff Beck.
The result is a real treat.
The mention of Jeff Beck triggers a memory and, at this point, Dave The Crow enters the conversation.
"I love how life twists and turns. Sometimes I look back and think, wow, who would have thought that would have happened?," she says.
"One time, I found this baby crow that had fallen out of a tree. He was such a tiny thing and we had to hand feed him. But, by the time he was a foot tall, he was enormous!
"I didn't want to release him too early, 'cos other crows would've attacked and killed him. So, I started bringing him to gigs with me. He'd sit on my shoulder and every now and then he'd fly off to explore but he always came back.
"To cut a long story short, Jeff Beck's wife had an aviary and offered to help me release him back to the wild. I took Dave round to their place and Jeff was home so we started jamming How High The Moon.
"We already knew each other and he'd heard me sing but it was after that session that he suggested we work together and invited me to accompany him on the Les Paul and Mary Ford tour. The rest is history.
"We eventually released the bird back to the wild. Who could have imagined the link between me, Jeff Beck and a crow named Dave?"
Regardless of where the crow ended up, Imelda May's career has soared.
As well as success, she's known her fair share of heartache: the break-up of her 18-year marriage and the failure of a second relationship might have tainted her view of love.
She remains tight-lipped on details, but insists she isn't bitter.
"What I will say is that, life after a long relationship is definitely different. But, no, I'm not bitter. You never know how things are going to turn out or what life will throw at you.
"Yet, no matter what happens, I still believe in love. I'm happy at the moment and excited about what comes next!"
Whether or not Cupid has anything in store remains to be seen. However, at the mention of Belfast, there's no doubt Imelda May is already smitten.
"I love Belfast, it's a beautiful city," the singer enthuses.
"Every time I'm there, there's always this fantastic vibe. The people make me feel welcome and there's a real a connection with the audience.
"Do y'know, in the history of Irish punk, Belfast is a very important place? I can't wait to be back."
With a young child to look after, how does she find the time or energy for touring?
"I try to find little pockets in the day where I can fit things in. It does get a bit tiring now and then but I look after myself and although I'm no longer strictly vegetarian, my diet is pretty good.
"I started eating a little meat and fish after I became quite badly run down. We'd been touring and I couldn't get the stuff I was used to eating and then, what with being pregnant and all, my doctor insisted I needed the protein."
There have been a lot of changes for Imelda May but, judging by Life. Love. Flesh. Blood, her sound is every bit as powerful and just as addictive as ever.
Imelda May plays the City of Derry Jazz Festival on Sunday April 30 and Monday May 1 and The Waterfront Hall in Belfast on May 27. Tickets and full info available via Cityofderryjazzfestival.com and Waterfront.co.uk. Life. Love. Flesh. Blood is released on April 21.
