Talking Shop: Martha Wainwright

Canadian-born singer-songwriter Martha Wainwright is poised to release her emotively-titled second album, I Know You're Married But I've Got Feelings Too.

The singer says recording music is an act of self-love

The lead single Bleeding All Over You reveals the highly personal nature of Wainwright's writing, which she admits is an "homage to a few good men and women that I've loved".

The 31-year-old comes from a musical family, including her older brother Rufus and father Loudon.

She discusses what lies behind her new record - and if there is any burning sibling rivalry with Rufus.

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Was making your second album harder than the first one?

No. But material for a second record sometimes isn't as strong and I was very aware of that. I was forced to flex the songwriting muscle a little more and look outside myself for more global subject matter. I am pleased with the outcome.

How does this album feel? Is it as personal as your first outing?

It's been a tendency of mine to stay in the first person and be autobiographical. But there are other songs, about a friend's suicide, and In The Middle of The Night, which is about the fear of death. I hope it touches on a larger sense of humanity.

I'll always be the little sister Martha Wainwright on her relationship with brother Rufus (pictured)

I'm a happier person this time around, married with the career I always wanted and there is enough unhappiness and despair outside of my own life to talk about.

The album and lead single's title suggests you have a great deal of angst. Is it played up for the purposes of making an album?

I don't play things up that much but then might do for the sake of writing a more interesting song. I'm not looking for blandness just to be a truer representation. Overall it's pretty much a depiction of how I feel some of the time.

I don't write songs that are based on nothing and am maybe drawn to my guitar when I'm plagued by emotion.

I live my life in a normal way - cooking, cleaning, going to the bank and then after about six days realise that I'm upset, which is when I reach for my instrument.

What is your approach to writing songs?

I find a melody or chord progression and then a poetic, strong phrase will come to me and I try to work out why I'm saying that. When I identify what the song is about, I can really write it.

Which part of the music business is your favourite?

I love being in the studio singing, but it's more like making love to yourself. When I'm on stage performing, there's another kind of sex happening. That's a true relationship and it's in the moment - but when it turns up on YouTube it kind of takes that away!

How do you get on with your brother Rufus?

We're very close, good friends. He's been on the road with his latest record while I've been in the studio so we haven't seen each other a lot. We try to spend time together when we can.

How do the pair of you work together creatively?

Wainwright says she writes songs when 'upset'

We're very individualistic about our songwriting. I've never even written a song with someone else but think he has.

I would be open to working with him down the line, but I have some work to do first because I wouldn't want to go in there having made two albums to his five or six.

I'll always be the little sister and I think I need to get a little further ahead first.

Is there much sibling rivalry when it comes to your respective music careers?

It's obvious that Rufus has sold more records than I have, worked harder and achieved a little more success in some places. There is a real crossover in terms of audiences with us, but we have different approaches and how we see ourselves. It's not really comparable.

There was once a fear of not being good enough, but you soon realise that it just cripples you. It's much more fun to be in the audience at one of his concerts and thinking how great he is. I'm so happy for him.

You appeared in The Aviator. Are there any more plans for involvement in the movies?

I hope so. I did a soundtrack for a small film this year and would love to do more.

I Know You're Married But I've Got Feelings Too by Martha Wainwright is released in the UK on Monday. The musician talked to BBC News entertainment reporter Michael Osborn.