Having endured a dark time following her breakthrough year in 2014, St. Vincent has bounced back with her finest album yet, the stunning Masseduction. In a highly revealing interview, she talks about her hugely ambitious live show, the Harvey Weinstein scandal, Donald Trump and her Irish roots. Plus her reflections on David Bowie, fronting Nirvana, and life in the tabloid spotlight with her supermodel ex, Cara Delevingne. Interview PAUL NOLAN

With several brilliant albums already to her credit – including this year’s art-pop extravaganza Masseduction – as well as a unique sense of style and megawatt charisma, 35-year-old Dallas native Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent, is one of her generation’s most important artists. But as is always the case with iconic rock figures, it’s about more than just the music.

Having had a high-profile relationship with the supermodel and actress Cara Delevingne (more of which anon) and having also been linked to Twilight star Kristen Stewart, Clark’s embodiment of gender and sexual fluidity further marks her out as an artist for the times. In the manner of Prince and David Bowie – the latter in particular one of her great musical heroes – she has also that ineffable element lusted after by record labels and talent scouts the world over: star quality.