When did you decide to make a career/focus of music?
I’ve always been a singer and I learnt classical piano for seven years but I went to University and eventually did the lawyer thing. At University I think I did everything except study – I was doing musicals (Anything Goes, Sweet Charity, Jesus Christ Superstar), 10 dance classes a week, gigging at night and waitressing in-between. I was very focused on getting my performing skills up but when I finished Uni I kind of had to do my legal training year which was heaps of long hours so I had to juggle the music and workload. Then when I started doing up to five gigs a week I decided that I had to be true to myself and get myself on stage full time. I absolutely love performing, love rocking out, love getting the crowd going and love music with a passion.
I’ve always loved writing songs too. Any bad breakups, I would spew the words out on the page making sure there was a bit of a rhythm to it. I then usually work them into songs later. Sorry to my ex-boyfriends!
What’s the best gig you ever played?
I think probably singing at the Australian Open Grand Slam Tennis Championships. I was lucky to support some big Australian artists on three different occasions and it was so much fun revving the crowd up. Great weather, great sound system and it’s in my hometown, Melbourne, so that makes it extra fun.
Back in the day, most people found music on the radio or MTV. Obviously, today there is a plethora of ways to hear about new music. How do you find new bands or artists that you like to listen to?
I am SO in love with the internet. It’s the best for musos trying to break into the industry. I find that you hear a lot about new artists from Twitter, SoundCloud and Facebook. Also, even awesome websites like Sonicbids because you can see which artists were selected for opportunities and look at their profiles. There are so many websites out there that if you are prepared to work hard enough and be obsessed with music (yep that’s me) then the opportunities are there. And Jango! I’ve just discovered it! Unreal...
What’s the most challenging thing about being an emerging artist personally, for you?
Well I think the hardest part is funding everything. There are so many opportunities and a lot can be done for free but things like video clips, production, travel costs and publicity are all really expensive. It’s basically working out where to focus limited funds. I am trying not to look at my credit card bill at the moment! But I know it will all be worth it in the end.
What’s your next big gig coming up? When/Where?
I’m really excited because I’m heading to LA and NYC in October for two weeks to do some radio interviews at stations that have been playing my music a lot. I’ve also set up some meetings with booking agents and managers to prepare for the 2012 USA summer festival season.
I will then do the festival season in Australia over the next four months and in March 2012 I’m heading to London to record with a well-known and respected producer whose clients included Elton John, Led Zeppelin and Oasis. I’ll also do a few gigs there. I’ll then come back to Australia and then head off again for the USA, Europe and UK festival season!
2012 is going to be a massive year. I seriously can’t wait!
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