By: Jennifer Vintzileos
Q) How would you best describe your sound?
A) I generally describe my music as Americana meets singer/songwriter rock.
Q) Who are your Top 3 musical influences?
A) I’ve always taken great influence from Bruce Springsteen, Jason Isbell and Sheryl Crow and I think you can hear those influences especially on my new album Choking on Fuel.
Q) Tell us the story behind your latest single “Squinters.”
A) I grew up in Western Sydney, Australia before I relocated to Nashville, Tennessee. Where I come from, a “squinter” is a nickname for someone who lives in Western Sydney but works in the city because they’re always driving home squinting into the setting sun after their 9 to 5 job. I was writing here in Nashville with Steve Poltz, who is one of my favourite people to write with and he thought the idea of a “squinter” had such great subtext to it. The song ended up being about the waking nightmare of what I imagine my life could have become if I’d never had the courage to leave my small hometown to pursue my dreams.
Q) Since its release, what has been the overall reaction to “Squinters” from fans and listeners?
A) The song has been received so beautifully by my existing fans and has helped me reach a whole bunch of new ones too. When I play it live, especially in a stripped back acoustic format, there are a few humorous lyrics in there and I always feel people chuckle in reaction to those. But I can also always see the weight of realisation on their faces during other, heavier parts of the song. It’s a lyrical emotional rollercoaster and I can always tell who in the crowd can hear some of themselves in the song.
Q) You also released a music video for “Squinters.” How did you come up with the concept for the music video?
A) The video was created by Jeremy Dylan, who has made all my music videos for the last ten years. We shot the video at this half-torn-down house in Nashville on a gloomy, rainy day and I feel like it really represents the idea of the path not taken that lives within the song. The song sonically reminds me of a ballerina music box a child might have in their bedroom, with glockenspiel creating an eerie but sad lullaby and the video’s images of a torn down home, memories from within left forgotten in the mud, felt fitting for the emotions the song conjures.
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need a beat before you can begin to craft lyrics?
A) My songwriting process is almost always different and I think that’s why I’m still so in love and fascinated with it after writing songs for seventeen years now. Sometimes the lyrics come first, whether it’s just a title or a hook line or sometimes written like a poem and set to music later. Sometimes a chord progression or a riff comes first and the song is written around that. Sometimes I get a melody in my head in the shower and then find words and chords to go with it later. “Squinters” came almost all at once with Steve Poltz, both of us sitting at his writing table with acoustic guitars. It took us about an hour and a half as we each contributed ideas for lyrics and chords, spurring each other on enthusiastically, until it was done and we went to get tacos!
Q) In addition to the single, you have a new album coming out titled Choking On Fuel. What are some themes you will be exploring on this new album?
A) This record is inspired by my falling back in love with the acoustic guitar and a stripped back way of performing after being in solo acoustic touring mode so much for the past eighteen months. I love getting in front of a band and rocking out, but I equally love stripping things right down to their core, which is how most of my songs are written and connecting to an audience in intimate venues, so that’s how the idea for this album came about. It’s a record that explores themes of empowerment, backing yourself, pulling yourself through hard times, self acceptance and fighting for what you’re worth.
Q) Which song was your favorite to write and record for Choking On Fuel and what makes it so significant for you?
A) I’ve been incredibly lucky to have so many wonderful guests feature on this album and the song “‘If Your Heart Never Breaks” features two artists I’m in awe of: Jim Lauderdale, who co-wrote the song with me, and Tommy Emmanuel. Tommy is one of the most respected guitarists of all time and I’m so honored that he said yes to lay down the most gorgeous acoustic guitar part on this song. And Jim Lauderdale, an absolute legend in the Americana world, laid down some gorgeous harmonies. I feel very privileged to work with these artists.
Q) You’re also slated for some national and international tour dates this summer, including returning to Australia. What are you most excited to do returning to where you grew up?
A) I love going back to Australia because it’s an opportunity to see my family and our family dog Socks, all of whom I miss so much! My Australian co-headline tour with Kezia Gill from the UK this October is going to be so special because Kez and I made great friends on the road in the UK last year and this time we’re on my home turf. So, I get to show her around! I love playing for Aussie crowds and sharing new parts of me that have developed since I moved to Nashville, so I know this tour is going to be really fun.
Q) Which song is your personal favorite to perform at live shows?
A) I love singing “All Hard Feelings” at my live shows because it has the most cathartic chorus and subject matter. It’s about how I’ve never gotten over anything that’s ever happened to me and I am the queen of holding a grudge. It pokes fun at my inability to forgive people and let things go and people at my shows always laugh and say they feel exactly the same way, so it’s a really fun one to belt out and let out some rage!
Q) Who would you love to collaborate with on music in the future?
A) I have adored Sheryl Crow since I first heard her self-titled record and I’ve been following her career ever since. She’s a kickass singer, songwriter, bass player and performer and I’d love the chance to work with her one day. The only cover on my new record is of the Sheryl Crow/Jeff Trott co-write “If It Makes You Happy,” which is one of my all time favourite songs, and Kezia Gill duets with me on it, too. Sheryl has always been a north star for me in terms of being an artist who transcends the boundaries of genre and has always been true to who she is and what she wants to say.
Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your music?
A) Thank you. Being a singer/songwriter can be challenging at times and a lot of self-doubt can creep in, but the people who consistently show up whether it’s buying an album, buying a ticket to a live show or just spreading positive reinforcement online – those people make all the hard work, anxiety and sleepless nights feel worthwhile ten times over. So, thank you for showing up for me. I love and appreciate you! x