Here is an interview with Missy Higgins
Who are your 3-5 favourite Australian artists?The Waifs
Lisa Miller
Paul Kelly
Frente
What are your 3-5 most played Australian releases? Why?I listen to community radio like PBS and RRR most of the time to tell you the truth, I don’t really listen to albums much, I like to listen to new stuff constantly.
Recently I had the Lisa Miller Car Tape album on in my car though and I thought it was beautiful, I had the first song on repeat until I got whacked by my passenger. And since I finished the Waifs tour I’ve missed hearing them every night so I’ve been listening to all their albums constantly. Their music makes me feel happy. I just heard the Black Eyed Susan’s latest album, which I really liked, it went lots of different colourful places and that guy’s voice is sexy.
What do you think is the most influential Australian music release and why?I think Paul Kelly (especially the album Post) has influenced so many Australian artists, I guess because of the simplicity of his lyrics and melody lines which makes it more accessible. But he has never been afraid to sound Australian with his accent and lyrics, which is what we need more of, I think. Artists who don’t try to be anyone that they’re not, because it always shows through.
Which Australian performer (past or present) would you most like to work with?Probably Daniel Jones because I think he’s a great song writer, but then again anyone I admire I’d probably be too intimidated to work with. Sad isn’t it.
Describe your most memorable Australian music moment?Going to East Timor With Paul Dempsey (Something for kate), Groove Terminator and Killing Heidi to play for the troops. I hadn’t played many gigs so it was my first real tour, if that’s what you’d call it. But we all became such great friends and it was such a mind-opening experience.
The East Timorese people are so beautiful and positive which is amazing and inspirational to see and be amongst considering what they’ve all been through. I also have a lot of respect for the troops that were stationed there, they were all so bored but so unconditionally dedicated at the same time.
What are your three favourite music websites?Um, I don’t really know many. I like
www.allmusic.com as it has heaps of info about almost anyone.
www.Labeloflove.com has some great local (Melbourne) bands on it.
What, where and when was the first local gig you attended?My brother’s old jazz band Smirkin used to play in clubs around Melbourne and I used to try and get in to see them all the time. My sister used to do my makeup but I think my chubby cheeks were always a giveaway to the bouncers.
Can you tell a story behind your latest release?I wrote the single Greed for your love while I was backpacking around Europe with my friend. I’m not used to writing on guitar and I couldn’t take my piano with me so it took ages, about four countries I think! My friend was so sick of the song by the time I’d finished it in Cinque Terre, Italy. Then the next day I left my guitar on the train on the way to Spain. I miss that guitar, it was my first and it was called Ranger.
What is the most important issue facing Australian music?I think the thing this country’s scene has always done best is to nurture unique and original artists. It seems like there is a greater tendency these days towards manufacturing really poppy artists who sound like overseas pop acts. I think the Oz music scene should be focusing on getting fresh, innovative artists out there, and that’s how we’ll make our mark.
http://standanddeliver.blogs.com/dombo/2004/08/missy_higgins_1.html <- here is another interview with Missy where you can actually download the MP3 and listen to the interview with little previews of some of her songs
interesting.
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