How did you get into music?
My Ma sang to me from a very young age. I loved nursery rhymes. I would try to remember every song I knew and sing it to myself before falling asleep. I was always drawn to music in films. The soundtracks to Oliver Twist, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Mary Poppins were all a big part of my childhood. As a teenager, I played the guitar and started writing songs. In my early 20s, I attempted to go down a different path, but music pulled me back again. As soon as I graduated, instead of finding a “serious” job, I threw myself into Tiny Ruins.
How has growing up with music influenced your perspective as a person and an artist?
By necessity, it opens you up to the world a bit more, and broadens your horizons. You go into the world wanting to listen, to seek out and draw things from everyday life. It forces you to notice the world, and to feel things more intensely. It can also go the other way—focusing solely on music is a mistake I think. You can become self-centered and annoying if that’s all you care to talk about. Musicians seem to be a section of society that’s a bit looser, a bit crazier. So you meet interesting people and often feel very alive, even if you’re not so financially well-off…
Which is more difficult: writing lyrics or melodies?
Melodies seem to be a natural thing for me. They’re always playing around in my head. Lyrics can emerge quickly, at the same time as a melody, or they can be scrawled in notebooks over many months and worked on. It is only when you have lyrics that excite you that you have a song—melodies on their own just come and go. But working on lyrics makes me feel like I’m moving forward and creating something.
Do you prefer performing live or playing in a studio, recording albums?
Performing live is what I’m more used to. Studios are pretty alien environments to me, and I can feel a bit daunted when in one. I prefer the idea of recording at home or in a homely environment.
How’s touring going?
Touring is a blast for the most part, but certainly has its stressful moments and tough times, especially when on a low budget and hitting new territories. I try and eat well while on tour—lots of greens! And try to experience something small and special in each new town, like visit their museum. I like taking long walks in new towns.
Tiny Ruins is on May 4, 7:30pm at the Esplanade Recital Studio. Tickets are on sale now for $38.00 via Sistic.
