Project Description
Interview with
EMMA BOSWORTH
Interviewer – Dave Bruce
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Have you always wanted to be a musician? When did you start writing music?
I found a diary from when I was 8 that said I wanted to be a singer or actor, but it said something really negative afterwards like “it’s too competitive”. So I guess yes, and nothing’s really changed. Ha! As soon as I picked up a few chords on the acoustic, songs came to me, I was about 14 then and soon after I joined an all girl band at school.
How would you describe your sound?
I have punk sensibilities, that’s were my roots are, and I still love lots of punk music but it’s certainly not what I sound like now. I’d say it’s “garage folk” .. a story telling voice, with rhythmic electric playing that can transcend to grunge sounds at times. Confusing? I’m confused too. My strength lies in telling a story and I take inspiration from my space and the musicians around me. I don’t want to be pinned down.
Why do you think people resonate with your music?
I sing and perform because I love it, and I think that alone can really resonates with people regardless of what art form or style of music you are into. If you can let go of the ego and let the songs come to you regardless of if they’re the right “stylistic fit” then I think you’re on the right track regardless of resonation.
Which music did you grow up listening to? How has it inspired you?
The family record player featured A LOT of Elton John, Daryl Braithwaite, The Beach Boys and Phil Collins. When I could start buying my own music and clothes, I had a hip hop phase (I feinted at my first Salt n Pepa concert out of sheer excitement) but when I picked up the guitar, it went hand in hand with obsessing of some of Aussies greats – Magic Dirt, Screamfeeder, Regurgitator, Fur (does anyone know how to get hold of that?) and Blowhard. I loved the energy of the Australian rock n roll scene of the late 90’s and early 2000’s. It had rebellion at its core, it was loud, it was brave, and I think being part of that scene in Brisbane has really shaped my ideals around life choices. I’m so grateful for people like Rollo and Roanne of Blowhard for creating that scene. Music can really change the direction of your life.
Your new single ‘Oh Man’ is being released on October 18! Can you describe its origin and evolution?
I love this song so much, I’m not sure I’ve ever been able to say that about a song of mine before. Firstly, I’ve wanted to write a “protest” type song for so long and I did it unintentionally with this. We wrote it at a songwriters retreat I put on called “Wild Moutnains Songs” and Alex and I were talking about the speed of the human race, the rush, the quick answers, the inability to connect deeply with one another. And this was born. It’s pretty left field stylistically for me, but it brings me so much joy to hear it back.
How did you enjoy working with Alex Henriksson on this project?
Alex and my husband used to play in a band together moons ago; and Pete (husband) would always tell me how out of control talented he was (Alex). So I was looking forward to working with him to see what might happen. To be honest, the song was so easy to write with Alex. He has this wonderful attitude of “no idea is a shit idea.” And I really try to encapsulate this idea with my writing, but he takes it to the next level. There were some parts I was scratching my head about, but it really came together. I wish I had more time to write with more old friends, imagine a world where creativity reigned supreme. Ahhh.
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Any tours or events coming up soon?
I’m keeping the shows to a minimum at the moment, I’ve just had a baby! But I’m certainly up for sneaky supports where I don’t need to do the key organising.
We just did a 3-date thing with Wild Mountains Songs that I put together with a 12-piece band; and far out it took it out of me; but it was so beautiful. I’m looking forward to sharing some of that work with everyone.
If you could perform with any music artist, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why?
Playing live with someone isn’t where it’s at for a “connection: for me. At a show, you turn up, do sound check, people go get dinner, call their family, do their show, get hot and sweaty and sometimes drunk; talk to people after the show, load the car and go home. Where’s the time to connect? So, if I can redo this question; and it was about “if you could write with any artists dead or alive..”
It would most definitely be Adalita Srsen. What I would give to be in a room with her with load guitars and amps and writing sick tunes. I would never sing though. I’d just write and play guitar for her (I’d probably want a month’s notice to tighten my licks before the rehearsal though).
What’s next for you in 2019?
I’ve got to revisit the rest of the tracks for my album; I’m pretty keen to do some more writing and recording; I can sense myself steering in new musicial direction already which is good and bad! And I have my fingers crossed for some grants that I have put in to do another Wild Mountains Songs in 2020. Songwriting is the magic to life for me (apart from my children of course).
Do you have any longer-term aspirations as a music artist?
If I can continue to create music and put it out, I will be a happy human.
What is the best thing about performing to a live audience?
It’s the adrenalin rush. The absolute fear before walking on stage, not being able to control the rush, and conquering it. It’s also the worst thing.
What’s been the career highlight so far?
I really feel I’m where I’m supposed to, and have done for some time now actually, so that’s a huge accomplishment and a great feeling. Having no pressure on yourself, what you create, where you want to be, is so freeing.
Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Close tie: Radiohead – Hail to the Thief / Refused – Shape of Punk to Come
Artist – Magic Dirt
Movie – Footloose
Place to visit – Greek Islands (I’ve only been once, does that count? If not, North Stradbroke Island)
Venue to play – The Zoo
Food – My husband makes the most amazing yoghurt bowls.
Drink – Filtered water put in the Soda Stream and chilled. No flavour. The best.
Person in History – June Norman
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) I’m lucky my first one was a good one. It’s a flower blossom on my foot and Link did a great job. Thanks ol’ mate.
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Check out EMMA BOSWORTH below
Website | Facebook | Instagram
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EMMA BOSWORTH
releases new single & video
“OH MAN”
featuring
ALEX HENRIKKSON
For some songwriters, making music is a question of process. Joining the dots. But for Brisbane local, Emma Bosworth, it’s a whole different deal. For her music is about capturing a moment. Putting herself in a whole new situation and seeing what happens. Embracing the chaos. And it’s that sense of adventure and collaboration that is at the heart of her latest release “Oh Man”.
Rewind a few years and it’s not hard to see where she is coming from. For many years Emma has been at the very heart of Brisbane’s creative music community. Alongside her solo career has been stints with her early outfit The Flying Chimnees and J-Pan Fan. Bands which saw Emma smash her own way through the boy’s club of indie rock. Now though, she draws on a broader palate. After the release of her debut solo album back in 2014 – Emma has managed to balance babies, collaborations, and her role as CEO for Green Music Australia.
The first taste of her most recent album was the acclaimed single ‘People Get Ready’ – a pitch-perfect slice of brilliant writing. Now we have “Oh Man” written and recorded with producer on the rise and long-term friend Alex Henriksson.. “Oh Man” is a whole different vibe for Emma, in a special and exciting way. It demonstrates skill and to put it quite simply, is just a cool song where both vocals marry up like were made to be sung together. This song is beautiful and has a lot of special elements with gorgeous explosions of sounds that still let the vocals shine, giving off Tame Impala and Go-Betweens vibes.
Ask what the song is about, and you get no easy answers. Only more questions. “Is it a reflection of our current times and times passed, are we born into the wrong era? Can we rewrite the future? Do we romanticise about generations passed not knowing their limitations? Would we have been more than what we are now? Where have the “slow rituals” of the past gone? Who even peels pea pods back now? And how often do we sit around, listening to records, talking to our elders, where has community spirit gone?” Says Emma.
Maybe it’s no surprise given the song was born out of Emma’s own Wild Mountain Songs project. Curated once a year by Emma in the Rathdowney Hinterland in Queensland, the project was formed with community, the natural environment and artistic creation equally at heart. Artists co-write two songs with two co-writers they’ve never written with before, and have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the subtropical and eucalypt forests, and have the opportunity to discover an amazing natural world.
The accompanying video is a brilliant suspenseful piece that bodes so well with the theming of the song. This is the work of Tobias Broughton, who plays keys in Emma’s band and also shot her clip for “People Get Ready” – a very talented chap. The footage of Emma and Alex in the cabin was taken at this year’s Wild Mountains Songs – check it out HERE.
“…Jumping from great heights and taking risk. To me, I see this sport as kind of crazy.The same way I see man sitting on his hands and waiting for someone else to fix the world is…” – said Emma
Emma is an artist fully emerged into her own realm. She is also a force to be reckoned with on changing the sustainability of music. “Oh Man” featuring Alex Henriksson – Out now.
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