theaussieword.com catches up with Aussie musician Bri Clark.
Give us an introduction. How did it all begin? What had you first interested in music?
Howdy, I’m Bri Clark, a 22 year old alternative singer-songwriter from Perth! Music began when I was in primary school and I walked past the library to see a bunch of kids learning how to play the piano, I begged my parents for lessons and soon enough it became a huge part of me!
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
When I think of great music I think of songs that inspire some sort of irrepressible emotion. So, when I’m trying to write those songs, my influences are other singer-songwriters who I really respect, but also things that happen in life that are a bit hard to deal with or to heal from quickly, and so I’ll write about it. It’s very cathartic for me. Different things in different songs motivate me, when I hear great production on a track I’ll get on the computer and try and recreate the sounds to play around with textures, and when I hear great lyrics or a great melody I’ll just sit at the piano and try and create something.
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
I think my biggest goal as an artist is to write the best music that I can, so I can resonate with as many people as I can, for as long as I can!
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
There’s a song in the works at the moment, which I’m really excited about… There are also plans to start recording quite a raw EP on this beautiful old grand piano… And yes, I’m doing a bit of a writing/playing retreat in New Zealand for all of January & February, then I’m playing the Nannup Festival here in WA from the 4th – 7th of March, and then I’m going to be over in Melbourne playing a whole bunch of yet to be announced shows from March 10th to April 4th, so I’m going to be a busy girl.
Tell us a bit about your latest album and how would you best describe your music?
My latest single “Shiver” was a product of a lot of fun with my friends James Newhouse & Joel Quartermain. The song was about the uncertainties of those love-feelings you get for people and whether or not they feel the same way. I’d describe this song as an alternative pop song, with some darkness, and some rawness.
Success, what is the secret to it?
Perseverance, discipline, hard work, commitment, and a little bit of crazy. A good support network helps too. And good food.
What has been your biggest career highlight?
Well this has been the first 12 months that I’ve been creating and releasing music. So I think my biggest career highlight so far has just been meeting really exciting people from around the world, making connections and friendships, and being able to tick off all the venues on my bucket list that I wanted to play at in Perth this year.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
Sara Bareilles, Imogen Heap, Amanda Palmer, Missy Higgins, Jeff Buckley, Ben Howard, Matt Corby, Marlon Williams, MEGMAC, the list goes on and on.
Any new projects in the pipeline?
A new single and an EP are in the works. No release dates yet, but I’m really excited about the stuff I’m writing, I can’t wait to show everyone in the near future.
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
Hopefully still writing music, hopefully playing festivals, and hopefully being able to move out of Mum & Dad’s house.
Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists.
MEGMAC, Missy Higgins, Dustin Tebbutt, Hayden Calnin, Chet Faker, Emma Louise, Airling, The Jezabels, Ben Abraham, City Calm Down, Holy Holy. There’s too many to list.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
I feel like it’s pretty healthy, music can be heard by anyone and everyone all over the world through blogs and streaming services, which is incredible. I’m quite bad at using social media though, I always forget to post about things that happen or take photos of things, and I don’t really understand twitter, but I think that’s me and I’ll always be a major dweeb when it comes to that stuff. The one thing I have found really lovely though is the ability to connect with people who love your music and really want to support you, I’ve been really blown away by some of the people who connect on social media with me from various parts of the world saying the songs mean something to them or they liked the video and they can’t wait to come to a gig, and they’ve been showing their friends all of my songs, and it just gives you that extra push to keep going. I love that.
Thanks for the interview! What final message do you have for us today?
Wear sunscreen because it’s getting hot and I just went for a swim and I got really sunburnt so if I could go back in time I would try and avoid that.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BriClarkMusic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/BriClarkMusic
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