THEAUSSIEWORD.COM catches up with Claudia Tripp, country/pop artist from Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
I started writing songs as soon as I could read and write, and recorded my first full song with my Dad on guitar when I was 7 years old (not that it would have been much good haha!). It was my way of dealing with my emotions and expressing what was in my head, and it’s been that way ever since. The older I get the more I’ve expanded that into bands, shows, recording and touring, but it really comes down to the fact that I’m just doing what feels like a completely natural and necessary part of my life.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
Everything I go through in my life, and even what people around me go through, all gets into my head and influences my music. I feel motivated mostly by the desire to write an honest song, and create music that I like the sound of.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?
I think a few years ago I would’ve had a very specific list of stages I wanted to perform on, festivals, collaborations, etc. But I think (like most people) since the pandemic and craziness of 2020 / 2021, my focus has shifted into just wanting to be happy and to make music that matters to me, and share it with whoever wants to hear it. I’ve been very fortunate to cross a few big “career” bucket list things off this year, so I hope to just keep going with the flow and doing things that make me excited to write and perform.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
I’m so excited to be heading over to Tamworth Country Music Festival in January! Following that I’d love to do a bit of touring in the rest of the year, but one month at a time at the moment!
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
“I Only Miss You When I’m Drunk’ is a song I wrote about a post breakup experience that seems to be pretty universal for people. Where you think you’re totally “over it” and then something happens that sends you back to square one of the healing process (like getting drunk and suddenly wanting to call them). I’m so excited to share this one, I’ve played it at shows for the past year and seeing the crowds excitement about it makes it so much more special. I wanted to make this one country yet bubblegum pop, and one that you can sing along to in your car with the windows down.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
Songwriting is this crazy thing where, one word or phrase comes into my mind and then it kind of happens in a blur, as if someone else is writing the song through me. Once the song is done I’ll come back to it in a few hours or days and fix up the rhymes, the words or the chords, but the base of the song comes together very naturally if I’m writing from my own emotions. I’ve never been good at forcing a song out for the sake of it, it’s a very therapeutic process for me.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
I think I put it all out on the table and say it how it is in my mind, but there’s usually a bit more going on between the words.
Success, what is the secret to it?
I think the best thing you can do for yourself is do whatever you want with your life, love hard and don’t hurt people. Life is far too short and unpredictable to focus on anything else, and no kind of success could compare to the feeling of living on your own terms.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
I was recently lucky enough to be asked to perform onstage at the RAC Arena in Perth as part of Telethon, an incredible fundraising event televised nation-wide that ended up raising $71 million for disadvantaged children. That was a real highlight for me.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
So many! In songwriting and artistry, the Eagles are my biggest inspiration and also my go to comfort music. I’ve also been very inspired musically by Dan + Shay and Morgan Wallen recently.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
Yes yes yes. That’s all I can say for now!
The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself a few years?
The pandemic has made me scared to answer this haha! I hope I’m making music that I love and travelling as much as possible.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
My favourite part is being surrounded by a community who strives to be creative and collaborative.
My biggest challenge has been that as an artist pretty fresh in their career / without a team, you take on so many other jobs you’re not really qualified for and that make it hard to be able to focus on writing music. Booking, promoting, accounting, event managing, musical directing, producing, design work, just to name a few. But it’s all worth it!
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
I absolutely love Seaforth and Thirsty Merc!
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?
Social media has made it amazing to find the right audience for my music. People listen to my music from across the globe in places I’ve never been, I’m very grateful for that.
What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Just do your thing. Don’t put a timeline on yourself, don’t try to be the person next to you. Just do what you enjoy and the right path will be carved out for you.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans?
I love sharing songs and stories with you guys! I’m most active on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and of course when I’m nearby for a show come and say hi!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/claudiatrippmusic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/claudiatripp3
Instagram: www.instagram.com/claudiatrippmusic