Singer / Songwriter Fiona O’Shea stops by THEAUSSIEWORD.COM.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
I was born this way and have been surrounded by music from day dot. My earliest memories are of my Mother playing Beethoven’s Fur Elise on the piano followed by some very boisterous rag time blues.
I became interested in the industry side when I realised it was a key component of making money out of music. Love it or hate it, everybody working within it plays their part which I recognise as an important part in running a successful business.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
The journey for me is often quite ethereal like trying to capture a wisp of something already familiar and turn it into something real and tangible. When I’m in “the zone” it’s other worldly and I’m 100% focussed on crafting the best song I can. It’s like a great book or movie I can hardly put down, which is both a curse and a blessing because there’s not enough hours in the day. I think of music as energy translated into vibration and it is a part of who I am.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?
To be stress free and stay in the flow, to network and collaborate more, have a supersonic band to play with. I’m really excited to be recording and releasing more music in 2023, expand my audience and play those great big stages. What fun!
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
We are recording in February again and will be playing our annual Outback Queensland Tour in July/August with Roma, Charleville and Cunnamulla on the radar.
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
I was successful in receiving the Sunshine Coast’s RADF for the release of three songs in 2022. Which I recorded and produced with guitarist husband, Mark O’Shea and engineer/producer Aaron Giffin at Sleepwalk Studios, Coolum Beach and had mastered by Chief Engineer Steve Smart at Studios 301 in Sydney.
My music is guitar driven country/folk rock and blues, blending mystical insights in to the everyday of our lives. Each song is a page in the chapter of that book.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
My song writing landscape can be as barren as the desert but at other times more like an oasis, where everything is abundant and flowing. This is where the richness and magic come together and the weaving of music and words begin.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
That would depend on who is listening.
Success, what is the secret to it?
There’s no secret, it actually is the journey. This is a vocation not a career. It’s a whole heart, whole person situation. Joy, love and creation is what success looks like for me. I would say whatever it looks like for you, “think it, feel it and create it”.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
Having the support of my family and team is the silver lining and the true highlight of this journey, although something exciting always happens every year. I’ve received funding, played at many festivals, been support act for several well known artists and played for a handful of people to hundreds of people, which have been equally rewarding in different ways.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
For climbing the mountains and walking the valleys of the music industry… Pink has nailed it. I love her sassy can-do attitude and of course her vocals are next level. Brandi Carlile is another one and Sheryl Crow. Miranda Lambert and Maren Morris are both songwriting extraordinaires.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
Yes the pipeline is open and on full flow. Writing, recording, touring. Press play and repeat.
The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself a few years?
Having a bloody good time of course.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
I love writing, recording and playing live. The business side is my least favourite way to spend my time. If only we could live on air, love and Loco Love chocolate.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers, Busby Marou, Neil Finn (NZ)
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 is a great tool for communicating. With 8 billion people in the world I think it’s the quickest, easiest, most cost effective way of reaching them.
How will you continue appealing to the international market?
If being myself and being authentic is appealing then Yay! I’ll tick that box and keep going.
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
The opportunity hasn’t presented itself to date, however Neil Finn is on the wish list.
What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Be true to your heart. Get qualified, learn your craft. The more strings in your bow, the better. Be prepared to soar but pack a parachute.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans?
Every like, follow and comment is appreciated. Without YOU, where would I be? Your encouragement and support is truly a gift I am so grateful for it. You shine the light on my path and I hope my music does the same for you.
Any last words?
From my heart to yours thank you for sharing, listening and supporting our music. We look forward to seeing you some where soon. Be kind and love one another.
Website: https://fionaosheamusic.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fionaosheamusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fionaosheamusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fionaosheamusic
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