theaussieword.com interview with Heloise.
What can you tell our readers about you? How and where did it all begin? It all began when I was about 9 years old. I was mucking around on my mum’s guitar. Having always loved reading and writing stories I guess it was natural to start adding melody to the words in my head. I learnta few chords and began composing songs in my bedroom. I participated in a local rock music workshop that ran for a week over summer. We were all organised into bands and under the guidance of local music tutors rehearsed up a couple of songs for a public concert atthe end of the week. The first year I did it I think we played Smoke On The Water and Californication…such rockstar nine year olds. I guess.
What had you first interested in music? I don’t think anything specific really grabbed me; it was more a subconscious urge to get whatever was in my head, out. I grew up in a musical family so I was always surrounded by instruments, music, musical people etc. I think being musical was inescapable. I’d probably go mad without it as my major creative outlet!!
Who motivates or influences your quest to make great music? Many artists influence me, musicians such as Tom Waits, Bonnie Raitt and Jack White. They inspire me to practice and improve my skills. Bonnie Raitt, for instance, is such an incredible slide guitarist and I’d love to one day be that skilled on my instrument. Jack White’s live shows are so incredible and I think people like him inspire me to really tighten and polish my own show.
Do you have any planned tours coming up? A tour will be our next move after we finish recording our second EP later in the year. We’re hoping to tour nationally after the release.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist? There are a few bucket list items! I’d love to play SXSW and Bluesfest in Byron Bay. I’d love to take my music overseas too. I think ultimately I just want to be successful enough to be able to perform, write, record, film video clips and tour whilst still being able to pay rent (and eat infinite amounts of pizza)
What can fans expect from you in the coming months? We’re currently in the process of arranging our second EP for recording a little later this year, we’re hoping to record a second single in the next few months and after its release we’ll get stuck into planning a tour! We’ll have some shows coming up over the next few months too!
Success, what is the secret to it and what has been your biggest career highlight so far? I really think determination and dedication to the craft is crucial. The ability to roll with the punches, to not take rejection personally is important. Good luck and timing play a huge part but if you can grit your teeth and move forward when the going gets tough you’ll find a way to make it. I suppose it depends on one’sdefinition of success. For me, being successful would simply be the chance to make a living out of what I love doing the most. As for highlights ….. theopportunity to work with some amazing musicians andprofessional industry people has been the absolute best!!
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring? Tom Waits, Jack White, Bonnie Raitt (as I mentioned before) and people like Beck, Cory Chisel, Nikki Lane and Butch Walker. All incredible artists whose music I love and am totally inspired by.
How would you best describe you and your music to your fans? The music is kind of quirky. A mix between folk and avant_garde blues…but sometimes it’s a little grungy too. It’s pretty eclectic. I’m just a crazy redhead with too much to talk about. The music reflects me a little bit I think…constantly moving, colourful, unfettered, crazy and all over the place mostly… ha!
What can you tell us about your latest album? Our first EP was very Alice In Wonderland-esque. It was all material I composed when I was 14/15 years old and reflected my experiences and influences at the time. I was still a little girl and the songs we recorded emulated that. The upcoming EP will be more bluesy/grungy I think. I’ve found my songs are evolving and changing as I grow and mature as an artist and human being. I’m really looking forward to exploring where this next EP will take us.
Are there any new exciting projects in the works? The upcoming EP is definitely the major project but there may be a few little surprises here and there…
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now? Hopefully touring, playing festivals and recording on a regular basis. I really want to go to the US and Canada and try to build a fan base over there.
Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists. The Delta Riggs (cannot explain how much I LOVE these guys), Husky, Dune Rats, Ballpark Music and The Preatures are probably my favourites!
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 know the music industry is tough. You have to be determined. My wonderful mum was signed to Warner Music in the 80’s/90’s and has seen how much the industry has changed. It’s no longer enough to record ademo tape and present it to the A and R guy at therecord company. Promotors and venue owners expect an EPK , an established fan base, a polished repertoire,music recorded and music ready to go. I think it’s tougher to stand out nowadays but social media makes it a lot easier to promote your music to a broad audience and to establish a reputation at a grass roots level.