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Perth MusicBianca Jade Interview
Bianca Jade grew up in Perth and her love and passion for music has taken her to such places as New York and London. She has released one EP in September 2005 and plans another EP later this year. Bianca gave us this exclusive interview.
Q. Tell us a little bit of history about yourself as a singer/songwriter/musician. How did you start out and what have you achieved?
I distinctly remember writing my first song when I was 13. It wasn’t particularly good but it marked a major shift from where I stopped just listening to music & started exploring the idea of writing music. I grew up in a particularly creative & arty household full of books, art, instruments & creations in the living room. In high school I played guitar, wrote songs & sang in an all girl band. The group evolved with me into university and became known as Enamel. I then went to study music at WAAPA which is about the time I became a solo artist. In 2005 I released my first solo EP ‘Taste It’ and shortly afterwards went on tour to New York City & London.
Q. What bands have had the greatest influence on you and who are your favourite bands at the moment?
I listen to a mix of styles. Growing up I was exposed to the folk poets, rock & roll, jazz, blues as well as opera & classical music. At the moment I’m enjoying the sounds of Emiliana Torrini, Jen Cloher, Jose Gonzalez & Lior. I don’t really have favorites…there’s too many great voices & great songs for me.
Q. What helps in writing new songs? Do you need solitude to get inspiration?
I spend a lot of time playing guitar so writing songs just kind of happens for me. I come up with a sound, a riff, a vocal line or lyric. Sometimes it happens quickly but other times the ideas for one song become another. I don’t need to be in a particular mood or space I constantly have new ideas or lyrics that just come about. Whether I can build them into a complete song is another thing.
Q. What is your favourite live music venue? Do you prefer small pub shows with a small audience or bigger shows with lots of people cheering you on?
CBGB’s 313 Gallery in New York City is a great venue. The audience is seated on little round tables right up to the edge of the stage so you end up having conversations with people at the front. I really like that. There’s something inviting about an intimate venue where the audience not only get to know you but you get to know them.
Q. What is your song writing process? Do you write the lyrics and music together or one first and then the other?
I generally start with the guitar. A sound, a lyric or a vocal line may follow. It’s not a set out process for me. It’s rather fluid.
Q. What is your take on the Perth Music Scene at the moment? Do you think it is thriving or is it a bit of over-hype?
Being so isolated Perth will always generate its own music & art. I believe there will always be a strong music scene. Whether it is labeled as ‘thriving’ just depends on how the rest of the country decides to view us.
Q. What plans do you have for the next few months?
In mid May I leave to spend 2 months in New York City, USA to continue where I left off with the NYC music scene. When I return in July I start work on my next record which will be released in October this year.
Interview by Justin Middleton
For more info check out www.biancajade.com
