Clare Bowditch is a musician, writer, social commentator and sometimes actor. Most recently Clare just recorded her fifth studio album, ‘The Winter I Chose Happiness’, which was released by Island Records in September 2012.
We can catch you soon at the Zoo Twilight sessions, which you’ve played at before. What’s your favourite part of these gigs?
The people! The animals! The whole thing! No really, it’s always an awesome night – it’s outdoors, the folks are friendly, and when you’re playing with seven incredible men behind you, what’s not to like?
Which animal most signifies or characterises your personality?
Today? A small meerkat– it’s just been one of those super buzzy kind’ve a day.
What other bands are you excited to see at the Zoo Twilight Sessions?
How can I play favourites? They’re all awesome.
What’s your earliest memory of performing and who inspired you to start?
School play, prep, I played Joseph. Therefore, I guess you could say that it was the birth of Christ that inspired me to first perform? Yep, my finest performance ever…
You’ve been a strong advocate for people who pursue creative careers, do you think it’s important for musicians and other artists to be outspoken about these things?
I can only speak for myself, and I know that when I was doing really hard yards early in my career, I really appreciated the advice of people who were a little further along the road. I’m just passing on what was passed to me.
Can you tell us a bit about your new project Big Hearted Business?
Essentially, BHB is a little enterprise that exists to teach creative people about business, and business people about creativity, in ways that make sense (free weekly videos/newsletter, inspiring interviews, online-courses, live events). We launch in March 2013 with an incredible two-day event at the Abbotsford Convent Arts Precint, and I’d love to see you there! (Tickets go on sale early in Feb: join the mailing list for more info).
How can people become involved with Big Hearted Business?
Just join the mailing list via www.bigheartedbusiness.com (please note, official website doesn’t launch until March).
Do you feel it’s important for musicians to be business minded and can they survive without those skills?
Sure you can survive without them – but only if you have a really great manager who takes care of “the details” for them. Truth is, managers come and go, so I’d argue if you’re sincere about making your living doing the things you love, it’s good to bone up on this stuff at some point. First though? Get good at your art.
Who is some of your favourite new Aussie artists at the moment?
Jess Ribiero, Ainslie Wills, Courtney Barnett, Tommy Spender, Flyying Colours. They’ve all been playing for quite a while, but I suspect they’re on the up and up. On Friday I get to announce the winner of the AMP Award: you should check out their short-list! AMAZEBALLS!
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
Yes, but if I told you I’d have to make up a new one. Suffice to say, it involves pineapple juice.
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with? Tell us why?
I am living my dream – I get to collaborate with Marty Brown on every record I make. What more could a girl want?
What’s next for Clare Bowditch?
The Zoo – definitely The Zoo. See you there.
For more info on Clare go to: clarebowditch.com
