Hi Fiona, thanks for taking the time to chat with Beat. Could you please tell us about the music you make and your musical history?
My mother was 17-years-old when I was born, so my grandmother moved in to take care of me. She bought a really old iron frame piano into the house and I knew from that moment what I wanted to do. I fell in love with it and started writing music from the age of eight. It took me till I was 38 to get into the recording studio, but as a storyteller I believe that the bit of extra life I experienced gave me something to write about.
The music on your latest release Signature – Synchronicitysways between the whimsical, mystical and fantastical, highlighting your enthralling musical ability and merging with fairytale-esque themes. What enticed you to explore these concepts?
Signature – Synchronicity is in fact about modern day fairytales told from an adult perspective. My first few albums were about my life, then I grew up and looked at the world around me and now I’m looking at themes that we all understand and how they still affect us as adults. A healthy obsession with Game Of Thrones also plays a role in there. The titles are about princesses, dragons, angels, rainbows, and a childhood fascination with the story of The Little Red Caboose.
The word signature is about the real magic. My left hand has osteonecrosis and according to my surgeon this career isn’t technically possible. I’m still going. I’m grateful to my left hand for holding up, and there is definitely a little magic in all of that.
Tell us about the writing and recording process behind Signature – Synchronicity. Did your approach alter and develop compared to your last album, Signature – Solo?
Signature – Synchronicity is released on my own indie label, Little Hartley Music. It’s part of a series that includes Signature – Solo, recorded for Blue Coast Records who partner with Sony Music for hi-fidelity audiophile music. I wanted to show how ten identical songs could change from being recorded live in a single take on a Steinway to a studio produced, edited, orchestrated version on an Aussie made Stuart & Sons piano – with lyrics and vocals, including beat box, thrown in to highlight the variation. It’s neo-classical alternative with a twist.
To officially launch Signature – Synchronicity, you’ll be hosting an exclusive show and a film viewing at the Burwood Music Centre. What kind of magic do you have in store for this concert?
The idea of different worlds appeals to me in so many ways. There are six video clips made by professional filmmakers to bring the songs to life and these will be viewed at the album release. I want people to hear the studio version of edited, perfected and finished recordings and then the energy of the same songs performed live in the same space. I’m blown away by how differently people view the two listening experiences. Same songs, note for note, and yet completely different.
One film features real NASA footage made by a retired NASA senior flight engineer; another features an old English vintage Bristol 401 and a beautiful young dancer; another sees tangoing on the beach; and the one I’m most excited about is very GOT with a burning piano.
I have a backing vocalist and percussionist with me, one of the album producers and some of the filmmaking team. There are only 32 seats there so it’s an intimate experience where I can share music and connect with the audience. It think it’s just how music is best shared: up close and personal.
