So then, what’s the band name and what do you ‘do’ in the band?
My band’s called Nicolette Forte and Friends, and I’m a singer/songwriter who loves to jam with my friends that I’ve met while hosting open mic nights around Melbourne in the last couple of years. My bandmates are Chris Brooker, Kevin Etcell, Duncan Yardley and Jamie MacDowell.
Bearing the terrible clichéd nature of this question, what do you reckon people will say you sound like?
Take: some solid roots, a pinch of folk, a spoonful of sweet pop; all thrown in a blender with the smoothest of souls, and served with a sneaky wedge of pineapple. That’s what I reckon people would most likely say about our sound.
What do you love about making music?
Freedom, collaboration, improvisation, and the creative spark shared between amigos through music.
What do you hate about the music industry?
Having to wear a lot of hats when I only have one head! After you’re done planning the budget, designing gig posters and booking shows you wonder when you’ll find time to write a song. Thankfully my sister Bianca, and friends like Bree, are geniuses with this stuff.
If you could travel back in time and show one of your musical heroes your stuff, who would it be and why?
I’d say take me back to last week and book me a brunch date with Tracy Chapman, because I’d love to talk about matters of the heart with her. She’s one beautiful soul.
If you could assassinate one person or band from popular music, who would it be and why?
I’d love to assassinate the bad rap that genre pop music gets. Mind you, you can’t blame people for thinking that after being force-fed reality TV talent shows.
What can a punter expect from your live show?
A guitar, sometimes a second guitar, a voice, on occasion a second voice, stories, violin, djembe, Cajon, didgeridoo, dreadlocks, shakers, stomping feet and edible smiles.
What’ve you got to sell CD-wise?
My debut EP Rescue Me will be available direct from gigs, independent CD stores and iTunes from July 25.
When’s the gig and with who?
The EP launch is on Wednesday July 25 at Topolino’s: 87 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda. You can pick up a ticket at trybooking.com or at the venue. Our special guests on the night are Brooke Taylor, Luke Smith, John Lillis and Jamie MacDowell.
Anything else to add?
Check out nicoletteforte.com, which has links to our YouTube channel and also our Facebook fan page.