Steph Hannah asks Miss Elm:
What inspires your song-writing?
Usually, it is really horrible males.
What has been your favourite gig you’ve played at so far?
A small warehouse (turned circus arena) called ‘contortionist studios’ back in Brisbane last month packed full of attentive and warming smiles. I was so nervous I wore sunglasses in the first song so I wouldn’t have to look anyone in the eye but by the second song I felt as though I was playing in my living room to 100 close friends. It was an amazing intimate vibe that was focussed entirely on the music.
Which artists have played a large part in influencing your song-writing?
For the most part, female singer songwriters got me through some tough times, as I feel I can relate the emotions they convey through their music. Strong and ambitious women such as Kate Miller Heidke, Amanda Palmer, Feist and Regina Spektor… and I, being slightly strange, tend to follow these trends.
What is your favourite original to play live and why?
At the moment, Little Trees, as it lets me bash the keys in a very improper way.
How old were you when you first started singing/song-writing?
About 12, when I was too shy to speak up at school, the piano was a better form of communication.
What are you most excited to check out on your tour stop in Melbourne?
Trams in general! One of the few cities that actually operates with them! I’ve never actually seen one before.
Do you have any pre-gig rituals?
Usually a good glass of wine goes down well to settle the nerves. And really bad humour…always.
Miss Elm asks Steph Hannah:
When did you start writing music?
I started writing lyrics and melodies when I was about ten, heavily influenced by my angst-ridden early teens and the pop music of the time!
Who, out of your all time favorite artists, would you like to play with on stage?
Hmm…I could go for an all time legendary singer, but I just got back from Glastonbury a couple of months ago and Beyonce was actually the most amazing performer! I’ve had a soft spot for her since being obsessed with Destiny’s Child back in the day, and her voice, dancing and energy was so powerful, I think it would be crazy to be on stage with her.
Where would be your ultimate gig?
Following on from the last answer, I’d love to rock out at Glastonbury!
What do you do to control your nerves?
If I’m getting super nervous, which is often the case, I try to put things in perspective by thinking of the worst possible outcome, and it’s never that bad.
Have you ever had any funny on stage moments?
Drunken Irish dudes doing a dance-off to my ballad ‘Out of Order’.
What is the best thing about being a songwriter?
When someone you don’t know approaches you and tells you that your song has positively influenced them in one way or the other. I remember the first time that happened and being rather stunned.
What is music to you?
Whether I’m writing, performing or listening to music, it’s a medium through which I can celebrate, relax or recover, and share with others – it’s an integral part of my life.
