q&a: radio ink
If you were lucky enough to get a ticket to one of the shows on Aqua’s recent Australian tour, you might recognise the tour support: Sydney electropop trio, Radio Ink! Lip was lucky enough to chat to the lovely Miss S about the band’s recent escapades both here and in the US!
Describe your sound in five words or less.
Ghetto-pop-disco-glittery-beats.
Was there a particular moment or artist that made you want to pursue music when you were growing up? Who were your early influences?
My mum says when I was in nappies; I’d waddle and bop along to Rage infront of the TV. Yes, I was a strange kid.
But I first really started – when mum got me guitar lessons when I was 8. I soon started learning how to play my favourite songs off the radio by listening by ear and figuring out the music. I made daggy mixed tapes of my own songs for my families and forced them to endure my own ‘live in the lounge room’ performances (sorry guys). I soon picked up the bass guitar, and then the saxophone and dabbled with the drums.
I was torn between wanting to be the lead singer and guitarist of an all-girl band or a jazz singer. I got my first residency gig as part of a jazz duo in Sydney.
Very strangely, my Nan provided some of my major music influences. During my visits to her, we’d watch old Elvis movies. Classic.
You recently flew to LA to play as part of the G’DAY USA festivities; what were the highlights of your trip?
- Performing pool-side at The Hotel Roosevelt for THE A- list of LA.
- Hearing for the first time, our current single ‘Who We Are Tonight’ finished, and mastered in Studio City, Hollywood.
- Ryan Kwanteen: “wow, you look better in real life than you do on your CD cover”. Me: “Um … thanks Ryan?!”
- Performing our previous single ‘Physical’ knowing Olivia Newton-John was in the crowd.
Did you spend much time with Leonardo DiCaprio, the Kardashians and/or Miranda Kerr? Did any of them surprise you?
Miranda is too gorgeous for words. I had to keep a hold of the boys each time we passed her. I pre-warned the crew if I saw any of the Kardashians I would be army-rolling out of the car to chase them. I love their reality TV show. I don’t know how that happened, and yes it concerns me! So it’s funny who you bump into at these events and whose Hollywood mansion you end up at!
Congratulations on the Aqua support! How have audiences been responding to your sound? Have you had any particularly crazy moments on the tour?
Thank you. What a crazy, exciting ride it’s been. Everywhere is sold out and the crowds have been insanely awesome and generous with their energy. Hands in the air at every city. The Aqua guys (and Girl – hello Lene!), are so much fun and put on a brilliant show.
As for crazy moments? Perhaps one we can print includes Dic Money trying to talk Danish to the guys on the tour bus back to the hotel via Google translate.
Who do you most admire?
Most of who I have great respect and admiration for are female pop artists who are courageous, strong, and talented. But I’ll choose two today: Susannah Hoffs from one of the best girl bands in history (I think) – The Bangles. And Kylie (hello any girl who can rock a white hooded jumpsuit like that needs applause).
A song I wish I wrote/played is…
‘Sweet Dreams’ by The Eurythmics. We do a remix of it in our shows and it always brings the house down in any part of the world.
I couldn’t live without…
My iPad2. If it were legal, we’d be married. And my morning coffee – caffeine is my best friend on tour. I realise that’s two things. I can’t count.
The best advice I ever received was…
Never lose sight of the bigger picture.
Do you think the music industry treats female musicians differently to male musicians? Do you think it’s more difficult for women to establish themselves?
I think there is pressure on everyone as they try and breakthrough. I think women can be open to more criticism in the entertainment industry as a whole. But as a female artist, you have the power to make a choice. And that’s empowering. To take care of yourself. That means -for me- heading to bed after gigs when we’re on tour and no booze. I also gave up smoking for good (finally) 1 year ago. I feel better for it and have the energy to back-up each night. Plus otherwise, quite frankly my voice and face go to shit!
Is there anything you’ve always wanted to be asked?
Could I please buy you your own private island in the Bahamas?
