EMILY SMART (NAKATOMI) -VOCALS
Neon drenched, eighties inspired electro-pop duo, Nakatomi have much reason to be chuffed at the moment. They have just released a new single, The Knife and are about to hit the road with a string of shows including; Rocket Bar (Ade) on October 30, Mynt Lounge (Melb) on November 20, The Toff (Melb) on November 22 and Oxford Art Gallery Bar (Syd) on November 26. Nakatomi vocalist Emily Smart took some time out from rehearsals to answer a quick Q&A for us.
What was your first gig?
It was at a school social I organised that had bands playing, I was 14. We only played 3 songs and they were all covers, but the massive crowd of teenagers went mental! It was a pretty surreal show for a first gig actually.
What microphone do you use on stage generally?
I use a SHURE BETA 58A. I have been using my Shure Beta 58A for about 8 years and it is still going strong as ever. It has been on numerous tours and can really take a beating due to it’s rugged construction and shockmount system. It also has a frequency range that is particularly great for female vocals and also ideal for close-up stage vocals.
Is it the same for recording?
No, I have a few other mics I use for recording at home, but my fav one is a RODE NT1-A. I have found condenser microphones really suit my dynamic vocal style, and the NT1A has an wide dynamic range, as well as being known for being one of the quietest studio mics around. It works really well in rooms with poor acoustics (like my home studio in the spare bedroom!), as cardioid mics can work wonders at minimizing reflected sound.
What’s your latest recording and when will you be back in the studio?
Nakatomi’s single ‘The Knife’ is out on October 19th on Itunes. We are hoping to get back in the studio and record some new tracks over the Christmas break.
What gigs have you been playing lately?
The last few months we have supported LCAW from Germany, headlined Futuresounds Festival and supported SKIES for their recent EP launch. Our single launch party with JOY is up next!
Most memorable gig?
CMJ 2013 in New York. Playing CMJ in New York was a pretty amazing experience. I got to play on the Australian showcase bill, and I was on stage next to acts like The Preatures (who were just breaking out at the time), and as no one really knew who anyone was, it was a level playing field of large and small australian acts sharing a stage. New Yorkers also really get into their live music, and wherever we played, the crowds were just so generous with their enthusiasm.
Worst stage nightmare?
Being electrocuted… or forgetting all the words to a song!
Album that changed your life?
Fleetwood Mac – Rumours. When I first heard ‘Rhiannon’ as a very small child, it became a favourite song for years. My mum had the Rumours record and I just feel in love with Stevie Nick’s and Lindsay Buckingham’s voices and chemistry. I also really loved Mick Fleetwood’s drumming style. The band just knew how to write amazing songs, and their stories of turmoil behind it all is equally intriguing. After this album, I grew up wanting to be Stevie Nicks (less the drug addiction).
What gigs are coming up in the next few months?
FRI 30 OCT | ROCKET BAR, ADELAIDE SA
FRI 20 NOV | POW! @ MYNT LOUNGE, WERRIBEE VIC
SUN 22 NOV | THE TOFF IN TOWN, MELBOURNE VIC
THUR 26 NOV | OXFORD ART GALLERY BAR, DARLINGHURST NSW
A vocal tip for the kids?
Smile for tuning and Anchor for strength.
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