Australian singer-songwriter Emma Anglesey recently released a wonderful new single Mary-Anne. Of the new track Anglesey says, “Mary-Anne is about how you don’t always know where the road is leading and stuff happens that’s totally out of your control but you just keep going”. To accompany the track, Anglesey, in collaboration with Tim Kling (Sarah Blasko, Chase City), has produced a stunning clip that embraces the wildness of the Tasmanian landscape. Anglesey has been on the road this month promoting Mary-Anne. She plays Gasoline Pony in Sydney on December 7th.
What was your first guitar?
When I was 17 I inherited $5000 from my Grandfather. I wanted to do something with the money that would last forever so I decided I’d buy a guitar with it. My mum took me to the guitar shop in my home town of Launceston and I played all the guitars in the shop. The one that sounded the nicest was a Maton ECW80C/6 “Acoustic
Electric” and so I bought it. I still love the sound and I write all my songs on it and use it for my live shows.
What was your first band t-shirt?
I’ve never owned one. Don’t hold it against me. I’m an obsessed fan in other ways like if I love a record I’ll listen to it 20 times in a row and I have a signed Ani Difranco poster if that counts.
A record that changed your life?
When I was 10 years old I sneakily listened to my mum’s Deep Forest (first album) and Blood Sugar Sex Magik (Chili Peppers) records over and over again for a whole summer. I was never the same.
What’s your main guitar now?
Still my Maton ECW80C/6 “Acoustic Electric”.
Through what amp and why?
I practice and play on an AER Compact 60. It’s a small amp for acoustic guitar and vocals. I heard that Tommy Emmanuel used it so saved up and I bought one.
What’s your latest recording and when will you be back in the studio?
I just released a new single called Mary-Anne. It’s the first off an album I recorded with my very talented friend and producer Joshua Barber (known for performing and collaborating with Australian artists Gotye and Archie Roach and for his work producing Gretta Ray). I’ll probably put the album out half way through next year. I have some new songs I’m really excited about and I’m planning to record them early next year.
What gigs have you been playing lately?
I just finished a single launch tour in Tasmania with Melbourne based musician Ben Salter and it was a lot of fun.
Most memorable gig?
I was lucky enough to play at A festival called Panama this year. It’s a small festival in Tasmania set in a beautiful forest with a natural amphitheatre. It was like being in the final scene of Star Wars, Episode VI: Return of the Jedi where everyone’s dancing in the forest, except the band is Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 and there are no Ewoks. But seriously everyone was so friendly and they had a ban on Djembe drums in the camp ground which was just amazing.
Worst stage nightmare?
I’m playing outside at Dark Mofo. It’s cold and the middle of winter and half way through a song it starts raining. My guitar gets wet and starts sounding like a weird violin because the strings are not ringing out anymore. My AER is soaked. As soon as the song finishes the sound engineer runs over with a tarp and rushes us off stage, worried we’re going to be electrocuted. True story.
What gigs are coming up in the next few months?
In Sydney we’ll playing at Gasoline Pony in Marrickville on Wednesday December 7th with James Kenyon.
A guitar tip for the kids?
Don’t worry if you find reading music hard or can’t afford lessons. Just learn how to play your favourite songs first and get help with good technique.