Little Wise recently released a new single Don’t Hurry Back, a delicate, narrative-based tune. Accompanying Don’t Hurry Back is a visually stunning clip that celebrates the beauty and the grit of rural Australia, directed by Agostino Soldati (Liz Stringer, Saint Jude, Sal Kimber). Don’t Hurry Back is the second single to be lifted from Little Wise’s debut album, the first single Under Water was released in August and will also feature on the full length Silver Birch, out November 11. To celebrate Little Wise will be hitting the road with her band in November and December on a massive national tour, kicking off in Byron Bay on November 11, then moving through Fingal Head, Brisbane, Alexandra Headland, Nambucca Heads, Sydney, Canberra, Seymour, Melbourne, Deans Marsh, Adelaide, Margate and wrapping up in Mayberry in Tasmania on December 11. Little Wise was kind enough to take some time to do a Q&A with us.
What was your first guitar?
A Yamaha classical guitar, which originally belonged to my parents’ friend who purchased it during a stint of guitar lessons in Teachers College in the 70s.
What was your first band t-shirt?
It was ‘The Bens’ – a brief incarnation of a band comprising Ben Kweller, Ben Lee & Ben Folds. I think they did one tour and an EP in 2003. I was fourteen and went to the show with my older cousin.
A record that changed your life?
Emmylou Harris’ ‘Wrecking Ball’ – a piece of Daniel Lanois production beauty.
What’s your main guitar now?
A 1962 Gibson J-50 acoustic. So classic and so beautiful.
Through what amp and why?
Through no amp preferably! But my main electric is a new 50s reissue Danelctro. I play it through an 80s cream tolex 40watt Roland Cube. I refuse to buy any amp I’ll regret lugging around and this one has a great tone and a managble size and weight! The old Roland Cubes are actually really fantastic amps.
Which pedals are your standards?
I tend to keep it pretty simple. My electric rig includes a Mooer Tuner, Moor Green Mile Overdrive and a Boss Tremolo. For live shows, I use an LR Baggs Para Acoustic DI.
What’s your latest recording and when will you be back in the studio?
The latest release is ‘Silver Birch’, my first full-lenth album. Having just finished it, I have no solid plans for the next recording, but I’d like to get back in the studio at some point in 2017.
What gigs have you been playing lately?
I did an intimate 5 city solo tour in August. I went to Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide and Melbourne.
Most memorable gig?
My ‘Sweet Rain Falling’ EP launch at the Northcote Social Club in 2014. I just love that venue so much.
Worst stage nightmare?
I have recurring dreams about forgetting my set list and being on stage with not one song to play coming to mind!
What gigs are coming up in the next few months?
I’m heading off on a 14-date tour in November – December 2016 in support of the album release. I’ll be playing duo and band shows, kicking off in Byron Bay on November 11, then moving through Fingal Head, Brisbane, Alexandra Headland, Nambucca Heads, Sydney, Canberra, Seymour, Melbourne, Deans Marsh, Adelaide, Margate and wrapping up in Mayberry in Tasmania on December 11.
A guitar tip for the kids?
Less is more! Don’t overplay. It’s not about shredding the fastest.. it’s about bringing the vibe and honouring the song. Also- tone is everything. Keep chasing the perfect tone, and keep honing it. Also Also- invest in a good tuner and use it!