Local world-music songstress Mietta has announced the release of her new single, Gone and debut album, A Mad Distance, set for release on July 18 and she’ll be hitting the road with her band to promote the record with launch shows in Melbourne on July 24 at The Spotted Mallard, Ballarat on July 26 at The Main Bar and Sydney on July 31 at Venue 505. Mietta tells us something about herself in this short Q&A.
What was your first gig?
I was about 15 and it was my first ever paid gig. It was with my best friend’s dad who is a sax player and a great musician. It was at the Cornish Arms in Brunswick, Melbourne. My microphone lead kept falling out of my mic all night. Total disaster!
What microphone do you use on stage generally?
At the moment I’m using a pretty standard Sennheiser mic. But you really can’t go past the Shure SM58 Beta. Great work-horse mics.
Is it the same for recording?
When we recorded the album, the main mic used for my vocals was a “Wagner U47” Valve condenser mic.
What’s your latest recording and when will you be back in the studio?
Latest recording I did was with a great choir called the “Sun-burnt Soul Choir.” We sang a reworked version of “Pleasure and Pain” by the Divinyls.
We’re all booked to get back into the studio in early September to start work on my next EP.
What gigs have you been playing lately?
Mainly corporate gigs. Nothing too exciting, but keeping busy. Keeping my head down focusing on the album release and tour.
Most memorable gig?
Playing out at the beautiful Stones of the Yarra Valley last year. We played in their chapel, with full band and string quartet. It was such a great concert to be a part of and our first live show ever with strings.
Worst stage nightmare?
Walking onto stage and my pants falling down! Yes, this actually happened. Mortifying.
Album that changed your life?
I discovered a band from Spain about 12 years about called Ojos De Brujo. Their album Bari was one of the most fresh and innovative things I’d ever heard. Listening to their music was really my first discovery of “Flamenco.” Although their music is definitely not classified as “pure” flamenco, I really identified with it. It later led me to discover the incredible musical world of Flamenco and Spain. About 6 years later, I moved to Madrid to study the music and completely immerse myself in the culture. It’s an influence that will remain with me forever.
What gigs are coming up in the next few months?
Well, we have the big album launch tour kicking off in late July. Melbourne at The Spotted Mallard on July 24, Ballarat at The Main Bar on July 26 and Sydney at Venue 505 on July 31. We will be playing around Melbourne for the rest of 2014, and hopefully will be involved in some festivals towards the end of the year. Keep your eyes peeled.
A vocal tip for the kids?
PRACTICE! And learn to be good at that early. Stay passionate about music. If it’s not something you deeply love, and must pursue, then it might not be for you. But make sure you work hard.
www.miettamusic.com
www.facebook.com/miettamusic
www.twitter.com/miettamusic
www.soundcloud.com/miettamusic