1. The First Song I Wrote
The first song I wrote that I can remember was in about year five (so about ten years old) and it was some seriously Hanson/AQUA-inspired power pop that I would belt out whilst doing sheep work with my little sister and Dad. Had lots of extended “ieeeiiiis” in it and “ooooooeeeooos“.Child prodigy clearly…
2. The Last Song I Released
The latest song I released was about two weeks ago and it’s called ‘Land Of Gold’ and is the second single from our debut record Small Town Big Shot, which came out in September last year. I wrote it while camping in Kakadu a couple of years ago. We just released the clip for it, which was shot by Sam Brumby and directed by Anna Phillips and featured lots of red dirt, an old HJ47 toyota and our kelpie Mr Happy Beans.
3. Songwriting Secrets
I think I dribbled out enough rubbish over the years and eventually something OK ended up coming out. There is no set way I write songs; usually I go with whatever falls out of my mouth to start with and then see what happens as I try and continue it without thinking too hard. Then I shape and refine it and make it try and make sense. Sometimes words come first, sometime chords. No hard and fast rules.
4. The Song That Makes Me Most Proud
Hmmm, this always changes depending on the weather, what socks I’m wearing, if I’ve had coffee or not… however, as far as songs we have released it would be a tie between ‘Bravest Of Hearts’, ‘Bastards’ and ‘Land Of Gold’. Each of these songs cut the mustard in their own way. Or ‘Totem Tennis’, because every time we play it live we have a totem tennis championship game between audience members. That’s a good time.
5. The Song That Changed My Life
‘Baby Now That I’ve Found You’ by Alison Krauss. I first heard it as the boat hooned across the lake at Bonnie Doon on the movie The Castle and it blew my little mind. I was then opened up to world of Alison Krauss, and through her Gillian Welch, and a whole host of others who have influenced me greatly. Still remains one of my favourite songs and fave movies. “Tell ’em they’re dreamin'”.
Fanny Lumsden plays Courtyard Sessions at the Seymour Centre this Friday March 4.
