1.The First Song I Wrote
I would have been only about five or six years old. I was supposed to be practising my scales on piano, and I would always get in trouble from Mum, because I preferred to write my own music instead. I think it was to do with Mother Nature. Pretty sure it was a three chord song, in C. I’d have the lyrics somewhere, as I’ve kept everything I’ve written.
2. The Last Song I Released
I just released my new single ‘Less Of A Man’. I was lucky to get back in the studio with Michael McGlynn at Vienna People (L-Fresh The Lion, Little May), and [it was] mastered by King Willy Sound (Gotye). It’s a raw song. I wrote it soon after a break-up, and I put myself out of my comfort zone. I took the time to make sure I was 100 per cent happy with every aspect of this song, and I really am.
3.Songwriting Secrets
Songwriting is different every time. The easiest time to write is when I’m emotional, and usually when I’m busy, and don’t really have time to write. Each song is different. I tend to be fairly lyric-driven, but as my guitar skills have developed, I’ve found myself experimenting more with chord variations, and using the guitar more percussively. I’ve gotten in the habit of recording things on my phone, as all my best ideas seem to come at inconvenient times.
4. The Song That Makes Me Proud
‘Less Of A Man’ is definitely my favourite song. My songwriting has developed, and I feel that the structure of this song is different to other tracks I’ve recorded. It was also the first time I tried writing in open tuning. It was great taking the song into the studio, and having Michael weave his magic and transform the song beyond what I could have imagined.
5. The Song That Changed My Life
So, an interesting answer: ‘Wannabe’ by the Spice Girls. The first time I heard it, I was on a family holiday – it’s when I discovered there were radio stations other than 2WSFM, so I began my own music discovery. Beyond that, I’d say discovering the band Dashboard Confessional, [who use] elements of acoustic guitar, and [have a] strong focus on harmonies, mixed with indie rock instrumentation. [All those] elements are quite common in my songwriting.
Vanessa Heinitz playsThe Rocks Brewing CompanyonSaturday March 26.
