This week we chat to singer-songwriter Naomi Connell in the lead up to her first gig at TVM this Sunday 20 September in Burleigh Heads, where she'll be joined by one of our faves, Lily Budiasa.
With career highlights such as singing Kita Alexander down the aisle in front of a room filled with artists, such as Julia Stone and Jack River and winning the Tamworth Country Music Festival Busking Championship in 2020, we're so excited to welcome Naomi to our lineup.
8:30am - 10:30am Naomi Connell
11am - 1pm Lily Budiasa (read our interview with Lily, here)
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We’d love to know more about your journey with music, can you tell us about how and why you chose this path?
Beyonce. Haha, I grew up singing along to Destiny’s Child, Joni Mitchel, James Taylor, and even the Phantom of The Opera.
I would try and sing along to anything! You just couldn’t get me to shut up. I was one of four children, so on school rides my parents literally had to assign days that I was allowed to sing in the car. In all fairness, it was a bit much.
I think singing along to such a mixed bag of music really helped me develop my vocal ability.
I dreamed about playing music my whole life. It was always “that dream” that seemed so unobtainable. Fast forward to 2 years ago - with my (very minimal) self-taught guitar skills and a pluck of courage, I quit my job and before the week was over I was performing in venues on the Gold Coast.
Now with my debut EP out in the world, a busking comp title under my belt, and many incredible people and experiences, it’s safe to say I made the right decision.
How do you describe your performance style?
My style today is very Folk/Americana. Sometimes I feel my Irish roots seeping through my storytelling and song writing.
What has been your favourite gig or a highlight in your music journey so far?
Oh man, I feel so lucky to have so many highlights already in the short time I’ve been performing!
Winning the Tamworth Country Music Festival Busking Championship 2020 was probably the most mind blowing.
Singing for Kita Alexander as she walked down the aisle in a room full artists that I grew up listening to was the most surreal!
When you’re not performing music, what else do you get up to?
Lately I’ve been really getting into Yoga, it’s been such a beautiful ritual to bring into daily life.
Favourite artists?
Laura Marling, Gillian Welch, Joni Mitchel, and lately I’ve been hooked on an Aussie chick from WA - Carla Geneve.
How do you get your creative juices flowing and what inspires you?
Oooo this is a good question. A couple of years ago I would have said heartbreak, a sad story, all the stereotypical singer-songwriter emotional muses. But now (largely due to a lack of heartbreak to draw on) I’m exploring outside of that, and I like it.
I create the best when there is stillness around me. Inspiration comes from the most unassuming places.
Connect with Naomi online, here.
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