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EMMA DEAN
DOB:born 14 November 1983
ALBUMS TO DATE: Real Life Computer Game, Downside Up Soundtrack & The Tempest Soundtrack
Emma Dean not only sings and writes her own music, but also plays the violin, piano and has performed in and co-written music for the world-renowned physical theatre company Zen Zen Zo.
Her performances are known push the boundaries of conventional music and often involve aspects of theatre and cabaret.
Her debut album Real Life Computer Game was released in 2008 and received great reviews. Dean is now continuing to work on new recordings and is constantly exploring the world of music.
I had the privilege to interview Emma, discussing what influences her music, why she started performing as a solo artist and her plans for the future.
Q1. When and why did your start career as a solo artist?
In 2002 I formed a jazz/folk duo called Bittersuite with a talented bass player called Georgia Weber. This was an amazing time in my life and I learnt so much, but after three years we decided to call it a day because of differing musical interests. This is when I went solo.
Q2. How would you describe your music?
I call my music pop cabaret or theatrical pop.
Q3. Who's your favourite Brisbane musician/band?
I have a few:
Jacob Diefenbach: www.myspace.com/jacobdiefenbach
Ben Stewart: www.myspace.com/benstewartmyspace
Tony Dean: www.myspace.com/tonydeanmusic
Q4. If you could choose anywhere in the world to perform, where would it be?
I have always had a dream of performing at The Grammys! I dream big.
Q5. If you could choose any musician in the world to perform with, who would it be?
I’m in love with a /actor/performer/musician called Taylor Mac from New York. Check out this clip called Walk featuring his song Nothing To Fear http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu_1WeDEGTA
Q6. What was the greatest performing moment you ever experienced?
I’ve had so many! One highlight was at my sold-out album launch at The Judith Wright Centre in Brisbane. The fact that it was sold-out was a highlight in itself, but when the applause died down after my first encore (the bonus track on my CD called Falling Solo) a man yelled out from the audience “THANK YOU”. For some reason, it really touched me. I think people can see when a performance is real or truthful and when it is not. I must have done something right that night.
Q7. Who and what have influenced your lyrics and what inspires you to write?
People influence my lyrics. People I love, people I don’t like, people I admire, people I observe, people on the TV, people who are sad, people who are happy and then…well…me. I’m also just interested in passing feelings – capturing a moment in time through song, and creating a new moment for the listener.
Q8. What was the highlight of writing/producing/recording your debut album Real Life Computer Game?
Real Life Computer Game seems like such a long time ago. I’m currently working on new recordings at the moment and once again I’m using Ben Stewart as my producer and engineer. I love the whole recording process, especially when you are using a team of musicians that really click! I have been so lucky to experience that with my band and with Ben. My favourite part of recording is after the beds are put down and you can start to layer harmonies and play around with different instruments and textures! My song Sorry from Real Life Computer Game was such fun to record. There are so many weird sounds in there, if you listen closely!
Q9. What's your favourite song from the album to perform?
I love performing Alone Together (which is the shortened version of the full track name). When I’m performing this song with my band, we really have to listen to each other. It’s great being on stage and just knowing that the song will be a success if, and ONLY if, we work as a unit. We have to play Alone…but Together.
Q10. What are your plans for the future?
Apart from taking over the world (hehe), I intend to put together shows that are a feast for the ears as well as the eyes. I want to delve in to the magical world where live music meets theatre. I’m currently working with three physical theatre performers/actors and you will be seeing more of this sort of show from me in 2010!
To check out Emma Dean’s music and make any purchases, just head to http://www.emmadean.com/listen_shop.htm or visit the iTunes store.
