Gretta Ziller’s sound may bear the hallmarks of classic Americana music, but its essence is far more diverse.
The Melbourne songstress’ roots span jazz, blues, rock, pop and classical, and that eclectic musical upbringing is reflected in the varied tracks on her debut album, 'Queen Of Boomtown', released last month.
You released 'Queen Of Boomtown' at the start of September; what has the response been like?
[Gretta] The response for 'Queen Of Boomtown' has been amazing. I’ve had fans waiting three years for new music from me, so those wonderful, patient folks have been so supportive and so excited to hear new material.
As a debut album, are you pleased with the final results and how the songs introduce you as a musician?
Honestly, I couldn’t be more proud of this album. I worked for months in pre-production with Paul Ruske (the producer) on getting the right sound for each song and making sure there was a purpose and flow to the album. I feel like each song represents a part of my musical upbringing while keeping true to who I am as a musician and songwriter now.
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Henry Wagons features on the duet 'Round And Round'; how did that collaboration come about and what did Henry bring to the project?
We had recorded 'Round And Round' and felt that something was missing, like it needed another level of intensity. I’ve been a big fan of Henry’s music and voice for years; he has this amazing baritone with a really fat, classical-esque vibrato (so cool!). I think him being on the track gives it an ‘ooh!’ factor. I got to perform it live with him at my Melbourne launch and for me it was the best song of the night!
The album also features members of Saskwatch and The Cat Empire as well as backing vocals from Jen Mize; working with such talented musicians, did that ease the stress of creating your debut album?
Yes, most definitely. Knowing that you can trust the musicians to bring something amazing without having to hover and guide them too much is fantastic. It also allows them to bring that extra something to the songs.
With such a mix of musicians in your corner, how did that shape the direction of the album?
Oh gosh! There are moments in my album that make me want to applaud every time I hear them. Ben Edgar’s performance in ‘Jude’ is glorious and I sing-along with Rob Muinos’s solo in ‘Let It Go’ all the time. Also having one of my closet friends, Jen Mize, singing backing vocals makes me grin every time I hear them. I’m sure my album would be just as good without that group of musicians, but the ones I did have brought something magical.
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You also worked closely with Paul Ruske who produced the album; did you rely heavily on his expertise in the studio?
Yes, most definitely. Paul has such a sensitivity I knew my songs were in good hands. He took my songs and really brought them to life; he was just so amazing to work with.
You've said you approach songwriting like a bower bird; can you expand on that?
Haha! I feel like as a songwriter you end up being a collector of lyrics and ideas; the shiny blue things you find. Then when I’m ready, I take them back to my guitar and create something out of it.
What type of ideas usually find their way into a new Gretta Ziller song?
I really resonate with the feelings like the need for change and wanting better from your situation, so I often find those kinds of ideas pop up in my songs.
You're headed to Brisbane next month for the Welcome To Morrisonville show that also features Shane Nicholson and Henry Wagons (and his band The Good Life) as well as Jen Mize; what do you have planned for the day (surely a collab or two with Henry and Jen)?
I’m really looking forward to playing at Welcome To Morrisonville. I don’t get to Queensland as often as I’d like, but I really enjoy it when I do. I’m excited to be playing a band show and will most definitely be singing with Jen; we often play shows together, so I’m sure we’ll come up with some cunning and evil plan! And I haven’t asked Henry yet (I still fan-girl out and get all bashful) but hopefully he will sing with me.
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Rest of 2017, heading into 2018; what is on your musical radar of things to do next?
2017 finds me touring for the rest of the year. Then I’ll be doing a second year of Caravan Park shows with good friend Andrew Swift leading up to the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Any last words you'd like to share with our readers?
Put Welcome To Morrisonville in your diaries now; it’ll be a freaking awesome day of music.
