Rising Brisbane singer-songwriter Hallie dropped her debut EP 'Wink Wink Nudge Nudge' at the end of September, an introductory collection of quirky indie folk-pop.
Drawing on jazz, folk and even rock influences, 'Wink Wink Nudge Nudge' features Hallie's current single 'Nice Like Rice', a melodic, tongue-in-cheek number about the inevitable demise of a friendship gone stale.
It follows the first taste of the EP in single 'What's Good', released back in March. Hallie has also played support at sold-out shows for artists such as IVEY, Spacey Jane and Eliza & The Delusionals.
Here, Hallie tells us about the EP, how her songwriting has changed and what's coming next for her.
Your debut EP ‘Wink Wink Nudge Nudge’ boasts an eclectic mix of genres such as jazz, folk, and rock – where do you draw your inspiration from musically, and how has your sound evolved from previous releases?
I think my sound is still evolving and will be for a while, if not always. Since last year’s singles, there is a lot more depth and a bit of a more serious note to each of them.
Musically, I think I’m slowly edging away from the distinct folk sound that I have previously had, and have invested more time in experimenting with instruments that I usually wouldn’t if I were to sit in my comfort zone.
Regarding inspiration, I have always looked up to artists who can be so honest and strong-headed in their song’s lyrics, yet still make it catchy. When writing a piece, I sometimes find myself inspired by the weirdest things (like rice for instance), and I think subconsciously as a writer, you always wonder whether it could be a song or a lyric or a sample or a riff.
The latest release from the record, ‘Nice Like Rice’ is loaded with quirky, tongue-in-cheek lines about a friendship gone stale. What influence do your personal experiences have on your music?
Every song on the EP triggers a certain story or emotion or period of life. I think I write when there’s something to say, and in ‘NLR’s case, all I knew how to do to get past the pain and sadness was to write a song and just scribble down everything I was feeling.
You recently won the triple j Unearthed competition to perform at BIGSOUND, as well as being selected as their Feature Artist for the week of the festival – how are you feeling after receiving that opportunity and opening the Unearthed stage?
I am feeling insanely happy and grateful. I feel like this is all so insane and I’ve been having these crazy moments of realisations that this is my life and I’m almost living my dream. Ahhh, even saying that then is exciting.
What advice would you give to other musicians to be mindful of their own footprint?
Plastic water bottles in green rooms is number one. Just asking for no plastic water bottles on your rider goes a long way.
Also, collect your soft plastics on tours and put them in the provided bins at Woolies and Coles on your way home. Just being conscious of it in everyday life goes a long way.
In the last few months you’ve supported acts such as Spacey Jane, Motor Ace, Eliza & the Delusionals and Gena Rose Bruce. Tell us about some highlights you’ve had throughout this time.
They were all such amazing shows in such different ways.
I think the highlight was Spacey Jane just because the energy was so electric and the room was packed and it felt like I was floating the whole time. I’ve always been a fan of Eliza as well, and they had the funniest pre-show traditions which were very memorable indeed.
What are your go-to songs/ artists to listen to before performing?
Maggie Rogers. Such good dance music especially the song ‘Light On’.
What do you hope to achieve over the next 12 months, and what can we expect to see from Hallie in the near future?
Next 12 months, I’ll be going on a couple of tours through Queensland, including my first headline tour on the east coast to celebrate the release of my debut EP.
After that, I’ve got some very exciting support slots, and then I’ll be getting my butt back in that studio and hopefully releasing some more music in the far-near future.
Hallie 2019 Tour Dates
Fri 19 Oct - The Retreat Hotel (Melbourne)Fri 25 Oct - Vic On The Park (Sydney) - supporting Annie Hamilton
Sat 26 Oct - The Foundry (Brisbane) - supporting Asha Jefferies
Thu 31 Oct - Strawberry Boogie @ Unibar (Wollongong)
