A country-blues, folk musician Clare Cowley summons the likes of Joni Mitchell and Joan As Police Woman with a velvety voice brimming with a raw emotion that will mesmerise.
With her second album 'Desire Notes' to be released next month (10 March), Clare recently released a taste of the record with the single 'Now That I'm Free'."This is a song about fighting to get out of the habit of appeasing the desires of others and shifting into my own dance. It's a prophetic song written when I was locked in my room with the flu."
To bring her music to life, Clare is joined by a revolving cast of accompanists on cello, violin, and vocal harmonies.
Who is Clare Cowley? I grew up in Allora on a dairy farm and moved to Brisbane/ Meanjin after school; and the musicians that surround me are Skye McNicol on violin, Julia Bates on harmonies, Kathryn McKee on cello – currently billed as The Flames. As well as Simon Linke on double bass, Dylan Jeffreys on drums, Darryl Finn on lapsteel and Sara McLean. As well as guest appearances by one or more of my siblings.
We sound like... Country blues with folky harmonies and a jazz and soul feel.
Our first gig was... The Junk Bar, Ashgrove (Brisbane).
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... I realised my journey with the songs I was writing needed a conversational element. And that the story came from an unmasked me, Clare Cowley.
The musicians who connected with the songs have helped expand them beyond what I could have done on my own. The lyrics and melodies are very much me. And that's how I write, with a story in mind. The musicians I am lucky to play with accompany that, they are great responsive listeners.
If I could tour with anyone... Hat Fitz & Cara, The Long Johns, Sierra Ferrell, Joni Mitchel, Cigany Weaver, Neil Murray.
My favourite app at the moment is... Fabulous app. I love it because it's like having a PA in your pocket, it keeps me focused on my disparate lane.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... I accidentally ordered erectile dysfunction spray instead of flame retardant in a hurry to get the backdrop for our cabaret clear as fire safe while performing at Adelaide Fringe.
Life on the road can be... In the future we are planning a tour as Clare Cowley and The Flames. Skye and Simon have toured with me once already and my little brother Tom on drums with Spooner for Crooners when we performed a cabaret at Adelaide Fringe 2020. It was a bit of a roller coaster. A great bonding opportunity for everyone though.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that our rider contains... Dinner and dessert.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... Being locked out the back of a hip hop party that backed onto our folk gig as soon as it finished at Stage Right, a venue in Brisbane's CBD. Thought we were going to have to sleep in our cars in the locked carpark.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... Jewel because she's one of my heroes; quirky and she gets 'sad girl country'.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Paris, because I've survived it already; and it feels like home.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Colin Farrell, Cat Power, and Virginia Woolf because the latter would finish each other's sentences and the former could recognise the dark and light moments to banter along to.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook for us? Lasagne and sticky date pudding.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Love pets if they know how to laugh at themselves.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Schweppes Sarsaparilla.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Last week at the Coorparoo Boxing Gym. I do more outdoor exercises though. Roller skating, rock climbing, bushwalking, kayaking.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Cleaning my desk.
Do you have any phobias... I have a phobia of flying cockroaches. We had an infestation in our compost, luckily that got sorted with the worm farm.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? A friend told me she thought I should go on 'Survivor'. I've thought about it; and noticed there are some newer versions of it like 'Alone'. That appeals, yes I would partake in that.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? I think the closest I've come to pranking someone is tapping their shoulder so they look right and then they look left and there I am staring at them. I will give it more thought.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? El Turco Flavour House. They've got the best falafel and late-night feed; and they're on the way home.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Marge, from 'The Simpsons'. For her forgiving nature, unconditional love, and wild hair.
Last show you binge-watched? 'Fisk'. It's a comedy series that hooked me with its dry sense of humour.
Clare Cowley and The Flames launch the 'Desire Notes' album at The Cave Inn (Brisbane) 11 March.
