Louise Winter has been singing for as long as she can remember, but songwriting is a relatively new craft.
While living in Central Queensland in her early 30s, Louise met her first, influential music mentor who encouraged her to master her storytelling skills and turn it into song; since then she has been performing in cafes and pubs around the south-east corner.
What's been keeping you busy lately?
I played an originals set at Norman Park Bowls Club a few weekends ago, and most recently I played at a wedding.
So where do you come from Louise? Are you a Brisbanite?
Not originally no. I was born in St George, Queensland, a tiny town in south-west Queensland, and then moved around a lot growing up, spending a large portion of time in the Northern Territory.
How old were you when you first start playing music?
I tried to pick up guitar when I was about 11, but due to the remoteness of where we were living and no internet at that time, I found it impossible to learn. It wasn’t until I met a guy called Dave O'Brien (‘Tot’) from Longreach that I really started to have a strong interest in songwriting and guitar playing. He was monumental in my songwriting development.
What prompted you to start writing music?
There are a few artists in my family – painting, pottery, some leather work - and a few other relatives are musically minded. There’s also a bit of photography in there.
Who are your biggest influences, both musically and in life?
My biggest influence in the world of music are really varied. Bonnie Raitt has been a big influence, more so for inspiration to write music, not songwriting genre. These bands get me in the mood to be creative: Crowded House, Amanda Marshall, Missy Higgins, Dave Gray, Paul Kelly.
When are you next shows?
I am playing at The Green Sessions at Norman Park Bowls Club on Sunday 10 May from 2.30pm. There are great musicians playing either side of me also, so it’s definitely worth checking out. The beers are cold and the food is awesome.
Are live shows more important to you than focusing on recording?
I think they are both equally great, but totally different. I think you can be a great, live artist but not so great at recording and vice versa. I think they are both really important to work on and beneficial in developing musicianship.
Any chances you'll be doing any recording soon for an EP?
My EP has been a long process! I started about three years ago and I think this could be the year that I finish it!
What keeps you busy when you're not making music?
I love going to the beach, trying new coffee shops, going to watch live gigs, and hanging out with my daughter, friends and pets. My job keeps me busy Monday to Friday and then weekends are a mix of relaxation and music.
What are you plans and hopes and desires for the future?
I am blessed to have a really amazing group of friends and family, so I’m fulfilled in that respect, I would really like to finish my EP and steer my songwriting in a different direction.
Is there any helpful advice or tips you'd give other aspiring musicians?
Write to feel good and make peace in your soul. Not because you think it’s what people want to hear. If you write honestly and feel your lyrics with your heart I don’t think you can fail. Success will come if you make your heart happy. If you’re a musician and you’ve found the one thing you can’t go a day without thinking about, you are halfway there.
Louise Winter plays The Green Sessions at Norman Park Bowls Club 10 May, from 1pm.
