As one of Australia's most cherished pop stars, Vanessa Amorosi has a long-standing legacy behind her, which she will add to with the release of her new album 'Memphis Love' this November.
Vanessa has been releasing music steadily across the last two decades, always keen to write and record.Her most recent album, 'City Of Angels', released last year was her fourth record to chart in the Top 10 and peaked at #7 on the ARIA Charts – such is the stage which she approaches her new music.
When chatting on the release day of her latest single 'Wolf', Vanessa isn't daunted by the standards she has set, but excited to change things up.
"I've co-produced this record with Dave Stewart [Eurythmics] and it's super different to what everyone remembers me by. I'm really enjoying changing things up."
Upcoming album 'Memphis Love' was written and recorded in America, where Vanessa has resided for "a good chunk of years," as she likes to put it.
This has undeniably affected her music, alongside a wave of other changes in her life, as she elaborated.
"I was a real baby when I wrote the songs which were successful in Australia, so there's a lot that has gone on in my life which has changed my outlook on songwriting. With age comes more to write about, and a better defined taste of what gets you off musically.
"I feel that this record is a really good indicator of what I'm about, and what excites me. I love moving basslines, horn sections, gospel choirs, smoothness – all these elements are present in the album. I'm excited to bring this new music back to Australia after being away for so long."
New music isn't the only thing calling Vanessa back to Australia – she's also attending, performing, and speaking at this year's Australian Women In Music Awards (AWMA), an emotionally significant event for her.
"I'm so excited, because I work with a lot of women. Vicki Gordon [AWMA founder] is running the awards – she headed my first record label when I signed on as a teenager, and to my recollection it was an all-women office, and everybody will be there.
"It's going to be amazing to reconnect with everybody and celebrate how far we've come."
As such a significant female figure in Australian music, Vanessa has witnessed first-hand the progress the industry has made in the last two decades.
"There's definitely a hustle that all women have to do, you have to be super passionate and really bring a lot to the table.
"I consider myself lucky that I've worked with a lot of women considering the nature of the industry, and we're all out there evolving and pushing things forward.
"Sony Music is ran by a woman now, and female artists are everywhere; Dave Stewart's entire live band is made up of women. I think we're doing a pretty good job, and kicking arse out there."
Vanessa's looking at a hectic end to the year. "'Memphis Love' will be out on November 17th, and I'm coming back to Australia in October for the Grapevine Gathering, where I'll be celebrating all my songs which everyone knows, alongside the new stuff.
"I can't wait to reconnect with all my female friends at the Awards, and after that I'm hitting the road for Europe!"
On the difference between European and Australian crowds, Vanessa was keen to elaborate. "In Australia alone, every city is different, and every venue has a different vibe. I love that we have a lot of outdoor gigs in Australia.
"It's very different to going to Europe, where a lot of shows are in old-school theatres. You always have to cater to the audience – it's not about which songs you perform, but how you perform them."
Ultimately, she's excited to "come home, play shows, and be a part of all the women in the industry. We're killing it!"
'Memphis Love' is released 17 November. The Australian Women In Music Awards take place at Hotel X, What's Golden, The Tivoli on 26-27 September. The ceremony-concert will be broadcast on ABC TV at a later date.
Grapevine Gathering 2023 Tour Dates
Sat 7 Oct - Rochford Estate (Yarra Valley)Sun 8 Oct - Sirromet Wines (Brisbane)
Sat 14 Oct - Sandalford Wines (Swan Valley)
Sat 21 Oct - Hope Estate (Hunter Valley)
Sun 22 Oct - Serafino Wines (McLaren Vale)
