I am always unsure where to start answering this question. But here goes: I am the owner/director of indie-music company SugarRush Music. I manage Sahara Beck and Jackie Marshall and the Soldier’s Wife project and other community projects. We have also released dozens of amazing records from artists around the country through our label arm. More recently I also took on the role of Senior Producer at the Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre working with multicultural artists. Somewhere in among all that I also write songs, which is all where this began, as an artist. I am the mother of two children. I have two cats. And an extremely understanding husband. [Deb will also be a guest speaker at Little BIGSOUND 2015).
Why do you do it?
I love music. I love people. I love stories and I love being a part of building a creative community that values music.
What do you love about the city you live in?
Ahh Brisbane. I have watched you grow into this glorious, exciting, cultural city over the past 20 years and I love that I have been able to watch you shine.
Where did you go for your last holiday?
Our last holiday was at Fitzroy Island – it’s a 45-minute boat ride from Cairns and a very well-kept secret. We go every year straight after Bigsound to recover. Last year we went with six friends and seven children. I am not sure if we have recovered yet.
What's your favourite item of clothing? Why?
My denim jacket – or multitudes of. I have about five – I am very adept at buying one from every op shop I visit. I did love my red Doc boots, but they only lasted five years and I thought Docs were meant to last a lifetime.
What was your favourite TV show when you were a kid? (If you've got kids, what's your favourite show to watch with them?)
Tough one – but I am going for 'The Flintstones'. I need to watch this with my kids, but it’s very hard to compete with an Xbox.
If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go?
Hmmmm – back to pagan times. Anywhere in Celtic time that I could be a part of a Beltane festival and celebrate all the good things.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us?
Before I got into music I was a short order cook and then a chef. I love cooking. But I would cook you breakfast: homemade hash browns, bacon, avocado, feta and tomato salsa with olive oil and fresh herbs.
What's the best lesson you've ever learned?
Giving is always better than receiving. Giving is a gift in itself.
Tell us one thing about yourself that nobody else knows?
I completely believe in elves and fairies.
Are you happy with your work/ life balance?
Sometimes. It’s seriously a juggling act every day of the week. I have a ten-year old and a four-year old. Sahara Beck is still a very young artist. I have ten people involved in the Soldier’s Wife project to co-ordinate and we have a bunch of artists on the label. And that’s all before I start my day job. It’s late nights and long days. And I could never do it all if I didn’t have an amazing partner.
How do you define success?
Success is getting through each day with a smile on your face, love in your heart and a dollar or two to spare to throw to the nearest busker.
What's your spirit animal?
A deer, because I am all doe eyed and trusting but can be easily freaked and will run hard and fast before I realise it’s time to slow down.
