I am Thelma Plum a singer-songwriter from Brisbane. I am about to release my debut EP called “ROSIE” with the first single “AROUND HERE” getting played a bit lately which is super nice!
Last year I won a Triple J unearthed competition with my first demo, FATHER SAID, won Triple J’s Unearthed.
There are 6 tracks on the EP. It was a collaborative process with Tony Buchen the producer and my guitarist Andrew Lowden, not just me saying ‘This is what I want’. The whole last year has been such an incredible learning curve in that way. But the songs come pretty easy, mostly. They’re all really special to me. They come from my life.
What’s your earliest memory of performing and who inspired you to start?
My first performances were pretty dodgy at school mostly. I was inspired to write and play music after my Mum took me to see Paul Kelly when I was younger.
You were at the Sydney Opera House Award at last years Deadlys, how does it feel to receive this kind of accolade at such a young age?
It felt great! It was such a good experience and opportunity I am very grateful for.
You were also nominated for Triple J’s Unearthed Artist Of the Year for 2012, is it hard to keep a lid on the excitement of receiving this recognition?
It is exciting!! Sometimes it is hard to contain the excitement and I want to just leap around, ha! I am lucky to have a great team of people, family & friends to keep me grounded though.
What was the biggest surprise for you in 2012?
Definitely receiving a phone call when taking my dogs to agility training in the freezing cold!! It was Triple J telling me about winning Unearthed for the NIMAS!!
How was being on the road with Bob Evan’s national tour at the end of last year?
It was a wonderful experience in every way. Kevin Mitchell is a great inspiration for me as I love Bob Evans music as was also a HUGE Jebadiah fan!! It was the first time I got to travel with my music and play shows all around the country, so that was pretty cool.
‘Fess up. What records have you stolen from your parent’s record collection and why?
Both my parents have pretty amazing taste in music so I have stolen quite a few records over the years!! The main ones though would be PAUL KELLY!! The album “Stolen Apples” I definitely remember stealing.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
I was lucky enough to get a copy of Emma Louise new album Vs Head Vs Heart and am quite obsessed with that right now. I am also playing The National “High Violet” a lot at the moment too.
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with?
Paul Kelly!! He is the reason I got in to music in the first place and remains a key influence on my songwriting still.
When can we expect to hear some new-recorded material? Is there an EP on the way?
My first EP “Rosie” came out on Friday 15th March.
What are your plans for the autumn?
Well, it feels like summer is over! But I have my EP launch in Brisbane this week, I am going up to Rockhampton and Darwin in April and then can’t wait to head out all over the place as I am going on tour with Emma Louise to support her on the album tour. Can’t wait!!
