I was fortunate to win Triple J Unearthed in 2012 and yes, Asta is my real name! I had been singing and writing since an early age in lovely Southern Tasmania. The winning song ‘My Heart is On Fire’ took to the radio waves, and I have not looked back. Following another single release from Triple J studios ‘Escape, and my most recent release, ‘I Need Answers’. There has been a great response from the industry to my music and the last 18 months have been dreams upon dreams coming true.
Time to tour and let my fans see some more!
You’re about to embark on your first ever headline tour. Does it feel like you’re crossing off a major box on the bucket list?
Yes it sure does. I wasn’t ready to go on tour in the early days. It didn’t feel right at the time, mainly because I wanted to work on my material more, play with a band and throw some other ideas around, so I am really glad I took the time to gather and grasp, and grow some sense of what and who I am. I now feel confident and ready to be kicking off on my first tour.
How would you describe your career so far? It’s safe to say most 19-year-olds don’t find themselves in the centre of the indie music spotlight.
I have been extremely lucky so far and have enjoyed most of the past 18 months. My career at this point is really just about laying down some solid concrete foundations if I really want to get to where I’m going. I am a very farsighted person and can see my future and I am always moving, never present which tends to be a good and bad thing. Lately it’s all been about setting up shop and working on the product and I am really happy with my team and how my career is taking shape. It really is just the beginning for me.
So far your singles ‘My Heart Is On Fire’, ‘Escape’ and the latest ‘I Need Answers’ have been received so well online and on the airwaves. Do you feel any pressure now that people are itching to hear an album from you?
I really have no weight on my shoulders about anyone’s expectations. I like to think I make music for myself but there is always a part of me that is external and aware of how others may receive it, but my music is very bold and rhythmic and I feel most people can catch onto it. If it’s honest and from a good place, I never worry.
From these tracks we’ve seen you dabble in acoustic music to an upbeat, ‘80s-esque style of pop. How would you define your eclectic sound?
It used to be myself collaborating with a DJ type artist, but now I have a bigger stage set up, it’s really taking a nice refreshing turn. I still include acoustic guitar and some synth, but the band adds this great rock feel, oozing pop but still has its raw elements. So basically what you have heard so far, will sound much more fuller and energetic live.
Of course, last year you took out Triple J’s Unearthed High. What was it like receiving the phone call that you’d won, and how did it change things for you?
The second I saw that blocked number on my phone I just knew that this would be massive for me. I like to really seize opportunities when they come by, so this was one I really couldn’t just enjoy for a bit, and later put on the shelf. It was a real life changing moment for me because I had no idea what I wanted to do after College, and for it to be a Triple J competition just made it a million times better. I couldn’t think of a better way to start my career off than blossoming through a radio station I fully support and look up to.
You grew up in quite a secluded rainforest area in Tasmania. What was your upbringing like, and do you think it has shaped the music you make?
Yes, I would say it has encouraged my music. I had a very unique upbringing and went through quite a creative, small country Primary school. My Mum and Dad knew a lot of musicians and artists and so it was part of day-to-day life to express your self creatively and that was supported. I won my first talent show in grade four lunch break wearing my fur accessorised jeans and blue cowgirl hat, thanks to mum’s styling of course. I remember twirling around to ‘Bye Bye Miss American Pie’ and loving it! I won a CD by ‘The Hamsters’ and was blown away. Their hit song still echo’s in my head. Dadadidadidadido!
You’ve got all-ages/under-18s shows planned for your upcoming Synergy tour. Were there any artists you missed out on because you weren’t 18 yet?
There were heaps! I remember so wanting to see Grandmaster Flash at a Tasmanian music festival and my friends and I were so desperate to go. We were 16, and perhaps too fearless, so we found a gap in the fence and bolted! It was the best night of my life. Fortunately soon enough I had an ID from an older friend who looked a lot like me, and you can probably guess what happened after that.
How would you describe your live shows to those who haven’t witnessed you before?
We have been rehearsing hard and this tour is so exciting for me as I will be showcasing my diversity and new material. I have had the pleasure to work with some really experienced musicians, which has been such a joy. It has helped my music expand into areas I had envisaged long ago.
I read somewhere that a guy proposed to you at one of your shows. Have you had a story that tops that one yet?
No. I don’t think anything can top a first proposal, but I hope it’s not the last!
If you could collaborate with any Australian artist, who would you pick and why?
Frank Ocean because his voice is so pure and rich. I imagine us creating golden harmonies that would melt me to my knees and some chemistry I would hope!
What are the next six or so months looking like for you so far?
Playing lots of great Aussie festivals throughout the summer, but in the mean time producing my own album and writing with some big artists.
Where can we see you play next, what releases do you have available and where can we get them?
You can see me perform first at Sydney’s Good God Small Club on the 21st of September, The Powerhouse in Brisbane, The Northcote Social Club and to finish up, I perform at MONA in Tasmania.
Asta Tour Dates:
SAT 21st SEPTEMBER – SYDNEY – GOODGOD SMALL CLUB
SUPPORTED BY HAYDEN CALNIN
SAT 28th SEPTEMBER – BRISBANE – BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
AFTERNOON ALL AGES SHOW
SAT 28th SEPTEMBER – BRISBANE – ALHAMBRA LOUNGE
SUPPORTED BY HAYDEN CALNIN
FRI 4th OCTOBER – MELBOURNE – NORTHCOTE SOCIAL CLUB – Sold Out
SUPPORTED BY HAYDEN CALNIN
SAT 5th OCTOBER – MELBOURNE – PHOENIX YOUTH CENTRE
SUPPORTED BY HAYDEN CALNIN
AFTERNOON UNDER 18’S SHOW
SUN 6th OCTOBER – MELBOURNE – NORTHCOTE SOCIAL CLUB – (NEW SHOW DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND)
SUPPORTED BY HAYDEN CALNIN
FRI 18th OCTOBER – LAUNCESTON – ALCHEMY
SAT 19th OCTOBER – HOBART – MONA
EVENING ALL AGES EVENT
Watch ‘I Need Answers’ here
