Interview with Mama Kin
You’ve been playing music for a while but only recently recorded an album. What made you want to share your music with the public?
I think I just got to the point where I ran out of excuses to hide it. And the drive to do it became stronger than the fear of it. I also strongly believe in community and communication and music for me is a strong thread through these things.
The lyrics in your songs are very confessional. Do you make a conscious effort tap into raw emotions in your song writing?
It is why I write. I am trying to understand myself and human nature. I resonate with writers that tap into these emotions so I suppose when I sit down to write that is what comes from me. I use my music to process so many things in my life from heartache to deep love to selfishness and generosity.
You come from a family of talented musicians. How has this influenced your development as a musician and songwriter?
Just being immersed in music all my life has shaped me as a human being. Music is completely integral to my life and well being. I understand it as a catalyst for movement. Physical, emotional and spiritual.
Coming from Fremantle, do you think there is a distinct music scene that is unique to the west coast?
I am actually from Melbourne. I moved to Fremantle about 5 years ago. And yes there is something in the water here! Such a great community of artists and a supportive innovative scene happening. I think the isolation must have something to do with it.
In the film clip to ‘You Tore My Heart Out’, you pull off some killer cartwheels. Are you trained as a gymnast or did you get a stunt double in?
HAH! It only occurred to me when I saw the final edit of the clip that people might actually think for a second that might be me! No that was a gymnast. A couple actually. I wish I could do that sort of stuff I reckon I would be doing it all the time! I would be prone to throwing backflips through the Freo markets while I shop for vegies!
You seem to have developed your own take on a bluesy New Orleans sound. What musicians have influenced you in evolving this style?
I am influenced by so many artists. Too many to list. I am moved by music from the soul, and music that moves me. Either moves me to dance or moves me to think or moves me to be taken away on a journey. The sounds of New Orleans that I love is that filthy swampy back beat. Everything is so held back, and yet fully loaded. It is truly Voo Doo. Magical and dark. My brother and I (Michael who I play with) are both big fans of Doctor John and Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin, and then we both love Reggae and Dub and Motown.
And what music/art/books etc are inspiring you at the moment?
I just went on a big camping trip and we listened to a lot of Fat Freddy’s Drop in the car... Love them! And as for books I was given the first of the Millenium Trilogy for Christmas, ‘The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo’. I am not usually into crime novels, but this one got me hooked and I couldn’t put it down. In fact I didn’t until I finished it! Not sure that it was inspiring though. It was actually quite dark, and I had moments of feeling entirely disturbed. As for Art, while camping I was truly inspired by the Art of Nature. It was so sublime. Particularly the morning creature symphony, with a dawn light show that took my breath away!
What next for Mama Kin?
Gigs gigs gigs! Next show is in Brisbane at The Zoo with Jackson Jackson, then shows in Sydney, Gold Coast, Mullum and Melbourne. Then we have Nannao Festival (WA) and WOMADelaide. After all that is done I am off to Europe and the states for some more shows. Then in July the album Beat and Holler comes out. 2010 is shaping up to be a big one for us. We are just thrilled to be sharing our music!
www.myspace.com/mamakinmusic
I think I just got to the point where I ran out of excuses to hide it. And the drive to do it became stronger than the fear of it. I also strongly believe in community and communication and music for me is a strong thread through these things.
The lyrics in your songs are very confessional. Do you make a conscious effort tap into raw emotions in your song writing?
It is why I write. I am trying to understand myself and human nature. I resonate with writers that tap into these emotions so I suppose when I sit down to write that is what comes from me. I use my music to process so many things in my life from heartache to deep love to selfishness and generosity.
You come from a family of talented musicians. How has this influenced your development as a musician and songwriter?
Just being immersed in music all my life has shaped me as a human being. Music is completely integral to my life and well being. I understand it as a catalyst for movement. Physical, emotional and spiritual.
Coming from Fremantle, do you think there is a distinct music scene that is unique to the west coast?
I am actually from Melbourne. I moved to Fremantle about 5 years ago. And yes there is something in the water here! Such a great community of artists and a supportive innovative scene happening. I think the isolation must have something to do with it.
In the film clip to ‘You Tore My Heart Out’, you pull off some killer cartwheels. Are you trained as a gymnast or did you get a stunt double in?
HAH! It only occurred to me when I saw the final edit of the clip that people might actually think for a second that might be me! No that was a gymnast. A couple actually. I wish I could do that sort of stuff I reckon I would be doing it all the time! I would be prone to throwing backflips through the Freo markets while I shop for vegies!
You seem to have developed your own take on a bluesy New Orleans sound. What musicians have influenced you in evolving this style?
I am influenced by so many artists. Too many to list. I am moved by music from the soul, and music that moves me. Either moves me to dance or moves me to think or moves me to be taken away on a journey. The sounds of New Orleans that I love is that filthy swampy back beat. Everything is so held back, and yet fully loaded. It is truly Voo Doo. Magical and dark. My brother and I (Michael who I play with) are both big fans of Doctor John and Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin, and then we both love Reggae and Dub and Motown.
And what music/art/books etc are inspiring you at the moment?
I just went on a big camping trip and we listened to a lot of Fat Freddy’s Drop in the car... Love them! And as for books I was given the first of the Millenium Trilogy for Christmas, ‘The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo’. I am not usually into crime novels, but this one got me hooked and I couldn’t put it down. In fact I didn’t until I finished it! Not sure that it was inspiring though. It was actually quite dark, and I had moments of feeling entirely disturbed. As for Art, while camping I was truly inspired by the Art of Nature. It was so sublime. Particularly the morning creature symphony, with a dawn light show that took my breath away!
What next for Mama Kin?
Gigs gigs gigs! Next show is in Brisbane at The Zoo with Jackson Jackson, then shows in Sydney, Gold Coast, Mullum and Melbourne. Then we have Nannao Festival (WA) and WOMADelaide. After all that is done I am off to Europe and the states for some more shows. Then in July the album Beat and Holler comes out. 2010 is shaping up to be a big one for us. We are just thrilled to be sharing our music!
www.myspace.com/mamakinmusic
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