Melbourne based acoustic singer-songwriter HOWQUA performs as part of the program for free live music series The Courtyard Sessions at The Seymour Centre this Friday. With this week’s edition kicking off at 6:15pm, we thought it would be best to preface Howqua’s slice of folky soul with a little Q&A in which he let’s us in on his career, his higlights of the past year, and more.
How would you describe your sound?
I’d say it’s pretty raw but overall some folky bits with a mix of soulful goodness.
Who do you cite as inspiration?
I think inspiration comes from so many different people in life. Yeah that may be from a musician who’s album blew my mind when I first heard it. But I think for me a lot of inspiration is in everyday life. That might be something a friend says or strangers does. These real life moments and the people in them inspire me more than anything.
If we were to listen to one song from you what should it be?
I pretty happy with a more recent song I’ve written called Emotion. But to see that one you’re probably gonna have to come and see it live because it hasn’t been recorded yet.
What can we expect from your set at the Courtyard Sessions?
I’ll probably play a mixture of older and new stuff. Maybe chuck in a few more laid back numbers then go for some more intense flavours. Overall I think it will be a mix bag of tunes.
If you could program one Australian artist to be a part of an event like this, who would it be and why?
I’m loving the sounds of Methyl Ethel at the moment, in saying that if the option was there I would totally put Nick Cave on the line up.
Fill us in on what you’re up to at the moment.
A bunch of adventures are on the horizon but you’ll have to wait til next week for a few more announcements.
What were the highlights for you in 2015?
Probably the stints I did in North America. I played Canadian Music Week in May then by September I was back over there doing a full tour of the country. In that same trip I was lucky enough to play CMJ in New York and a show at the Brooklyn Bowl.
What do you have in store for 2016?
Touring and recording as well as writing a bunch of new tunes.
How important are events like this to the local scene?
They are an integral part of sharing original music with new ears. It’s a great way to introduce people to a new band or musician and it’s a great way to introduce a musician or band to potential new fans.
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For more information about The Courtyard Sessions head to the official website HERE. For more information on HOWQUA head to his Facebook page HERE.
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