Penelope Austin
There are some exciting developments in the Penelope Austin camp at the moment with brand new single Trigger kicking things off. Penelope drops by to have a chat with Across The Ocean about her new single and film clip and what lies ahead later this year even conceding she has a secret and to stay tuned.
What’s the latest for Penelope Austin?
My single Trigger is out and circulating. It’s great to get some love on that. I’ve been doing a couple sneaky shows and focusing on my art through exploring fashion and music. What’s the latest? Bought a ticket baby! I’ve been given the opportunity to perform and work on my project in the States so I’m shooting off to give the internationals some love.
Is it an exciting time with a new single just out?
Definitely! Everyday there’s another thrill. It’s so nice to have worked on something so precious and have it out there and so interesting talking to people about their personal perception of the song’s meaning.
Is that a challenge with all the work that is required to try and break through?
For sure, it’s very political and social media based. At times it’s discouraging when a song doesn’t connect and you’ve really hustled in so many different social areas. Gone are the ‘Elvis Presley‘ days where you walked into a radio station with a good song and an immediate play! But you know what? Passion over-rides the struggle.
Are you able gauge how successful the release of “Trigger” has been? What is success in your eyes?
In my eyes success is happiness. It’s easy to forget the reason why you ever began… This industry is tough and there are so many talented people inside its walls that don’t get the recognition they truly deserve. So for me the ‘release’ itself is triumphant and I feel so thankful for that. It’s so rad to hear my track on the radio – people seem to be digging it and the reaction I’ve had has all been positive so I’m buzzed!
Is it hard working with a small budget to do a film clip?
Ultimately we all want big juicy budgets but not having one means you can really explore the creative side of yourself and the people you surround yourself with. I was fortunate enough to have a posse that had a wild imagination and a crew of people passionate enough about the music to knock off a couple bucks!
Are film clips still important these days?
I believe they are but I’m a very visual person. I can imagine throughout music history say in the days of Woodstock asking guys like Led Zeppelin to act in front of the camera would be laughable but it’s a wonderful insight into the artist and a great creative way to connect with the audience.
How tough is it for any artist nowadays trying to get noticed?
Depending on where each individual artist sits on a social media platform is dependent on how quickly they get noticed and obviously their talent. But I believe it is difficult. Especially for someone like me who’s sound is intriguing but hard to categorise. Younger people have the advantage of having social media in their lives from an early age – therefore they have the opportunity to spread their own gospel quicker than people even in their mid twenties! Sometimes it seems more a game of numbers then appreciation of the music.
How would you describe your musical style?
The highs are high and the lows are low down. This is both lyrically and musically. My sound is quite electronic as far as beats are concerned but there are elements of sensitivity through the use of emotive instruments like piano and cello. I suppose it’s quite ‘ethereal’ but it also has some guts!
Comparisons have been to Lana Del Ray – are these the sorts of artists you look up to and seek inspiration?
Lana Del Ray is such an interesting artist and I’m humbled to have been compared alongside her. I admire the way in which she has married music with fashion and art and I certainly seek inspiration from females such as her from the current time and those dominant game changers of the past.
Is an album release far off?
It is en route lovers. Debut album Cathedral Parkway is due out later this year!
How do you think it will sound?
I can only hope it’s all I imagined it to be. Robert Conley and I worked on this together and focused really hard on developing a unique sound that’s cohesive and unlike any other. Cenzo Townsend mixed it in the UK and further enhanced the enchanted sound we had previously blueprinted. I’m pumped.
Have you learnt a lot about the studio process and are there valuable lessons you would take away for next time?
I’ve spent many years in the booth! It’s my second home and a place I feel at my truest – apart from being on stage! I think my general rule in the studio is to always go with your gut. Let the music guide you as opposed to manipulating it because your mind interferes with your heart!
What can music lovers expect at your shows?
Music meets art. As previously mentioned I’m a very visual person so you can expect outrageous outfits. Visual installations. Confronting lyrics and sensitive moments.
Are you looking to tour more extensively around the country later in the year?
Definitely, I’m currently getting together my tour dates so I’ll keep you posted on when i’m passing by!
What’s next for Penelope Austin?
I’m prepping for my next single and the release of my album. I’m heading off to the USA and Europe in the next month for a couple sexy collaborations and some stage time! I’ve got a couple exciting things in the mix but the surprise of life is a wonderful thing. Until then I’m a secret – stay tuned.
Whether it is rummaging through vinyl at record stores such as Clarity and Title finding hidden gems to scouring the internet to find that album by the next big thing or chasing bands to get that elusive autograph and photo his passion is music all the way.
- Aversions Crown - January 27, 2017
- Sick Of It All - January 19, 2017
- Refused - January 11, 2017
