2010 Nominee Q+A: Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier
| 2010-09-09 12:00 | Written By:
Australian singer-songwriter Deborah Conway - alongside collaborator Willy Zygier [pictured together, right] - is nominated for Best Country Album at the 2010 Jagermeister Independent Music Awards (for Half Man, Half Woman; 'making of' video embedded above). Ahead of this year's event - more details on that at the bottom of this post - we caught up Deborah Conway.
What's your favourite musical moment of 2010 so far, Deborah?
On a very personal note (and after all what is music other than personal) it would be hard to beat getting our album back from being mastered in Nashville and listening to it for the first time on our stereo, oooh that brown sound.
What's your favourite song of 2010 so far by an Australian artist?
'We No Speak Americano' by Yolanda Be Cool & D-Cup [embedded below]. They found a great piece of music to sample, and they figured out a great way to use it.
What does being independent mean to you?
At this stage of our career, we have zero interest in being dictated to by a 3rd party that we have no intimate musical relationship with. The idea of going hat in hand to an A&R executive to ask their opinion on what we should and should not include on our album is simply a laughable concept. Being independent is really the only sensible alternative. It's about being fully responsible for all the choices one makes musically, artistically and in business. It means that you rise or fall on your own decisions, it's the coalface and we love it.
What's the biggest challenge you face as an independent musician?
Marketing is a costly business and without a large record company with deep pockets behind you it is far and away the most challenging aspect of being independent.
Conversely, what's the best thing about being independent?
On the flip side one is forced to be imaginative and inventive in finding different ways to get music into the public arena. We have enjoyed that process of thinking outside the square.
As a musician, what would you ultimately like to be known and remembered for?
Well, as songwriters we want to be remembered for writing songs that have really spoken to people, for making albums that people have treasured at particular times in their lives and for having been ever restless in our musical pursuits. As musicians/performers we'd like to be remembered for playing some shit hot gigs.
Favourite music video of all time by an Australian artist, and why?
Not fond of the art form, always preferred to listen to music over watching it.
What's the best thing about being associated with AIR and the Jagermeister Independent Music Awards?
It's great that there is a body that recognises all the hard work without being part of the mainstream industry where a record company nominates you & it's all just another part of the selling process.
Which Australian independent act deserves to be the 'next big thing'?
Elana Stone is massively talented - next? who can say but one day, most definitely.
Finally, who do you think is going to win your category this year? Who deserves runner-up?
Might skip this question on the grounds that it might incriminate us!
Thanks for your time, Deborah! For more info on Deborah Conway and Willy Zyger, visit Deborah's website.
The 5th Annual Jagermeister Independent Music Awards are held at The Forum Theatre, Melbourne on Friday October 1st, 2010, featuring live performances from British India, Cloud Control, The Amity Affliction, M-Phazes, Sally Seltmann and Joe Chindamo. Doors open at 8:00pm; tickets are $29+BF and available now via Ticketmaster.
For more info on AIR and Australian independent music, visit http://www.ausindies.com/
