Shelley Segal Sidelined Interview

Shelley Segal Sidelined Interview

Spirited and evolving Melbourne singer songwriter, Shelley Segal has announced the release of her new single, Sidelined (April 17) lifted from her forth studio release, Strange Feeling, set for release on May 8. The explicit performer will celebrate the launch of her new releases with shows at The Paris Cat on April 18, Northcote Social Club on May 23 and the Caravan Music Club on May 24.

Lead single, Sidelined is an optimistic and catchy pop song Shelley conceived upon reflection of a romantic liaison when the other person wanted Shelley to change her appearance for them. 'The song is my understanding of the nature of our aesthetics while questioning whether we can overcome them," Shelley explains. Inspired by the song's theme, the clip for Sidelined sees the progression of Shelley starting off completely unmade in bed, to having herself immaculately styled and groomed. 'Subscribing to the visual expectations of others can vastly improve our outcomes, but those that don't fit will often pay a price or be sidelined." Shelley describes.

Shelley's new EP and fourth studio release, Strange Feeling was recorded at the iconic Birdland Studios (Kate Miller-Heidke, The Living End) and was produced by Robert Upward and co-produced by Lindsay Gravina (Adalita, Jet). The themes on the EP are varied and cover some of Shelley's experiences over the last few years, ranging from falling in love, rejection, body image, divorce and there's even a song about going to the movies, all while keeping in with Shelley's quirky, folk pop sensibility.

A veteran of the local and international touring circuit, Shelley is excited to perform her new music live alongside talented musicians, special guests, story-telling and of course her powerhouse, distinctive voice.

Strange Feeling (2014) fits seamlessly in to Shelley's impressive back catalogue of releases, from her internationally inspired pop album, An Easy Escape (2013) through to her folk-pop protest record, An Atheist Album (2012) and collaborative Jazz album with Adam Levy (Norah Jones, Tracy Chapman), Little March (2013). Segal also wrote and recorded award-winning track, Chemistry, with DJ Carl Cox, which spent two weeks at #1 on the dance charts in 2011.

View the clip for Sidelined

Shelley Segal Shows

Sat 18 Apr | The Paris Cat, Melbourne Vic | 18+ | 7.30pm Doors
Sat 30 May | The Northcote Social Club, Melbourne Vic | 18+ | 8pm Doors
Sun 24 May | Caravan Music Club, Melbourne Vic | 18+ | 7pm Doors

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Interview with Shelley Segal

Question: What was the motivation behind Sidelined?

Shelley Segal: I was inspired to write Sidelined after a romantic liaison where the other person wanted me to change the way that I look for them.

It's my thoughts on the nature of our aesthetics.
The way that we look and the extent to which we subscribe to society's aesthestic expectations will greatly affect out lives.
In this song I'm reflecting on this while also questioning whether it is something that we can overcome.


Question: What can you share with us about Strange Feeling?

Shelley Segal: Strange Feeling is comprised of my experiences and the experiences of the people close to me over the last few years. Songs about divorce, love, body image, rejection. Even a song about going to the movies.

It was recorded at Birdland Studios with Robert Upward and Lindsay Gravina and the arrangements are performed by some of Australia's best musos!


Question: How would you describe your music?

Shelley Segal: Spirited jazzy folk with explicit storytelling.


Question: What should we expect from the upcoming shows?

Shelley Segal: The shows include all the new songs from the EP as well as some old favourites, beloved covers, a killer band, special guests, loads of storytelling and of course, me singing my butt off! We will also have some delicious presents from Bar Nacional for the audience at the upcoming Caravan Club and Northcote Social Club launches.

Question: Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Shelley Segal: I had no preconceived ideas about the industry before I started. I had experience with my family's wedding band, with booking solo acoustic covers and original shows and I had studied some music business during my degree at Box Hill. The nitty gritty of running releases, PR, radio, industry bodies and navigating the local scene was all new to me though and has been a fun challenge to learn.


Question: Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Shelley Segal: I do write my own music. The inspiration comes from my everyday life. I started writing initially as a type of therapy. To get what was bothering me out onto a page. Now it's evolved more into capturing an idea and a feeling to be reflected on.


Question: What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Shelley Segal: At the moment I am listening to a lot of SunKilMoon, Brighter Later and Tiny Ruins. But it changes and depends on what I've discovered lately or what my friends or my housemates (local band Humans As Animals) are listening to. My fave artist, the go-to when I'm down is always Ani Difranco.


Question: What's next? Tour/Album/Single?

Shelley Segal: I'm releasing the single at the moment then the EP comes out May 8th. Two big Melbourne launches (May 24- Caravan Club and May 30 Northcote Social Club) and some interstate shows as well. After my Aussie tour I will be off to the US for a 3 month tour. Aug-Oct. Can't wait :)


Question: Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?
Shelley Segal: I've never contemplated stopping music. Playing, performing and writing will always be a part of my life. There have been times when I have imagined a more stable day job but I know this is what I want.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Shelley Segal: I love both completely differently. I grew up performing, that was my introduction to music -so it will always be my first love. But being in the studio is the best, it's the pinnacle of your writing life. You can work on songs for years, tweak them, hone them on stage but they're brought to life in the studio and captured forever.


Question: What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Shelley Segal: My father has been a working musician for the last 35 years and I grew up around that. I would do my homework at rehearsals and be around people who made their living from music so it always seemed a natural step.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Shelley Segal: I think the biggest challenge is the time away from your music. As an indie artist you need to take so much time to work on the business side of things. Sometimes I feel like I've had to spend time planning and promoting the shows yet not nearly enough time rehearsing for them. But you do it because the goal is that one day you will be able to wake up and go straight into the studio.

Time away from your loved ones, missing important events while on the road is hard. You want to be able to support those close to you.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Shelley Segal: In the morning I do the expenses, catch up on emails and urgent things. Then I will be working on whatever projects are on the go. Campaigns, recordings, touring, interviews. Rehearsals and gigs are usually in the evenings. If I'm on tour then things are a lot more hectic. Travel during the day, the show in the evening and I usually end the day putting up my tour diaries online.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Shelley Segal: Touring!!! I love travelling, meeting and talking to people and performing. Touring is the dream mix of all of those things. Being on the road also keeps me open to new ideas, experiences, people and new approaches which is a great inspiration for writing. I love connecting with my fans and getting a response from my music. It's very encouraging to know that your music is resonating with people. The songs that resonate with me have given me so much and it means a lot to know that your music can be providing that for people too. It's a joy and a privilege being part of that exchange.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Shelley Segal: If there was any chance of doing things with my favourite artists, I would just want them to play! I wouldn't want to interrupt :)

Maybe an opening spot.
I would like to write and record with Adam Levy again. I'd love to write a song with Max Martin. He's written number one hits for three decades. A pop king with the most charted songs other than Paul McCartney and John Lennon.
And I would be preeeeeetty stoked to open for Ani Difranco.


Question: Do you have a website fans can visit?

Shelley Segal: Sure do :)
Website: www.shelleysegal.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelley.segal.music
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShelleySegal
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/purpleshells
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+ShelleySegal/posts
Bandcamp: https://shelleysegal.bandcamp.com/



Interview by Brooke Hunter