Australian vocalist and songwriter Vanessa Amorosi has released her new album ‘Memphis Love’ out now on Dave Stewart’s Bay Street Records. She sat down to tell us about her new record:
You have released your new album ‘Memphis Love’ on Bay Street Records. How did you want to approach the making of this record?
I co-produced this record with Dave Stewart, so it was incredible that I could release it under his record label Bay Street Records. It’s always so wonderful to release a piece of art with a team that’s involved with all aspects. Dave and I had a vision for ‘Memphis Love’ and I feel like we succeeded in sharing it the way we wanted.
Where did you record the album and who produced it?
We recorded in Memphis, it was an amazing experience. Dave and I co-produced this, we had an incredible band in the studio and I had the absolute pleasure of having the Tennessee Mass Choir on a few songs. I can’t tell you just how amazing a 50 piece choir sounds.
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?
Too many to count, it was a new city that I got to experience. Memphis was AMAZING. We got really lucky to have such incredible musicians involved and we had the pleasure of recording it at the famous Royal Studios Memphis run by the super talented Boo Mitchell.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
I was born and raised in Victoria, Australia. Five words would be country, horses, animals, family and farm life.
Your latest single is your version of the classic song ‘How Long’. What was the reason behind selecting that song to include on the album?
I was in Dave’s studio at the Bahamas and the song came up in conversation. It just felt right to record a version and have it a part of the project.
How do you look after your voice?
It’s important to rehearse daily when I have a lot of shows coming up, think of it like training.
The track ‘Lift Us Up’ has been released with an official music video. Could you tell us a bit about that?
Lyrically it’s about lifting us out of the darkness, accepting that things will get better. Walking into a room with a 50-piece choir, my heart was so full. Recording this in Memphis was a dream!
Another track on the album is ‘Wolf’. What is the story behind the writing of this song?
I co-wrote this with Dave Stewart one afternoon in downtown L.A. I was heated after feeling lied to. Someone showing you the best parts of them, but they’re waiting to bring you down. Playing a role, lucky you escaped cause they’re a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
In doing some research, I read that you performed at the Olympics in Sydney, Australia. How did that opportunity arise and what was that experience like?
It’s one of my most special memories that I got to experience in my career. 25 years later it’s still asked about in nearly every interview I’ve done, it was such a big moment. I had a successful debut with my first single, it was a crazy year and especially for someone so young to be exposed to such a big audience.
Do you have any plans to support the album release with a UK/Europe tour?
Absolutely. That’s the plan!
What makes Vanessa Amorosi happy and what makes you unhappy?
Family, my animals and being on stage make me happiest. What makes me unhappy? Waiting in lines, I’ve got too many missions to get done.
