Amelia Cormack
A little Q&A with vocalist, pianist, guitarist and violinist, Amelia Cormack.

After spending the last three years on stage in the world of theatre, Amelia has finally found the time to let her passion for writing her own music out of the bag.

Although an accomplished violin and piano player, it wasn't until she picked up a guitar that Amelia really found her feet as a writer. Since that moment, she has written for voice, piano and guitar.

Amelia first started performing her own material in the jazz and blues band Blue Tongue, and used her time at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) as a testing ground for her material.

Her album is a collection of her best songs composed over the last decade - it's a reflection on life, love, the universe and the things that make us tick.  Missy Higgins and Tori Amos have been huge influences for Cormack, and her music has an acoustic feel.  

The press has been enthusiastic:

'[This album] is as stunning as she is...' - Scott-Patrick Mitchell, Out in Perth.

‘Amelia Cormack delights’ - Bryce Hallett, Sydney Morning Herald.

‘Amelia Cormack is outstanding’ - The Sun Herald.

‘One of Australia’s up and coming stars, Amelia is renowned for her extraordinary voice.’ - SX News.

‘Amelia Cormack is great fun.’ - Lesley Bates, The Stage.

Leicester Bangs: How did you start out making music?
Amelia: I started playing violin when I was 6 and piano when I was 9 so music has always been a part of my life.  I sang in choirs and played in orchestras all through school, but whenever I tried to write it always sounded so derivative.  Then in 2000 I picked up a guitar and I found my sound.  Writing kind of became my journal - somewhere I could put all my thoughts and feelings.

LB: Who did you grow up listening to and how do they influence what you’re doing now?
Amelia: Bette Midler, Nina Simone, Melissa Etheridge - and then more recently Missy Higgins.  She's been the biggest influence - I'm so sickened by how over-processed pop music has become, so Missy's raw acoustic sound really inspired me.

LB: Tell us about your latest release.
Amelia: It's the best of the songs I've written over the last 10 years  - songs about life, love, and the things that make us tick.

LB: Do you get out and play your music live, and if so, what can an audience expect at one of your shows?
Amelia: Yes I do - it's a real mix.  Some really intimate, personal songs, but then I also really know how to rock out.  There's also a few covers thrown in for good measure, but I always mess around with them a bit...

LB: What aspects of playing and recording music do you most enjoy?
Amelia: Just really letting myself go, and being in the moment - I can sing things when I'm playing with a band that I could never do otherwise.  It's so completely freeing - I guess it's my version of meditation.

LB: Where can people find (and buy) your music?
Amelia: iTunes, Middle 8 Music, Dress Circle (UK) and CD Baby (links below):

CD Baby: www.cdbaby.com/cd/ameliacormack2

Middle 8 Music: www.middle8.com/mem/product.asp?pID=4585&cID=373&scID=

Dress Circle (UK): www.dresscircle.co.uk

MySpace: www.myspace.com/ameliacormackmusic

AMELIA CORMACK – OH MY SOUL