Khristian Mizzi & The Sirens A few words with Khristian Mizzi, singer-songwriter and multi instrumentalist with Khristian Mizzi & The Sirens Leicester Bangs: Tell us a little about yourself, and your band. Khristian: I was born and raised in a rural town in Victoria, Australia. I moved to Melbourne strictly to make music. After many line up changes and a solo album, The Sirens were formed. I studied music at Box hill Institute where I met most of the band members. The band consists of Keryn Laurent (guitars), Dan Sheehan (Hammond / piano), Frank Pearce (double bass) and Adam Duffy (drums). I am a previous winner of the Basin Music festivals ' Best Songwriter' and Port Fairy folk festivals 'Best guitarist' competitions.   LB: How did you start out making music? Khristian: My musical endeavors began at the age of around 5 when my Dad taught me how to play Neil Young's 'Hey Hey My My'. I would sing and play along with him. Sure enough, I soon fell in love with the marriage between words and music. LB: Who did you grow up listening to and how do they influence what you’re doing now? Khristian: My parents listened to  Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Cat Sevens and a lot of the early 70's songwriters. As well as Bruce Springsteen in the later years. These artists, along with Nick Drake, Tom Waits and other solo poets became the soundtrack to my teen years. I guess I have always been drawn to those that can paint pictures with sounds and words to make me feel a certain way when listening to it. It’s a powerful thing and I’m not even sure the musicians themselves are that aware of it. However, I have always tried to be as honest with myself in the songwriting process and to represent myself the best way I can. LB: Tell us about your latest release. Khristian: 'Beautiful World', musically is a culmination of all my influences varying from The Beatles pop to the dark and gritty sounds of The Bad Seeds. Lyrically it is about the personal freedom one can have when recognizing that this world truly is beautiful. It was recorded over a 6 month period with my band The Sirens and other special guest artists which really tested my organisational skills. However, the end result is one that I am very proud of. LB: Do you get out and play your music live, and if so, what can an audience expect at one of your shows? Khristian: I perform quite regularly at pubs and clubs. The band set is usually a rockin’ affair with lots of energy and bigger sounds (bigger than the album). The solo sets are quite intimate often entwined with story telling and subtle wit. LB: What aspects of playing and recording music do you most enjoy? Khristian: I really love presenting a song to the band. The creative process that goes on while all the musicians are making the sounds I hear in my head is quite magical. I love when a song just all comes together. LB: Where can people find (and buy) your music? Khristian: The Road Between (2008) and Beautiful World (2009)  are both available online via my website (that and other links below). www.khristianmizzi.com www.myspace.com/khristianmizzi www.cdbaby.com/Artist/KhristianMizzi