Pieta Brown was last in our area two years ago when Mullum Music Festival introduced her to audiences. She’s a beautiful girl with a beautiful voice. Ms Brown has proved herself one of those acts that induce love at first sight. She’s simply mesmerising. Mandy Nolan caught up with Pieta on those two years between drinks.
What has been your musical mission for the last 12 months? Expansion! Spanning Time! On all levels!
In Oct 2011 you released Mercury. It’s been on the American Roots Music radio playlist for the last four months. Are you happy with the album and the reception? Yes! It’s been number one on that chart even recently… All you can really ask for as a musician/singer/songwriter is that someone might listen to your songs! I’m happy…
What have you been listening to lately that has informed some of your choices for Mercury? Howlin’ Wolf, Mark Knopfler, Jean Ritchie, Percy Sledge, Tim O’Brien, George Harrison, Lucie Thorne.
Do you feel Mercury is more accessible than your previous albums, or is it more a case that your music is just getting out there more now? I don’t know. I love what I do and am glad that it is growing.
This tour is your second visit to Australia. How did you find your first visit? You’re coming back so it must have been okay. I really enjoyed my first visit… I enjoyed all the music and the feel of the land… I also made some good friends. I’m genuinely looking forward to returning!
What film have you seen or book have you read lately that moved you? I’ve just read a stunning book called The Tiger’s Wife.
Besides music, what are your passions? I have a passion for the idea of and the act of peace. And I sure love walking out in the woods. Being with my family and friends is also at the very the top of my list. Dancing is fun!
Your music is released in Australia by Vitamin Records, who are based in Mullumbimby. I notice Lucie Thorne, who is also signed to Vitamin, is on the tour. What do you think of the local talent? Supreme. I have been introduced to a lot of music through Vitamin… I’ve also been enjoying the music of Jordie Lane.
This time around you’re performing as a trio. Can you tell us a bit about the group and what we can expect at your Star Court Theatre show? The Sawdust Boys will join me… This is JT Bates on drums and Mike Rossetto on the electric guitar and banjo. We’ll be playing songs from Mercury, One and All and some new songs too… Most likely no acrobatics, but we are looking forward to conjuring! And if we’re lucky we’ll get Lucie to join us too.
Lismore Star Court Theatre on Saturday 17 March. Tickets at the venue.
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