Helen Croome is the girl we’re coming to know as Gossling, the name on the tip of everyone’s tongue, with a voice you may recognise from Triple J hit I was Young or her current ARIA chart success with Boys Like You. Gossling is a featured act at the Mullum Music Festival on Sunday 25 November.
How did Triple J Unearthed change your life’s trajectory?
Pretty dramatically. Having that initial airplay on Triple J really kept me motivated and focused on having a career as a singer-songwriter. It was the little buzz that I needed too… It gave me some validation that I was doing the right thing.
How did your family help shape your musical interests?
My parents were very supportive of my early interest in music, taking me to piano and clarinet lessons, exams and eisteddfod performances. They kept pushing me to keep up the lessons when I wanted to quit and I’m very grateful that they did. My brother made sure my music collection was not solely female power ballad singers. He introduced me to artists like Radiohead, Crowded House and Belle and Sebastian.
What is it about Damien Rice and the way he approaches music making that most inspires you?
It’s the trifecta – the heartbreaking, believable lyric, the sensitive vocal melody/delivery, and the hugely complementary instrumental arrangements. From my first listen I was sucked in. He was my introduction to that type of songwriting and set me on my path of wanting to be a singer-songwriter.
How would you describe your own style?
This is always a difficult question to answer, as it is nice for people to form their own conclusion. A journalist called it ‘goth country’ once, which I quite liked.
You were studying psychology/sociology – do you think your interest in the human psyche still informs your songwriting?
I haven’t ever thought it influences my songwriting but perhaps it has on a subconscious level!
What is next for you?
I am playing some festivals for the remainder of the year and spending the rest of my time writing for my debut album. The plan is to release it in the first half of 2013.
What should we expect for the Mullum Music Festival show?
A good time! I am really excited to be bringing my whole band along to play this one. We will have a few surprises in store.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
