A Quick Chat With Helen Shanahan

Perth-based folk singer-songwriter Helen Shanahan has released a haunting cover of Tim Minchin’s ‘The Aeroplane’ this Friday, October 4. Known for her emotive vocals and poignant songwriting, Helen has earned accolades including the 2018 Western Australian Music Industry ‘Song of the Year’ award, has done backing vocals for Missy Higgins and Tim Minchin, and supported the likes of Peter Garrett, Vika, Linda Bull and more. As she embraces motherhood, this latest track explores themes of unconditional love, resonating deeply with her own journey as she awaits her second child. We caught up with Helen to find out more about why she picked this special track to cover.

Can you tell us what this track means to you and what made you pick this song to cover?

This track holds a special meaning, as I was lucky enough to work with Tim Minchin in 2021 for his ‘Apart Together’ tour. I learned so much from Tim, and when I heard this song from his TV show ‘Upright’ a few years later, I really resonated with the lyrics and melody. When Tim casually said I could ‘have it’ I took it literally and jumped into the studio. The lyrics about being there for someone “any fuel or any fire will do/I will fly to you” stuck with me, and I loved being able to bring my own spin on it too. 

Who are some of your influences, and why?

Missy Higgins has been a massive inspiration to me since she emerged on the music scene. Missy has always remained true to herself, without pandering to the pop worlds expectations of women in the way they dress/sound etc. Joni Mitchell will always be up there for me, her authenticity and poetic writing paired with her unique guitar tunings always inspire me.

What's the creative process for you, from writing through to recording?

I usually write down my thoughts in the form of a journal/stream of consciousness style, then see what melody/chord progression suits the theme of the lyric. Over the last few years, I’ve been a part of the online platform I Heart Songwriting Club which gives you a weekly theme to write to – and that’s been a great way to change things up with my writing. The next step is finding the songs that resonate the most to be able to record, and I’ll go about finding the right producer to get the sound that reflects the songs the most. For this song, it was wonderful to use my live band (affectionally known as ‘The Shanaband’) to bring their talents to the track, and we are looking forward to adding it to our set.

What do you think makes a great song?

I think it’s being able to engage the listener throughout, being a combination of the lyrics, story, melody and performance. It’s a fine balance and can be so elusive to find when you’re in the creative process!

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

I love US artist Madison Cunningham, I think she’s so clever with her chord choices and has a unique approach to writing – it would be a dream to learn from her and collab!

When not working on music, what other creative outlet/s do you have?

Music is probably my only strong creative point, haha, but I do love reading and immersing myself in other people’s writing. I have a near 4-year-old daughter, and it’s been fun to see the world through a child’s eye – the freedom they have with no inhibitions is quite inspiring. I’ve been joining her with drawing and painting even though my work is terrible (she does it better than me for sure!!).

Who are some local bands we should check out?

Timothy Nelson is one of my favourite local acts, his songs are always quality, and he knows how to engage the listener from start to finish! I run a monthly songwriters night 'The Songwriters Cafe' and if you follow our Instagram, you will discover a whole host of world class WA acts such as Siobhan Cotchin, Thornbird, Fiona Rea, Steve Hensby and more - it's too hard to choose!

Winter or summer and why?

My pale skin doesn’t handle the sun very well, but I love the feeling of Summer and the lightness it brings!

What else do you have planned for 2024?

I am a mere few weeks away from giving birth to my second daughter, so I’m looking forward to settling into the newborn phrase (with great trepidation too) and will be back to gigging and recording in 2025!

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