A QUICK CHAT WITH MONTANA SHARP

 Can you tell me a bit about your inspiration for your single ‘Something Wicked’?’ 

I was at the beginning of my songwriting journey and at that time my songs were all really “pretty”. I was writing songs that meant something to me, but they were not really self-revealing to others. My mentor at the time told me I should write a song about something that scares me, or something dark, and out I came with this Macbeth inspired poem. I didn’t really know what it meant when writing it, but I think it was about the fear that I was inherently bad. 

What are your influences and how do they affect your songwriting? 

My musical influences are Dorothy, Alanis Morissette, Sia’s earlier stuff - but I really try not to emulate any artist when writing, so I’d like to think they don’t affect my songwriting, I just really dig listening to their music. My biggest musical influence would probably be my musical education, from learning classical piano and theory as a kid and beyond. I think my non-musical influences are my  life experiences; my relationships and friendships, my thoughts and feelings, whatever I’m going through at the time.

What’s the creative process like for you?

It varies - sometimes its lyrics first, usually it’s music and lyrics simultaneously. I always think my best songs are the ones where the two happen organically together. Some songs are written in ten-twenty minutes, some take a few goes to get right. It’s like trying different recipes when you’re cooking, some you nail on the first go and some require a few batches before it’s edible. 

If you could change something about the Australian music industry what would it be? 

I think we’re geographically challenged and isolated from the rest of the world, so the predominant way of us reaching an international audience is through online channels, which has its own pros and cons. It’s probably harder for us to reach an international market than most other countries. I’m not sure if I would change that though, because I do believe that Aussie musicians are uniquely tight knit, community bound and non-competitive, which you don’t see in a lot of other places. 

What do you think life would be like for you if you didn’t have music as an outlet? 

I think I wouldn’t be a very evolved person, I’d only know myself on a very superficial level. Also, life would be super boring. Maybe I’d have time for other things, like understanding taxes and more practical things. I don’t really know how I’d cope without an ability to turn something sad into something artful, and I don’t want to know!

Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with?  Why?

I love collaborating with everyone! Sorry, it’s a diplomatic answer - but it’s true. I truly believe there’s something to learn from every artist/musician and whatever level and genre. The best musicians are the ones who can work with everyone.

What’s your advice to young people who want to make a career for themselves in the industry? 

Don’t wait until you feel ‘ready’. 

Who’s the most interesting person you’ve worked with/met? 

I met and sang for Vanessa Williams once. Famous people are so in a class of their own, it’s like they have their own shine. Literally, her skin was so glowy. She said something about potato chips being the perfect lubricant for your voice, so now every time I have chips, I think of her.

Any plans for a tour on the cards?

Watch this space!