Singer-songwriter Leena seems to be impressing all the right people. Since releasing her EP Mean Old Clock, she’s scored support slots with Live frontman Ed Kowalcyzk, Paul Dempsey, and now Tim Finn. I recently caught up with this exciting new talent to chat about the EP, those tours, and her nomadic existence.
Your new EP Mean Old Clock is quite eclectic. Who are your own musical heroes?
Josh Homme, The Beatles, Nine Inch Nails, Bruce Springsteen and Crowded House. An eclectic bunch themselves. The things that draw them together are great melodies and good songs, that is what it’s all about for me.
You recorded this EP through sessions Josh Pyke, Joe Chiccarelli, and Mike Daly. How did working with so many different producers influence your sound?
I have a really particular taste in melodies and arrangement and chose the producers to fit that. I think rather than influencing my sound, they helped me to translate what I heard in my head into something tangible for people to hear and hopefully be moved by. Joe had a way of really getting inside the song and feeling what I had felt when I wrote it, then he translated it to the rest of the band. It was exciting and humbling to see how someone at that level works, just by feel, not by catering to radio or a label.
I recently saw you perform with Ed Kowalcyzk, and you’re currently touring with Paul Dempsey. What do you learn when touring with such massive artists?
I always remember to keep my eyes open when I do these kind of shows. As the opener, you are always feeling a little out of your comfort zone. When people like Paul and Ed go out of their way to make me feel welcome, it’s something you never forget.
On a musical level, when I was touring with Rufus Wainwright, he warmed up for two hours every night. It was a bit of a wake up call to me, that even people in his position have to work hard and practice to be the best they can for their audience.
How do you win over a crowd who’s there to see the headliner?
I try to create a real connection with the audience, to thank them for giving me a chance and play the best I can. I really enjoy the challenge and am always rewarded with fantastic crowds. I’m not one of those acts that play at the audience. Songs are intensely personal things that the audience needs to feel a part of. That sometimes means telling a story about the song or just looking people in the eye and being completely honest in the delivery.
You’ve got a jam packed tour schedule. What do you love most about being onstage?
I’m doing what I love and don’t ever take it for granted. Being on stage is where I feel like what I do is worthwhile, writing songs and delivering them to people. It is also a real rush that is addictive.
You play so many instruments including electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, and the ukulele. Are there any other instruments you’d love to add to your repertoire?
Drums, bass, harmonica, banjo and mandolin.
I read that you’ve lived in Hobart, Marseilles, Cork, Fremantle, Los Angeles, and now Melbourne. Are you planning on settling down here?
It’s hard to know what the future will bring. Hopefully a beach and some sunshine!
What is it about travelling around that really excites you?
Travelling for me is about observing the way people live in other places and in other cultures. I love meeting strangers and having a laugh, there is nothing better.
Does your hectic tour schedule satisfy your nomadic side?
Being away on tour comes easily for me but it doesn’t beat a day at home in the hammock.
You’re currently working in a suit shop while plugging away at the music. When will you know that it’s time to quit the day job?
I don’t think it’ll be long now till I don’t have time to work, but until then I love my job and do it for more than just the money. It’s good to keep my feet on the ground after coming home from a big tour and to connect with the city I live in.
Leena’s Mean Old Clock EP is in stores now. You can see her live at the following venues.
Leena & Friends: Springtime Sessions at the Wesley Anne (Season Pass $18 or $6 per show)
7 October 2009 – with special guest Jackson McLaren
14 October 2009 – with special guest Dave Larkin (Dallas Crane)
21 October 2009 – with special guest Ryan Meeking
28 October 2009 – with full band and special guests The Promises
Leena, Andy Bull & Tim Finn
6 November 2009 – The Enmore, Sydney
7 November 2009 – The Athaneum Theatre, Melbourne
Image used with permission from Repertoire