Sure we’ve heard about you before, but we think it’s time for Tone Deaf to get to know you a little better. Slip in to something comfortable while we put on some music, pour us a couple of drinks and turn the lights down low.
Who are you and what do you do in your act?
My name is Laura Imbruglia. I play guitar and sing country, pop and punk-influenced music (not often all at once).
‘Fess up. What records have you stolen from your parent’s record collection and why?
My folks didn’t listen to much music, which is strange, because 3 of their 4 daughters are heavily involved with music and we are all avid music fans. They did however, own records by The Carpenters, The Beatles and The Mamas & Papas. I stole all of them. The Carpenters in particular would have been the 1st act that made me realise how much I enjoy music and singing.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
The last few weeks I’ve been listening to Gram Parsons “Grievous Angel” and “GP”, and also a Motown 5 disc compilation of hits. I highly recommend giving them a listen, as they are oldies but goodies.
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‘Home taping is killing the music business’ was the catch-cry of the record industry in the 1970s, but it managed to survive until now. What do you think is the difference between mates taping copies of friend’s records back in the 80s and 90s and file sharing now?
The difference is sound quality. Home taping didn’t kill the music industry because tapes always sounded scratchier and lower in fidelity to the master tape, record or cd. Therefore, people would be more prone to listening to the tape to get to know the record, and then eventually buying a proper copy. Nowadays, there is no sound degradation with digital files and most people don’t feel guilty about not paying for the music they are enjoying. Lots of people claim they only download from big bands who can afford the money loss.
Even though I’m in the minority, I disagree with this and think file-sharing is the reason why popular music has become so disposable and crap, for the most part. There is no value to anything and the listeners move on quickly. I personally like buying actual records rather than downloading because I like seeing the package and reading the liner notes. I don’t appreciate digital downloads of album art. I also know how expensive it is to record and release an album and how much harder it is to make the money back these days.
You must answer this question honestly or we steal your rider. What was the first gig you went to.?Where was it and what was the venue?
Ooooh…it was a Jebediah show at The Cambridge Hotel in Newcastle. I made my parents drive me and my friend April there, which was a big ask as we lived 1 ½ hours away and they had to keep themselves occupied until the show ended.
What’s your favourite site to download music from and do you ever pay for it? Can we find any of your releases there?
On rare occasions when I download music, it’s usually from iTunes (yes you can find my releases on iTunes). I have downloaded friend’s tunes from Soundcloud in the past also.
What artist made you want to pick up an instrument and/or sing?
Nirvana made me want to play guitar and Karen Carpenter made me want to sing.
Have you ever been arrested?
No, but I got banned from Target at Erina Fair on the Central Coast when I was 12 because my friend and I stole things and my Mum busted us. She asked to speak to the manager and made us apologise. This terrifying experience may be associated with my dislike of stealing music. My Mum is scary when she’s angry.
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
I have some funny vocal warm ups which involve forming the shape of an S with your voice. Hard to explain. Involves opening your ‘vocal folds’ and envisioning an ‘anchor’. Vocal tuition is weird.
What’s been your most outrageous rider request?
I request lollies on my rider but they are rarely granted. It’s always a pleasure though when you rock up to a venue and occasionally find a bowl of Skittles waiting for you.
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with? Tell us why?
Well Darren Hanlon was pretty influential to me in the early days, I think we could do something good together. Also I am friends with the Hard-Ons and would love to collaborate with them but fear that I would never be able to rock hard enough.
Right, let’s get really intimate. Tell us what releases you have that we can listen to with the lights down low, or even better, where we can see you play in person next.
My most recent album is called “The Lighter Side Of…” and you might like it. You can listen to it and buy it on my site www.lauraimbruglia.com. I also have a self-titled album released before that, which you may also like.
I’m about to play some shows supporting The Gin Club, who are awesome.
Catch us here:
SUN 12th JUNE THE NORTHCOTE SOCIAL CLUB, MELBOURNE $18 pre/$22 on door w/LAURA IMBRUGLIA, HOWL AT THE MOON and CHIMNEYS www.northcotesocialclub.com
FRI 17th JUNE THE SPOTTED COW, TOOWOOMBA w/HARMONY (MELB) and LAURA IMBRUGLIA $10 www.spottedcow.com.au
SAT 18th JUNE THE ZOO, BRISBANE w/HARMONY (MELB), LAURA IMBRUGLIA and more TBC www.thezoo.com.au
