INTERVIEW:
BRIDGE
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THINGS are really looking up…
for the super-talented BRIDGE. She has released her sophomore single, Charlie - and I was eager to discover what it is all about. The Sydney native discusses the scene back home; the differences between Sydney and Melbourne (where she has spent a lot of time); whether we can see her arrive in the U.K. – and who she counts as influential musical guides.
I ask whether there is more music coming and why the record for Charlie had some ‘sticky’ moments; if she has any words for new artists emerging; how this week has fared for her – she ends this interview with a cool song!
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Hi, BRIDGE. How are you? How has your week been?
I’m really good, thanks! The track is going super-well - which is exciting. But, in even-more-amazing-news; I managed to find a genuine Ralph Lauren polo hat in an op-shop discount bin in Amsterdam for seven euros.
Summer, here I come!
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
Hey, guys; I’m BRIDGE. My actual name is Brigid. I’m twenty-three-years-old and I’m from Sydney, Australia. Music has always played a huge role in my life. My dad is a music teacher and my mum is a musician too - and my siblings and I were all brought up learning to play Classical music. I started on the violin at five.
But, we were always encouraged to explore what we were capable of as much as we could and to branch out into other styles! I like to think my sound gains influence from all of these experiences, as well from my musical inspirations like Gordi, Meg Mac and, not to mention, James Taylor.
Charlie is your latest track. Can you reveal the origin of that song?
I wrote this song on my last trip to Germany...
It was a pouring rainy day and I was trapped inside; so started writing. I wrote the song with just a guitar - but the driving drum-beat is something I definitely imagined from the start of the writing process.
You have worked with producer Ben McCarthy. What does he add to the recording process?
Ben is truly amazing.
Putting aside the absolute technical proficiency and professionalism that he works with; the most striking thing about the process was how comfortable an environment his studio was. The space he created, as well as his eagerness to harness all the potential of the song, made me feel like he was a real partner in its creation.
Is it true you had difficulty recording at Sing Sing Studios?! Was that for Charlie ?!
It was certainly difficult at the time that’s for sure!
Sing Sing Studios is, undoubtedly, one of the best studios in Melbourne but, during the recording process, Melbourne was undergoing a downpour of torrential proportion - and the sound of the rain on the studio roof kept on leaking through the sound-gate. After trying our best to work around it; we made the decision to incorporate it into the song - which was a great idea, as it ties back into the day that the song was first made.
Personally…I think it takes the song to a completely new level.
Will there be more material this year? What else are you working on right now?
I’m always writing new stuff and I have a catalogue of new material that I’m hoping to release in the near-future…so stay tuned!
Melbourne seems like a vibrant and fascinating area of the world! What is the music scene like there?
Well, look; as a native Sydneysider, I feel I’d be betraying my homeland if I was too complimentary! But, honestly; Melbourne definitely deserves its reputation. In terms of small bars and live music venues: it’s truly the cream of the crop.
Although, I still reckon the coffee is better in Sydney…
If you had to sell the city to someone: what would you highlight as the main reasons to come?
Shopping, food; culture, tram: I feel all of the stereotypical reasons to go to Melbourne really are the best selling-points!
Did music come into your life early? What got you hooked on it?
Yes. As I said; I grew up learning and playing music from a very young age! I think what really got me hooked, though, was when I started branching out and experimenting with other instruments such as piano and guitar - and writing my own stuff.
That’s when music really became less of a chore and more of a hobby for me.
Which musician did you grow up around? Can you remember the first album you ever bought?
I think the first album that I ever bought was Barbie Slumber Party 2002/Barbie Pool Party Mix, Volume 2 (money well spent, if you ask me) - but mum and dad made sure that my music tastes were a touch more diverse. The Beach Boys and Paul Simon are two that definitely stand out as early loves of mine.
Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up?
I’m actually in Europe for the next year and I’m hoping to play a few gigs here and there - but no concrete plans at the moment. Although, if you chuck me a follow on social media then you’ll be the first to know…
Do you get over to the U.K. much? Will we see you play over here?
I actually played a small gig in Chiswick earlier this year - which was an amazing experience - and definitely one that I’d like recreate at some point.
What do you hope to achieve in 2018?
I guess a top-of-the-charts single would probably be asking too much?!
But, if not that; just being able to create music and, hopefully, play in some cool, off-the-beaten-track venues around Europe.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?
I actually had a pretty unreal experience two weeks ago in Germany...
I’m currently based in this tiny town called Tübingen and I went along to this jam night with some mates at this tiny cellar bar under the castle. I got up and played Charlie on the piano but, by the second verse, I had a whole band of German locals playing along - it was pretty surreal!
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Truth be told; I’m still pretty new to the game myself but, if there’s anything I’ve found, it’s that it’s so helpful to connect with other artists - to try and get advice and see how they do it! In actual fact, that’s how I managed to find Ben McCarthy - he’d recorded one of Gordi’s E.P.s (which I really loved) so I managed to get in touch with her and she sent me his name.
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
I sure do!
Music is obviously a massive part of who I am...but I also have a lot of other things I love to do! Travel is a big one - and I love watching a bit of footy.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Mumford & Sons - There Will Be Time
This song is from their Johannesburg E.P. and it’s such a different vibe to their normal stuff! They recorded this E.P. during their tour in South Africa in 2016 - and for this song, they collaborated with a Senegalese singer, Baaba Maal…and the result is unreal.
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