#Tullara | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

imogenrosemusi1142 · 6 years ago

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TULLARA tells it like it is.

TULLARA is one of Australia’s most exciting up-and-coming folk singer/songwriters. At 24, she is nearly a decade into a career journey that has garnered her acclaim across the folk festival circuit, taken her overseas to Ireland and Europe, and produced the EP Better Hold On.

Rose Callaghan - her drummer of the last 18 months - joins her on tour, as they talk about the artistry, business, and mental health of being a young working performer.

ROSE ~ You’re an incredible guitarist, how did you come to learn the instrument and how has it shaped your artistry?

TULLARA ~ I started learning guitar when I was 13. My mother is a firm believer in musical influence. [There are] five kids in my family - I’m the youngest - and she made us all learn piano when we were younger. I went through year 7 without learning any [new] instrument, and she was like “alright, come on, you gotta pick something now ‘cause you need to be learning”. I was quite lucky with my [first guitar] teacher - he didn’t know too much about theory, but he played everything by ear, and so I’d take him a CD with my favourite songs on it and he’d listen to it and quickly learn it in a couple of minutes and teach it to me.

- Pretty unorthodox!

Right from the start [I] was learning how to use my ear, because I’d watch him do it and try the same thing at home.

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Did you voice develop before or after?

I always mucked around. I didn’t really sing so much until I was maybe… 13? The singing sort of went hand in hand [with playing guitar]. I was 14 when I did my first music eisteddfod [a Welsh term for competitive events in the arts], and I won! [Mum asked my] sister’s old singing teacher “what do you think of her voice?” [and] she said “oh, it does need a bit of work, but god, can she play that guitar!” I was playing constantly. Mum talks about me following her around the farm, being like “listen to this/what do you think of this?”. [My] singing eventually got better as well… and then I started songwriting.

Was there a particular music scene that nurtured your early career, and how did you find your way into it?

I went to my first folk festival when I was 16, just as a punter. Then I went to Woodford Folk Festival, and that was life-changing. That’s when I was like, “wow, music is what I want to do”. I met John Butler at Woodford, who was [one of] my idols at the time. He signed my guitar! A month later I played at Tamworth Music Festival, and mum entered me in CCMA National Talent Competition… and I won overall. I got $1500, and then I bought my first banjo. That was a huge turning point as well… I guess the folk music scene was the first real eye opener…

- You always wanted to play banjo?

I can’t really remember what originally inspired me… I think it was the Beverly Hillbillies TV show!

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So you’re a self managed/self promoting artist: had you been managing yourself before being selected to participate in The Seed in 2016? Did that program impact the way you manage yourself?

The Seed Fund aims to help Australian artists from any background, creating art and music across any genre, to establish themselves as self-sustained, professional artists.

Since I was 18, I was self-managing with my sister. We just naturally started doing that, [because] we had a band together called Siskin River. We quickly realised all we have to do is [contact] these venues and try and get a gig. From 2011-2015, I was co-managing with my sister. When I started my solo project, that’s when I had to 100% manage everything I was doing. I started doing that for just under a year before I applied for The Seed’. [It]’s really good in the way that it was very inspiring, and I got to meet a lot of other self-managed [artists]. It made me see things more globally.

Tullara and her sister Shalane as the duo Siskin River ~

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”My songwriting’s moved from folk music to more pop/roots/rock sorta vibes, and that’s just me maturing in general”

Do you think it’s important to have an aesthetic in relation to musical presentation and self promotion?

I think it’s important to have consistency in your image and how you present yourself. It’s interesting how some people will try and change your appearance because they don’t think it’s as cool as it could be… I’ve had some people suggest some things to me [like] “you should cut your dreadlocks off!”… because it’s a bit hippy and not mainstream enough. I always just try to be myself, but I’m making myself more presentable and neater [for the] mainstream, because I think that’s where my music has gone. My songwriting’s moved from folk music to more pop/roots/rock sorta vibes, and that’s just me maturing in general. Over time I’ve just tightened up my act and image a bit, because first impressions are 100% the most important thing in the music industry.

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What do you find to be the main adversities that come with being a self-managed musician?

When you don’t get the gigs that you’re trying to get. I can spend hours emailing venues or applying for festivals and I’ll get less than 10% of what I try for. It’s very time consuming, and there’s a lot of computer work, [so] instead of being creative, writing, and practicing, I’m spending the majority of my time on the computer. That’s something I struggled with last year. There’s [also] no minimum wage… it’s all so varied, especially with festivals and even pub shows. I’m learning now it’s almost what you ask for. it’s a bit of “smoke and mirrors”, but you never know [with that approach].

- The main positives?

I just do whatever I want. I think about where I want to go/play. Having the control, having the freedom. And money-wise, 20% of what I earn isn’t going to a manager either.

Now, how do you feel the music industry has treated you, not only as a self-managed musician, but as a self managed female musician?

Mostly positively… mostly. I’ve definitely had a few ups and downs with being female. I’ve been ripped off - only a couple of times - but they’ve taken advantage of the fact I’m a solo female. But that’s not as strong as, say, a band of four dudes that are like “give me my fucking money!” - and I’ve said that before!. You need to be stronger sometimes to get what you’re owed. But mostly I’ve had a pretty good experience.

Have you heard people say similar things to other female artists?

Other female artists have had more of a rough time than I have.

- but you’ve noticed the difference in attitudes towards women.

Absolutely, 100%. I’ll go into a music store and ask [a storeman] for gauge 13 strings, and he’ll be like “that’s a bit heavy, you’re probably after 10’s or 11’s” [exasperated sigh]. Have you seen me play?! Can I have the 13’s please? So music stores have always been like that. Every time I enter one, someone goes “hi sweetheart, what are you after?”, and they lead you to the ukuleles [laughs].

Tullara continues with a plethora of cringe-inducing music store anecdotes, in keeping with the theme of being infantilised by men simply for being a woman. It’s a peculiar insight into this section of the industry culture.

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This is a big question: How has the musician lifestyle of touring, writing, and recording effected your well being and mental health?

There’s ten seconds of nervous laughter, before she sighs into her response.

Ah geez, it’s not great. I’ definitely not the specimen of health. It’s interesting… with touring - pub shows, for instance - you’re often given lots of free alcohol, and that seems to go hand-in-hand with the music industry. Sometimes, they’ll say “we’ll give you [some small] money, but we’ll give you free drinks all night [to make up for said small amount]”. It’s often an incentive to make it worth it. So that has taken a toll on my health since 2011. It’s part of the culture. I don’t have a good diet, but that’s definitely what I want to change.

She mentions there’s been a push for venues to offer free food - as opposed to free alcohol - in an effort to encourage sobriety at festivals.

-It’s not only physically, but mentally draining.

[Mmm]. The travel is definitely hard work, and I’ve done some crazy shit over the last year with it. Things like 10 flights within 7 days… and driving for hours on my own…. it’s a lot nicer when you’re touring with people, so I try to do that now whenever I can, because I want to have company, and it makes touring a lot easier. You need a lot more discipline when you’re on your own.

What are some things you do to make sure you look after your mental health while also trying to keep up with the demanding work load of self management? How do you not ‘burn out’? Any tips?

Try to plan a tour in a way that isn’t going to burn you out. I still find myself making that mistake… I’ll make sure I go to bed at a reasonable hour.

- So give yourself time, sleep!

Sleep is an important one - because if you’re not sleeping well, then by a week into the tour you’re gonna be shattered, and it will take a toll on your performance… your voice is one of the first things to go when you’re tired. Giving yourself a couple of days off [during] long tours is very important. It can get a little bit stressful… and even for your band members. I remember a drummer I had once who was like “it would have been nicer to have a couple of days off to explore this town I’ve never been to”. You gotta have fun! If you’re not having fun, what’s the point in doing it? Try and constantly learn something new… challenge yourself, and get better. That’s something I try and do, just learn new songs every now and then.

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What is the highlight performance of your career so far?

Aww, I like that [question]! Probably opening for The Waifs in Grafton at the Saraton Theatre. It was in my home town, in this heritage-listed theatre that seats nearly 1,000 people, and it’s just incredible opening for my teenaged-absolute-most-favourite band. And they got me up on stage with them for their last song!

Do you have any tips for how to cope with performance nerves/ anxiety?

I don’t get nervous so much anymore, if anything I crave nerves now! Make sure you’re prepared. Embrace the nerves!

What are your 3 favourite artists right now?

You know my number 1! [laughs] Tay-Tay, I do absolutely love Taylor Swift. Number 2? Wallis Bird. 3… I feel like Electric Fields.

What’s next for you? You mentioned a big album!

I’ll be releasing my debut album later this year! Very exciting. It’s been a very long process. I’m going to Canada to finish it, [and I’ve] never been to Canada!

Any upcoming gigs?

Lots of gigs around NSW and Queensland, and the Woodford Planting Festival. Apparently you get to take home a tree! ☆

Tullara’s music can be found on all good digital streaming platforms, and through her official website.

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brisbanemusic · 8 years ago

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May 10-16

Hey folks! Sory for the break in your regularly scheduled programming, April was super hectic for our team. But we’re back! This week features the Fish Lane Festival, which looks really cool.

We’re powered by love, good tunes and your encouragement on Facebook, twitter and instagram. And you can submit gigs through any of those places or though our FORM or via email! Hit us up at [email protected]. Don’t forget you can get the whole Guide on Monday every week, help guarantee the guide comes out every week and choose our feature gigs if you support us on PATREON!

For Brisbane City Council event listings see HERE, and for JAZZ listings go to our new affiliate gig guide at the JMI Jazz Gig Guide: They have their finger on the pulse of jazz music in Brisbane and will cover everything we were listing and much, much more!

Wednesday 10

Danielle-J and JMC Students at the Old Museum Brisbane: Tickets $5, from 6:30pm. More info on FB

John Chantler (Sweden), Primitive Motion and Cloud Tangle at the Milk Factory: $10 entry, from 7pm. More info on FB

Zed Butel at the Triffid: Free, from 6pm. More info on FB

Colt Seavers Band at the Brooklyn Standard: Free entry, from 7:30pm. More info on FB

[JAZZ] Re:Bop at Rics Bar: Free entry, from 8:30pm. More info on FB

Azukar Ensemble at Zuri Bar: Free entry, from 8pm. More info on FB

[JAZZ] I Mean Blues at Greaser: Free entry, from 9pm. More info on FB

Father Sin at the Bearded Lady: Free entry, from 8pm. More info on FB

Thursday 11

Matthew Engelbrecht at Beach Burrito Fortitude Valley: Free entry, ALL AGES, from 7pm. More info on FB

Banter Club, Common Deers and Salmon & The Peaches at the Brightside: $10 entry, from 8pm. More info on FB

SEAGULL (VIC) and Tom Cooney at the Junk Bar: $12 entry, from 7:30pm. More info on FB

Ben Shock, Charlie Williams and Glennzy at the Milk Factory: $5 entry, from 8pm. More info on FB

Bossa Nova Thursdays at Lock’n’Load: Free entry, from 7:30pm. More info on FB

Drawn From Bees at Menagerie: Free entry, ALL AGES, from 7pm. More info on FB

That Red Head (NSW) at Greaser: Free entry, from 7pm. More info on FB

Byron Short at the Brat Cave: Free entry, from 7pm. More info on FB

Sonny Ingledew of DEADWEIGHT EXPRESS and Zed Charles of The Royal Artillery at Crowbar: Free entry, from 8pm. More info on FB

[JAZZ] Lachlan McKenzie Quartet at JMI Live: $10 entry, Licensed ALL AGES, jams from 6pm, band from 8pm. More info at JMI, FB

Jamie Hogg and Shannon & Henry at Rics Bar: Free entry, from 9:30pm. More info on FB

Friday 12

Lyre at Paper Moon: Free, Licensed BYO, from 5pm. More info on FB

Deadbeat Society, The Spaces, ROO and TOWNmusic at the New Globe Theatre: $10 entry, from 7pm. More info on FB

ÆTHER sessions: Balloons Kill Babies, Post-Dusk, Tall Pines and Xana Chambers at the Woolly Mammoth: Tickets $13.30, $15 on the door, from 8pm. More info on FB

[JAZZ] Andrew Butt Trio + at JMI Live: $10 entry, licensed ALL AGES, jams from 6pm, band from 8pm. More info at JMI, FB

Chakra Efendi, Pink Matter and Felivand at Bloodhound: $5 entry, from 8pm. Set times and More on FB

Beneb and House Hounds at HeYa Bar: Free entry, from 8:30pm. More info on FB

Zumpa, Lizzie Flynn and Dan Acfield at Retro Bar: $15 entry, from 7:30pm. More info on FB

Deadbeat Society, The Spaces, ROO and TOWNmusic at the New Globe Theatre: $10 entry, from 7pm. More info on FB

Novus Wild, Ages of Earth, BUZZkillers, Iansking and Playboimillionaire at the Greenslopes Bowls Club: Free entry, from 7pm. More info on FB

This Way North and Tullara at the Milk Factory: Tickets $16.35, from 8:30pm. More info on FB

Accomplice Collective at Lock’n’Load: Free entry, from 10pm. More info on FB

Rowan Russell at Saint Lucy: Free entry, ALL AGES, from 5pm. More info at V

Ronwyn Walker at Harlequin Jack: Free entry, from 7pm. More info on FB

Nick Fillod and Jordan J. Leigh at the Waterloo: From 7pm. More info on FB

Cheyne Starkie at the Sasquatch Bar: Free entry, from 8pm. More info on FB

Jordan Wearne, Hannah McLeod and Harris at Audrey’s Music Shop: $5 entry, from 4pm. More info on FB

Kahl Wallis at the QPAC Green Jam Stage: Free entry, ALL AGES, from 5:30pm. More info at V FB

Saturday 13

Fish Lane Festival: Kerbside Collection, Mark Lowndes, Dave Orr Band, Tiani Khasi and Ella Haber at Fish Lane: Free, ALL AGES, from 12pm. Set times and more on FB

The Demon Drink, Mode Atlanta, Pin That Puppy and Empanic at the Triffid: Free entry, from 7pm. More info on FB

Dappled Cities (NSW) at Jet Black Cat Music: Free entry, ALL AGES, from 3pm. More info on FB

[JAZZ] Kayleigh Pincott at Metro Arts: $15/$20 entry, from 8pm. More info on FB

Oliver Tank (NSW) and Guests at the Foundry: Tickets $17.85, doors at 8pm. More info on FB

Beast Machine, Whiskey & Speed, The_MOLOTOV, Adriatic and Massic at the Back Room: $10 entry, from 7pm. More info on FB

Tracks Band, The Demon Drink, Mode Atlanta, Pin That Puppy and Empanic at the Triffid: Free entry, from 7pm. More info on FB

Stinkbugs, Dangermen, Extrafoxx, EyesNinety and BusyMen at the Stones Corner Hotel: $10 entry, doors at 7pm, music from 8:30pm. Set times and more info on FB

That Red Head (NSW), Little Billie and PC & the Biffs at Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall: From 7pm, more info on FB

Benny Mayhem, Flangipanis and Jud Campbell Music at Fat Louie’s: Free entry, from 8pm. More info on FB

Band of Frequencies and Andrea Kirwin at the Boundary Hotel: Free entry, from 8pm. More info on FB

Jordan Merrick, Amela and Aidan Geraghty at Sonny’s House of Blues: $10 entry, from 8pm. More info on FB

Punktilious, Goatzilla , Fat and Eat City at the New Globe Theatre: Tickets $8, from 8pm. More info on FB

Electric Zebra and Die For Mushies at Rics Bar: Free entry, from 8pm. More info on FB

[JAZZ] Cigany Weaver at Lock’n’Load: free entry, from 10pm. More info on FB

Port Royal, Belrose and Roadhouse at the Woolly Mammoth: Tickets $13.30, doors at 8:30pm. More info on FB

Sunday 14

Nonsemble [EP launch] with Lucy Star Satellite at the Brisbane Powerhouse: Free entry, from 3:30pm. More info on FB

Mousseline, McKisko and St Augustus at the Junk Bar: $10 entry, doors at 6pm. More info on FB

Transvaal Diamond Syndicate, Byron Short & The Sunset Junkies, Spook Hill and Scotty Regan at the Haunt: $10 entry, $5 if you’re a 4zZz subscriber, from 1pm. More info on FB

Cliff Draper at Can You Keep a Secret: From 5pm. More info on FB

Planet Clare and Shane Fell at Salisbury Community Sports Club: From 12:30pm, more info on FB

Lucky Lips at Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall: Free entry, from 3:30pm. More info on FB

The Stiltskins at Lock’n’Load: Free entry, from 3pm. More info on FB

Matty James and Cheyne Starkie at the Milk Factory: $15 entry, from 4pm. More info on FB

Cody Jones and The Lost Company , The Songs of Tom Smith, Gutter Birds and Planet Clare at the Foundry: Free entry, from 4pm. More info on FB

Gary Shepherd and 3 Miles from Texas at Magda Community Arts: $20, 6:30-10pm. More info on website

Monday 15

The Elliotts (VIC) at Rics Bar: Free entry, from 8:30pm. More info on FB

Tuesday 16

Cloudstreet and Angela Toohey Trio at New Farm Bowls Club: $10, blackboard from 7:30pm, main acts from 8:15pm. More info on website

#brisbane live music guide #gig guide #brisbane #brisbane gig guide

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