This week, I have my first blog interview! It’s very exciting to be doing an interview and I am thrilled it is with award winning Nadia Sunde! Nadia recently won third place (children’s song category) in the International Songwriting Competition with her song, “The Goat and The Goose.”
First of all Nadia, thanks for coming to my blog and I have to say, I am so glad you are my first celebrity! I put in my votes for the peoples choice awards, but you have managed to be awarded by the industry! How are you coping with all your new found fame?
Thank you for inviting me Marion! It’s so lovely to be chatting with you. Winning third place in the International Songwriting Competition was a huge affirmation for me on my journey as a songwriter. I’ve been writing songs for many years, but the songs I’ve written for my children are the ones I hold most dear and am most proud. The Goat and The Goose is actually based on a true story about two best friends! They live in Currumbin Valley, across the road from the little Valley School, and spend all day munching grass, wandering about (sometimes perilously close to the road) and laughing at each others jokes (honk honk, maaa maaa – okay, I made that bit up). Perfect inspiration for this songwriter! The Goat and The Goose is the first track from my album, Homespun, which features a collection of songs designed to appeal to people of all ages. It’s a bit like my family album, inspired by my children, full of playful, honest and heartfelt moments – I can’t help but love it.
Your success has been result of lots of hours, days, weeks and years of hard work and dedication to your craft. Can you tell us some highlights of your journey?
In January of this year I performed the lead role in a children’s musical theatre production called Nadia’s Wish. The show was co-written by myself, Kerryanne Farrer (Pineapple Productions) and my husband Jeff. Supported by the State Library of Queensland, Nadia’s Wish ran a three week season at the SLQ auditorium. Talk about your wishes coming true! I got to play the part of a musical gypsy with a magic oven and my own GYPSY CARAVAN!!! The performance featured music from Homespun, stunning sets and costumes by Josh McIntosh, and the best supporting cast a girl could wish for: virtuoso guitarist Michael Fix on guitars and banjo, Silas Palmer on fiddle and keys, Andrew Shaw on double bass and Suzanne Hibbs on drums and percussion. Due to their worldclass performances, both in character and as themselves, and our delight in playing together, we’ve formed Nadia & The Best Band In The World!
Being a creative mum, how do you make time to practice your craft and balance a home life?
Jeff and I have two beautiful children; Mia (3) and Asher (6). My family life is huge inspiration for my creative soul and music is a natural part of our everyday. We make up songs as we set the table for dinner, while we’re putting away the groceries, getting ready for school or just driving in the car. Two days ago I took Mia shopping for new shoes – they are pink and sparkly and good for her feet! We were both so happy after our spree we sang all the way home…”Click clack, front and back. Sittin’ in the car with my best friend Jack, Turn up the music! Turn off the news! We’re goin’ to the city to buy new shoes!” We haven’t stopped singing it since! I think the extended version will make an appearance on the next album.
You seem to be very busy. Do you get enough time to take care of yourself as well as the family?
That is actually the hardest part. This past week has been particularly stressful. I worked full-time filling in as a presenter on local ABC Radio, had two major festival applications due, a magazine article to finish, finished writing two songs and completed a full days recording session! All of it was incredibly good fun. But, even good stress is still stress. I wouldn’t manage weeks like this without my vitamins, my cod liver oil, my olive leaf extract, magnesium, down time with my children and support from my husband. He is among the very best.
You do a lot of prominent concerts, do you have a manager to organise all your gigs? How do people book you for events?
I’ve been blessed with the best manager in the whole wide world! I first met Kerryanne Farrer when she worked as an organiser for the Woodford Folk Festival and as a performer in The Mint Patties – a gorgeous cabaret act celebrating the music of the 60s girl bands in splendid style! These days she operates her own production company – Pineapple Productions – working in children’s music and theatre. She’s incredibly experienced, innovative and inspired and we’re having a ball together!
Where do we buy your CD?
Please visit my website – www.nadiasunde.com – and follow the links. It’s also available on iTunes. Alternatively, I’d love to see you on facebook! Our fan page is ‘Nadia Sunde Homespun Music’.
Where and when will you be performing or appearing next?
You can find me performing regularly as a guest at various children’s markets, eg: Mathilda’s Market and The Butterfly Tree Markets. By subscribing on my website, or facebook fan page, you’ll also receive updates of Nadia & The Best Band In The World’s latest adventures and upcoming gigs.
Thanks for being my very first interview and I am so pleased you won a place in the competition. I bet you will come first next year!
It was such a delight to speak with you Marion! Thank you so much for your support. I look forward to seeing you very soon. xo Nadia
“The Goat and The Goose” is on Nadia’s new album ‘Homespun’.
You can see and hear more here: www.nadiasunde.com
Thank you everyone for joining me in my first blog interview. I had fun and if anyone else out there is interested, I’ll be looking for my second interview soon!! Please feel free to comment below.
Thanks
Marion xo