Following on from a string of impactful offerings these last few months, London-based Australian artist Ebony Buckle is back once again to unveil her eagerly-awaited new album 'Hearts Get Started'.
Featuring the previously shared gems 'Fall Behind', 'Golden Sand', and 'I Think I Just Saved My Own Life', this new ten-track collection makes for a dazzling listen throughout. Filled with warm and emotive textures, a shimmering atmosphere, and her own mesmerising vocals at the helm, 'Hearts Get Started' continues to cement her as one of the more endearing names doing the rounds right now.
So with the new album available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I started playing the violin and piano when I was 7. I mainly learned classical music but I think it was singing that I really and truly connected with. Being able to express myself by writing stories as songs is something I have always done, ever since I can remember. I’ve studied opera singing and musical theatre and now singing my own music I’m constantly fascinated by how many different ways there are to use your voice. it’s always evolving and I find that really exciting.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up listening to so many different types of music, from Sondheim to The Cranberries, Enya, Judy Collins, Catatonia, Madonna, Tori Amos, Kate Bush, David Bowie, and many many more.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I think it was a CD single of Britney Spears…Hit me baby one more time. Obviously.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Regina Spektor’s “Spacetime Fairytale” is an absolute masterpiece and is something that inspires me to always push the boundaries of what songwriting can be in my own music.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I like to go for a walk and clear my mind. Then I often light a candle and do a card reading. I have these lunar oracle cards that often wake up some inspiration in me. And then I write poems. Sometimes I just have a phrase stuck in my head and I will sit down at the piano and try to see what’s there. I have a patreon and I share a song every month and a poem every week. Writing these poems has been so helpful because it keeps my brain actively creative and often these poems will turn into songs at a later date. Sometimes I read the New Scientist which gives me loads of ideas and just puts my brain in that curious space that I find helpful for songwriting. There’s no self-judgement when you’re being curious.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I often listen to Imogen Heap on repeat, but there are also some really incredible independent artists I absolutely love, like Lexi Berg, Joulie Fox, Natalie Holmes, Sophie Kilburn, Ren Harvieu, Rachael Sage and a band called Solstice…which incidentally I am also in (I sing backing vocals!).
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would love to support Kate Miller Heidke. She’s an incredible Australian artist and I have loved her music right from her first album. She’s so individual and creative and that’s something I really admire. Also she represented Australia for Eurovision and I definitely want to do that!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Collaborating is one of the most wonderful parts of this career. When you have an idea in your head and then you come together with other people and they bring their own ideas and you make something that’s even better than you could ever have imagined when it was just in your head. Working with my Husband Nick Burns has been a dream. He produces our music in our home studio and I like to think he builds the musical world around my stories. We also just had our final rehearsal for our album launch show and there is no better feeling than sitting in a room full of brilliant musicians all playing music that you wrote. They all bring their own individual magic to the songs.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I think the way the music industry is built at the moment means there are so many hoops to jump through to get your music heard. Streaming really is detrimental to musicians and pays so poorly. I am very lucky to have a very supportive patreon community who are the reason I can fund the music I make. Whether it’s paying musicians to play with us, getting music videos made, PR for releases, getting vinyl/merch designed…they make it possible for me to keep going in this very unsupportive industry.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Don’t compare yourself to anyone else…can’t remember who said it but I find it a very helpful reminder.
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Ebony Buckle's new album 'Hearts Get Started' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.