Rachel Parkinson

GIRL.COM.AU - 'STARS OF TOMORROW' SERIES

Rachel Parkinson is a Melbourne-based singer/songwriter/guitarist. With her gutsy and dynamic style of performing, Rachel cites her influences as Ani Difranco, Suzanne Vega, They Might Be Giants, Dido and Jeff Lang. Regularly playing gigs around Melbourne both as part of a girly, acoustic duo called Frenulum and as a solo artist, Rachel has also played in Alice Springs supporting the band, NoKTuRNL.

This month we profile Rachel Parkinson as our Star of Tomorrow.

Stage Name: Rachel Parkinson.Boring and unimaginative I know, but it helps me remain stable.

Age: ooohhh 20?

Location: Melbourne

Music Genre: Acoustic/pop/rock/girly folk

When did you realise that music was your passion? When I was eight. I used to write tunes on the recorder. Ouch!

List three musical influences: Ainsley Dunbar (Whitesnake, Eric Burdon and The Animals, Jefferson Starship), Suzanne Vega, Ani Di Franco. Can I have more than three? Dido, Jeff Lang, Nick Barker, Parliament, Sheryl Crow.

How many years have you been performing? About ten years. First as a drummer in an all-chick band in Sydney, then in Melbourne in some really crap bands. About 18 months ago I decided to try the solo thing because no one could handle playing in a band with me for very long. Probably because I am difficult. Unfortunately there is not much of a market for solo drummers, so I had to learn how to sing and play guitar. It is great. I should've done it years ago. It is so easy turning up to a gig with one guitar and one small bag. I am smart now; if I ever play drums in a band again, I will hire someone to carry all my gear.

Do you write your own material? Yes. And I steal some too.

Have you found the Internet to be helpful/useful in fast-tracking your music career? The Internet is fantastic! In the early nineties if you had a mailing list, it meant you had to send people flyers by mail to promote your gigs, which was expensive and time consuming. When you wanted to send promo material to people you had to post them a CD and a bio. Now, however, with mailing lists you send one email to everyone, then direct them to your website for info and demo material. It is very, very useful. I don't know what I'd do without it.

In following your dream, who has helped you along the way? My mum and dad bought me my first drum kit. The poor things had to listen to me bash out crappy rudiments for years before they kicked me out. Oh, loads of people. People from eighties bands, my friends… blah blah blah.

Is there anything you wish you could change about the music industry? More venues, more punters, more money, less ego, more smiles.

What advice can you offer to other budding young artists? Get a real job instead.

Where do you envision yourself in 5 years time? I'll probably be working in a shop fitting shoes on smelly, fat woman. Or in jail.

Where can people purchase/listen to your music? www.rachelparkinson.tk

GIRL'S 60 SECOND QUIZ

Full Name: Professor Rachel Petunia Parkingzone
Nickname(s): Petunia, Parki, Cauliflower.
Star Sign: Aries

Fave Food: Rachel's Surprise Five Minute Vegetable Bog.
Fave Film: The Great Escape.
Fave Actor: Sidney Poitier
Fave Animal: Audrey. She's my cat

Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Naughty, happy, hairy.
Best Feature: Hair
Worst Feature: Knees
Person You Would Most Like To Meet: Oscar Wilde. Or Bert Newton. He is so funny!
Hobbies/Interests: Gardening, food, co-hosting silly shows like The Comic Box on Channel 31 in Melbourne on Friday nights at 11pm, Scrabble. Oh, and music.

First Job: In a cinema in Sydney.
A Talent You Wish You Had: To be able to play the piano and to be a great songwriter. And to be a great singer. And a great guitarist. And to be able to ride a unicycle.
The Best Advice Given To You: Take your toothbrush with you - you never know where you'll end up.
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: My house keys. That way there is a high chance I'll be able to get back inside again when I get home.
If you were a cartoon character, which one would you be? Aquaman
If you were told you had a minute to live, what would you do? Eat.


N.B.: If you would like to nominate a Star of Tomorrow, email michelle@girl.com.au, include a brief biography of the person you are nominating and tell us why they are the next big thing!