Shelley Segal Background Noises Interview

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Shelley Segal Background Noises Interview

Having just returned from a huge 40-date tour in the US, spirited Melbourne singer songwriter, Shelley Segal has announced the release of her new single, Background Noises. The flirtatious storyteller will hit the road for a string of national dates kicking off in Perth on November 18, moving through Adelaide, on to Victoria to play Dromana, Bennetts Lane and Paynesville, Brisbane, Albury, back to Adelaide and then home to Melbourne to complete the tour at Shelley's regular Collins Square residency on December 18.

Lifted from her Strange Feeling EP (released May 2015), Background Noises is a blissfully lush and layered song, full of strings, keys and horns. Background Noises shows a more vulnerable and delicate side to the prolific and often opinionated singer songwriter. Written after the divorce of close friends and trying to imagine the situation from their perspective, Shelley explains, 'The chorus seems to mean something different to me each time I sing it. Sometimes a shock, a deep loss, a painful reminder, an acceptance, a coming to terms with, a finality, a longing, an assertiveness, a future, a determinedness. As such a change would at different times of reflection. It's not just a love or relationship lost but a physical place - a space and time that was all encompassing and is now gone."

Shot and directed by Vince Lamberti (Bus Stop: Best Short Film 2011 Fist Full of Films Festival), the video clip is a visual expression of the song. 'It's documenting the loss of the spaces that vanish with drastic change and the accompanying pain and sadness," explains Shelley. 'It also touches on the positives of the growth and gains that can come after loss."

An engaged and passionate touring artist, Shelley is eager to be back in Australia and share her recent experiences on stage with her local fans. 'I'm excited to be back in Aus and to share what I've built: A space to reflect on the everyday, to see the layers of meaning behind each experience and how they shape us and our world," she enthuses.

Strange Feeling (2015) fits seamlessly in to Shelley's impressive back catalogue of releases, from her internationally inspired pop album, An Easy Escape (2013) through to her folk-pop protest record, An Atheist Album (2012) and collaborative Jazz album with Adam Levy (Norah Jones, Tracy Chapman), Little March (2013). Shelley also wrote and recorded award-winning track, Chemistry, with DJ Carl Cox, which spent two weeks at #1 on the dance charts in 2011.

View the clip for Background Noises

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Interview with Shelley Segal

Question: How would you describe Background Noises?

Shelley Segal: Background Noises is a track about the space and time that vanishes with drastic change.

Mercurial vocals, delicate through the verses and lush string arrangements and fulminating during the change of pace over an affirming horn section.

Question: Where did the inspiration for Background Noises come from?

Shelley Segal: The song was inspired by the divorce of my friends. I tried to imagine what it would feel like to experience such a significant change after such a long time.

Question: Was it difficult to show a softer side with Background Noises?

Shelley Segal: Not really, just different. There are moments of vulnerability in making observations of a personal loss or moments of vulnerability in describing your emotions and responses to the political or more outwardly focused. Other single releases felt forthright and affirming which is sometimes easier to express.

Question: What did you learn about yourself during this experience?

Shelley Segal: I reflected on how I look at relationships in a different way and I've learnt from audience responses how resonating the experience can be.

Question: Can you talk us through the experience of filming the video clip for Background Noises?

Shelley Segal: The video was created by cinematographer and director Vincent Lamberti. We wanted to find a way to express the idea of the song visually and he came up with the disappearing scene. Household items vanish over both choruses leaving a bare room which is eventually refilled. Vincent's stunning shots lend a beautiful tone to what is a pretty sad clip.

Question: What should we expect from the upcoming tour?

Shelley Segal: I'm off the back of a 40 date US tour and am feeling pumped to be back on the road in Australia. I'll be playing a mix of band shows, solo acoustics and duo shows. I'm heading to WA (Perth), QLD (Brisbane), NSW (Albury,Sydney), SA (Adelaide).

Question: What do you enjoy most about performing?

Shelley Segal: I love the element of expression. Singing, playing guitar and doing both together feels so good, especially when you're in the 'zone.' Combined with sharing your ideas and creations (songs) it is an empowering and fulfilling experience. I also love connecting with people. Knowing that what you are doing is going to resonate with people, give them a moment to reflect, feel understood, empowered, less alone, emboldened is an amazing exchange to be a part of!

Question: What was it like playing in the USA?

Shelley Segal: It was exhilarating. This was my 9th tour of the US and it is always exciting being there, being on the road, getting to meet fans, seeing new cities, new venues. I played such varied venues. From conference centres, riverbanks and pizza shops to a candy store!

Question: What music/artists are you currently listening to?

Shelley Segal: On tour my road manager and I listened to a lot of Gwen Stefani, Beyonce, Josh Pyke and Dire Straights. A good mix of other stuff but those artists where a mainstay for many hours on the road.

Question: What's next for you?

Shelley Segal: After this Aussie tour it will be back to the studio to do it all again! Very excited about what I'll be coming out with next but enjoying this tour as it comes :)

Interview by Brooke Hunter

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Shelley Segal Background Noises Interview

Shelley Segal Background Noises Interview

Interview with Shelley Segal

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