Singer/songwriter Vanessa Delaine’s music encompasses an original blend of Country, Blues Folk and Roots. Delaine has won more than 50 awards at international film festivals, songwriting contests and for performance for her videos and songs and had 9 Top40 Charting songs (Australia, Tasmania, Europe and the USA)
What first got you into music?
I used to watch my dad sing and entertain people with his songs and funny stories. So, I started learning guitar at 11, sang in public at 12 and songwriting began at 13 years old.
Who inspired you to make music?
As a child, I remember hearing a woman singing a song on the radio and deciding that I wanted to have my songs on the radio. Then I watched some kids singing on a Telethon and wanted to sing on TV. I loved That’s Country TV show.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
A bit of everything. Heartfelt, funny, deeper meaning and just fun.
Are you finding the isolation of the pandemic conducive to your writing, or is it hindering the experiences about which you can write?
The pandemic was good for me as I released my “One Girl Band 25 Year” Album and has a lot of success with it. Also recorded my “Standing in Line” Album.
Have you got a ritual of sorts when writing and thinking about your music?
Over the last 12 months, I have written over 100 songs, so my creative process has gotten into a good groove. While I used to work on music and lyrics together, now I focus on lyrics first, then chords then record an arrangement of the song including guide vocals, guide guitar and a drum track. So, I have prepared it for recording it at some point down the track.
In your opinion, how do artists in this industry stay on top of the game when faced with so much competition? What is the secret to making yourself noticed?
To not relate to it as a competition. We all bring something new and unique to the world. You can be inspired by others and use it to light your own passion, but success is a demonstration of your faith in your art.
What is the best advice you have been given?
The most recent best advice I was given was to value music as priceless art. And not as it is valued by streaming platforms. I have had people contact me to tell me that a song meant so much to them. How could I ever put a price on that.
What are your ambitions as a songwriter and musician from here?
I want to be the best songwriter I can be. I am very proud of what I have written, and the more I write, the more I find the world makes sense. So, is it my therapy? Maybe, but it also is more and more turning me into who I always wanted to be.
I have a lot of songs to record, and I want to not only do that but to reach and touch the hearts of many people.
Would you have any advice for would-be artists or songwriters wanting to follow you?
Listen to as much music as you possibly can. You will learn to appreciate what others create, and it will help you and inspire you to create your best work.
Vanessa talks about her new song ‘Invisible’
“Invisible is a beautiful story about someone who feels invisible, although our character is wishing to be noticed, and she is quite fixated on him. We are reminded that nothing ever changes in that situation because it can’t. You can only give love to someone who is open to accepting it and other people’s actions, or lack of actions, in no way determine our value. The song has many layers, also addressing that we shouldn’t have to turn ourselves inside out to get the approval of someone or something. Everyone deserves to feel known, loved, appreciated, and respected. Since writing this song, I have heard so many people talk of times they felt invisible, and it is appearing to be more widespread than many people are willing to acknowledge. I hope this song brings hope to people, and they feel visible.”
