Since winning Triple J’s Unearthed High as an 18 year old in 2012, Tasmanian singer-songwriter prodigy Asta has been very busy touring, recording and collaborating with various artists across the country. Later this month she will be releasing her long awaited debut EP Shine. While Shine embraces the indie pop sound that won the hearts of Triple J listeners nationwide back in 2012, it also marks her emergence into the “pop-funk” world that she has long admired. We were lucky enough to speak to her about this transition to her “signature sound”, as well as working with artists such as YEO and Aurelia on the record, touring with Ellie Goulding and the experience of performing in her home state.
I’m sure it’s been a whirlwind five years for you since winning Unearthed High at age 17 back in 2012. How does it feel to finally be releasing your debut EP?
It feels like really good! Almost relief, like I’ve finally got something to show. It’s been such a journey but it feels like the right time for me to show my hidden treasures to the world.
Of the five tracks on Shine, is there one that stands out that you are particularly proud of?
I really love a track on there called ‘Doin What You Want’. It’s quite a pop-funk track that’s super fun and basically the message is just keep doing what you want!
On this EP you got to write and collaborate with YEO and Aurelia. How would you describe their influence on the production of the EP?
Yeo is a huge influence on the EP. I really wanted him to bring the funk to my pop so it was the perfect combo. Aurelia is a long term writer and friend of mine who has been there since the Dynamite days so I really wanted her there to help with melody and she’s just such a cool lady to be with!
You mentioned on the press release that with Shine you feel like you’ve finally found your “sound”. How would you describe Asta’s signature sound?
Its pop-funk really. Artists that inspire me would have to be Bruno mars and Mark Ronson, so I think you can hear that somewhere on the record. My music is fun and I just want people to have a good time and feel good about themselves.
Now that you’ve discovered this signature sound should we expect more of it in forthcoming releases or do you think it’s something that will continue to evolve?
I think I am always open to new sounds and ideas and I get really excited when I hear something I haven’t heard before in the pop world so yeah I don’t want to settle down really just yet, there are so many more genres out there I’d like to taste, the R & B world might be next!
I’m sure there’s a lot in store for you this year. Once this EP is out, what do you hope to achieve in 2017?
To stay calm, focused and happy! But also to just take things as they come, I’ve stopped expecting things and just being grateful for whatever happens but my dreams will never fade, I’m still that girl from Tassie that wants the world.
You’ve spent a fair bit of time supporting Ellie Goulding on her Australian tours, what have you learned from her?
Her shows are so huge it’s really mind blowing to watch. The amount of work and rehearsals that go into an arena show is pretty crazy so it was really inspiring to watch.The Shine Tour concludes with shows in Hobart and Launceston. What’s the experience like of performing in your home state?
A lot of pressure actually! I feel so nervous before a show because I really don’t want to disappoint my home crowd but as soon as I get on stage every one is so happy and just out to have a good time!
Top image: Michael Naumoff
Second image: Luke Barker
