How did you feel when you were chosen to Play the Music at Song Summit in 2010 – did it come as a surprise?

Yes, it did! I was asked to perform as an up and coming artist, which was a great gift to me, seeing as I had only recently gone solo and was finding it difficult to navigate after having been known as Frente for so long. You seldom get opportunities like that.

What doors did this opportunity open for your music career?

I was given the chance to perform in front of people in the industry that I wouldn’t normally see and for some of my peers. It was a bit of an, ‘aha, so that’s you and that’s what you do!’ moment, for them and for me.

Who did you meet as a result of participating? What did you learn?

I really valued the chance to get to know all of the APRA staff better and to meet some musicians from other parts of the country or people in different fields of the music industry. Nick O’Byrne was inspiring to talk to about his work with AIR, and Charles Jenkins now asks me to participate in his song-writing workshops, which has been a wonderful experience for me in learning how to share my knowledge in a constructive setting.

How valuable was the feedback you received on your performance?

The best and most believable feedback is from your peers. It was validating, to say the least.

What was the highlight of your whole Song Summit experience?

Leading my first song-writing workshop – it was terrifying and fantastic. I got so much out of putting myself out there in front of a group, with my limitations and my strengths on display and open for discussion. Liberating? Oh yeah!

What’s an important lesson you took away from Song Summit in 2010?

That I need to remember to get out of the vacuum that working by myself at home creates. It keeps things fresh, inspired and meaningful to go leave the house and go to conferences, gigs and workshops. They give you a reference point to keep going and remind you why you do this crazy thing in the first place!

What’s in store for you and your music this year?

I’ve been writing for my next album, so I hope to record later this year. I’m also collaborating on a couple of side-projects, just to keep things exciting. Other than that, I am at school, learning about music theory and expanding my digital recording knowledge. Stretching my brain.