Help LightFM choose who will be the next person to wow Melbourne - just like Vita Adam did last year.
On Wednesday 8th September, we profiled Mindies finalists Oak & Willow.
(don't forget to check out other artists too)
You can see, hear and read all about Oak & Willow and their music below. Then, on Wednesday 8th September, make sure you listen to LightFM all day to hear Oak & Willow's music and find out all about them. Luke and Lucy to wake you up, Clayton Bjelan in the morning, Dan Veling in the afternoon, Cass and Kel to bring you home, and Jesse Smith on Melbourne's Night Alive.
See and hear Oak & Willow
In August Oak & Willow performed in front of an audience comprising Mindies judges and other Mindies finalists - hear their song and check out how they went!
All about Jon & Isabel from Oak & Willow
What is your favourite colour?
Jon: yellow – I’ve always loved yellow
Isabel: White, I know, technically it’s not a colour, or is that black, I can’t quite remember. But I love the purity and the light of it.
What's your favourite childhood toy?
Jon: A wooden trapeze artist (it span around on metal beams – simple pleasures)
Isabel: Although me and Barbie had a long friendship, my grandmother used to make rag-dolls for us, and they were beautiful, and I would hold one in my hand through many childhood adventures.
What's your all time favourite movie?
Jon: The Breakfast Club.
I really like John Hughes movies. It has a great soundtrack (including Don’t You (Forget about me) by Simple Minds) and I love the mix of personalities that are thrown together and how they learn to get along.
Isabel: Oh so many, I like Love Actually, Eagle vs. Shard, Amelie, and White Elephant. I guess I would have to pick Bright Star, Ben Whishaw is so incredible and the photography and music are lovely. There’s such an honesty to it, the mistakes, and occasional grubbiness, shot so delicately.
Name a song that picks you up when you’re feeling down.
Jon: You are the best thing b
y Ray LaMontagne (from the album ‘Gossip in the Grain’) T
his song reminds me of old classic soul records. It’s a favourite for dancing around the kitchen at home with my little girl. It reminds me of all the wonderful people in my life.
Isabel: 12:59 Lullaby by Bedouin Soundclash. One of my good friends played it for me, and it never fails to make me smile. Really interesting mix of tunes, and beats in it.
How long have you been singing?
Jon: I’ve been singing since I was wee boy. I asked for singing lessons when I was at Primary School and sang in the Glasgow Youth Choir in Scotland. I’ve been writing songs for about 12 years and finally getting round to singing them to people – it’s a great opportunity to be able to share the gifts that we’re given.
Isabel: I started singing when I was quite young, but not really with the intention of doing anything with it, but it has always been something that makes me happy, it’s a wonderful way to express all the experience and emotions you feel and see. I sang in choirs and at school concerts like a lot of kids, and I had an immensely inspiring singing teacher for two years and she taught me a lot about how to connect your feelings and your words, not just technique.
Which artist or band inspires you most?
Jon: I have really eclectic musical tastes. Everything ranging from old blues to experimental electronic music – oh and I love pop. If I had to pick one artist that I’ve listened to most in the last decade, it would probably be the English singer-songwriter Nick Drake. His music has a gentleness and humility that few have been able to match. He was a great guitarist and songwriter – I enjoy his musicality and the lyrics to his songs. Well worth checking out if you like acoustic music.
Isabel: It changes, there are so many exciting groups in the music industry, one that constantly inspires me is Johnny Flynn, an English folk artist, he has such a unique sound, and his songs are so evidently his. I went and saw him at the hi-fi the other week, and his genuine, sweet and careful personality were just as interesting as his harmonies, and lyrics. Look, it’s a massive crush.
Do you have a dream as to where you would like your music to take you?
Jon: I’m excited to be able to share our music – it’s been brewing for over a decade. Hopefully it’s improved with age. I hope people can be uplifted by ‘Any Day Now’ in particular, to realize that the world can and will change. Isabel and I are just beginning to explore our shared sound, the potential is rather exciting. It would be a blessing to be able to share our songs with whoever would like to listen, wherever that may be…
Isabel: Definitely, I would love to play for as many people as I can, I want to have at least one person hear my music, and hear a message in it that makes them feel something. Jon, and I have just recently begun to collaborate so it’s a fresh vision.
How would you describe your style of music?
Jon: Honest folk pop
Isabel: Honest folk.
Don't forget to check out the other Mindies artists too!
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