From the fertile creative grounds of Victoria’s Albury-Wondonga region comes Gossling, otherwise known as singer-songwriter Helen Croome. After earning strong airplay on Triple J, Gossling is ready to take her sweet indie-pop stylings to the masses with the release of her debut EP If You Can’t Whistle and a mini tour. I caught up with Gossling today to chat about her first release, her upcoming shows, and sustainable living.
You’re about to hit the road to support the release of your debut EP If You Can’t Whistle. What can you tell me about it?
My debut EP was recorded at Sing Sing in Melbourne. I loved the recording experience and had an engineer/producer who was very patient and helpful while I experimented with arrangements and sample instruments along the way.
You’re playing shows in Melbourne and Canberra to support your EP launch. When will the rest of Australia get the chance to see you play?
Very soon. I’m really keen to play some regional shows in Victoria and tour some of the other major cities. If everything runs to plan I’ll be on the road with my band in May.
The show in Canberra should be a big one with The Whitlams and Whitley also on the bill. Are these artists you look up to as a new singer-songwriter?
I loved The Whitlams when I was growing up. Their first album was on high rotation on my bedroom CD player. I love Tim Freedman’s melodies and the thoughtful lyrical content of his songs. He has a depth to his melodies that I strive for in my own writing.
You played some big shows earlier this year supporting Lamb. What did you learn about performing live playing with such a big act?
I learnt that Lamb fans are the best fans in the world. They were such a supportive audience. I thought I would be talked over and ignored being the support act to such a well known band, but I was blown away by how attentive the crowd was during the set. Both in Melbourne and Brisbane, the crowds were amazing.
Last month you played the Sustainable Living Festival in Melbourne. Is this a cause that’s close to your heart?
Yes. It’s a cause close to my family’s heart too. I have quite a few family members who are involved in the environmental industry, so it’s easy for me to get an understanding of how important it is to respect the environment.
What steps do you take to live more sustainably?
I’m conscious of how much water I use, and so is my poor dirty car. I’ll use recyclable bags whenever shopping and try to keep packaging to a minimum. And I’ll take public transport whenever possible.
Your real name is Helen Croome. Where did the name Gossling come from?
Gossling actually comes from my Grandmother’s maiden name. I love having a connection with her through my music. She passed away before I became a songwriter so I never got to share my music with her, but I strangely feel that by using her name I’m able to share it with her.
You were originally discovered as a Triple J Unearthed artist, but they’ve been so supportive of your career since then. How important has that been to you?
The Triple J support that I have received has been incredible. Their support has opened a lot of doors for me and my music is being heard nationally. I find it mind-blowing that my music is heard all around the country. I am very grateful and indebted to Triple J.
You’re from Albury/Wodonga. For a relatively small rural area it’s produced some amazing artists including Lisa Mitchell and Lisa Maxwell. What is it about the area that fosters such great talent?
Albury/Wodonga has a wonderful performing arts and musical culture. Growing up the community would organize great music programs and performances like The Albury Eisteddfod and Blue Light Discos. Being half way between Sydney and Melbourne we’d get some great bands stopping by. Magic Dirt came countless times and were always a great show.
What does the rest of the year hold for Gossling?
Touring and a second EP. I’m excited to get back into the studio and see what happens creatively with my second EP. The songs are written and ready to go but the recording process always introduces something different to my songs and allows me to be more creative than I can in a live setting.
Gossling will play The Empress in Melbourne on March 5 and 6 and The University of Canberra with The Whitlams and Whitley on March 12. If You Can’t Whistle is available in iTunes now.
Image used with permission from Repertoire Publicity