Things are about to get silly (lyrically speaking) as Playschool alum, Aussie TV ledge and fellow mum of three, Justine Clarke, kicks off her new Silly Songs tour on 22 September at the Sydney Opera House. We talk songwriting, inspiring young musicians and even bad habits with the Ta Da star…
TLH: what are you most excited for ahead of your Silly Songs tour?
JC: Most exciting for me is to involve the audience as much as possible; I’m always looking out for new ways to engage everyone in the crowd and make sure everyone leaves feeling a bit happier and energised (which is hard if you’re a sleep deprived parent I know!)
TLH: what do you love most about performing live?
JC: Every performance is different, every audience is different and I enjoy adapting to that. It’s about all being in the moment together.
TLH: what are 3 things your fans may not know about you?
JC: I’m addicted to my favourite podcasts
I love cooking
I bite my nails
TLH: what is your favourite thing about working with kids?
JC: Hearing their tuneful wobbly excited little voices singing and seeing and feeling their energy in the room. They are the craziest funniest most appreciative audience.
TLH: a Mum of three and super successful Australian household name; how do you strike a good balance between motherhood and career?
JC: I don’t strike it all the time and it’s something I constantly assess based mainly on my need to be around my kids, to know who they are and where they are at, they are pretty fine without me! I have to feel that connection to them, to their lives. Balance is not passive or calm, to balance takes focus and practice and sometime you fall over coz you’ve leaned too far one way.
TLH: where do you draw inspiration from when you write songs and what’s your favourite part about the process?
JC: Collaboration is my favourite part, I always write with people because it’s just more fun and you must start from a place of excitement. I draw inspiration from the silly things, the beautiful things and from children around me too, as an actor I can tap into my inner 4 year old pretty easily too.
TLH: in your opinion, why is it important for children to be exposed to music from early on?
JC: It’s a universal language, it unites us, it encourages listening (which I think is one of the most important skills to learn) it promotes articulation and communication. Kids are naturally drawn to music they hear it and either freeze or dance. It’s one of the unique aspects of what makes us human.
TLH: what advice would you give to young aspiring musicians?
JC: Play, practice, listen, write and sing sing sing!!!!
TLH: what is your favourite song to belt out at the bar/in the car/for karaoke?
JC: Islands In The Stream is the best, I like to just ask anyone if they’d like to join me.
TLH: movie roles, a TV show, live tours and so much more to your name; what’s next for the fabulous Justine Clarke?
JC: I’m really focusing on my Silly Songs Tour, there’s so much to do and for once I have no other distraction! I’m excited!
Justine’s Silly Songs Tour runs from Saturday 22 September at the Sydney Opera House until 13 October in Adelaide. For information on where you can catch the show and to buy tickets, click here.