News Articles
Sweet Intentions
Original content copyright 2002 to Brisbane News Australia
Original article is at: Our Brisbane.com
Date: 20 November, 2002
By: Trent Dalton
New Zealand singer-songwriter Bic Runga takes inspiration from simple, everyday moments Bic Runga likes Ella Fitzgerald, the Mamas and the Papas, Yoko Ono, Oliver Sacks, Picasso, Billie Holiday, J.D. Salinger and toast. The Kiwi singer-songwriter also has a penchant for Chanel eyeshadow, Yves Saint Laurent underwear, Cuban cigars - though they are bad for her voice - and music by The Smiths. But she doesn't like genetic engineering.
Bic, 26, hit the big time with the beautiful single Sway and the album Drive, which sold a bundle in her home country, where she is absolutely huge. Her latest album, Beautiful Collision, is a mix of all these influences, and then some.
Taking three years to make, it's easily one of the best albums of the year and touches on all her inspirations - "weather, the sky, clouds, a beautiful piece of fabric, a texture, the way the light will catch someone's face and make them look different for a second".
So, Bic, with so much swimming around in your head .
How's your state of mind?
I've just done a whole lot of writing, so I'm just clearing my head because when you've got a string of interviews for the day it's easy to think of it as therapy and it's not. I just free write for about half an hour, and I often have an epiphany in the mornings.
What's your greatest strength?
My drive. I'm driven by making a career that's really honest and pure. I don't want to water it down for other people or the music industry. Integrity, I suppose, is what I'm trying to say.
What's your greatest weakness?
I worry too much. I worry when things are going badly and when things are going well. There's no rhyme or reason for my worrying.
What do you believe in?
Creativity. It's one of the nicest things about being a human being.
What was your greatest deed?
I'm always mindful of doing what I say I'm going to do. Even if it takes months to do it. Even if it's just sending records to the crew who worked on a video; it might not happen till Christmas, but it will happen.
Can you recite a line of poetry?
My all-time favourite Leonard Cohen poem is just three lines and it goes: "Marita, please find me, I'm almost 30."
What did you dream about last night?
I had a dream that we were playing a show but everyone was dressed as a different vegetable. There's something in that.
What's your most vivid childhood memory?
Just sitting with my dog Tramp and feeling like we were old souls together.
Who are your heroes?
Neil Young and David Bowie.
Who do you find the most beautiful person in the world?
The young Bob Dylan. He was exquisite.
What's in your pockets right now?
There's nothing in my pockets because I'm wearing my boyfriend's boxer shorts.
What CD can't you do without?
Led Zeppelin Remasters.
Can you tell us a joke?
A fluffy duck walks into a bar and the barman laughs and says, `Hey, we've got a drink named after you', and the fluffy duck says, `What, Ian?'.
If you could change your name what would you call yourself?
Ted.
What event in your life has had the greatest impact on you?
My dad nearly dying. He had a heart attack. It's taught me to cherish the people in your life. We're all going to die, and that's not something to be scared of.
What's the meaning of life?
To do the work on yourself that you need to do before you die. To evolve and get rid of your baggage.
Any famous last words?
Don't buy genetically engineered food.
* Bic Runga plays the Tivoli Theatre
next Wednesday (27 November).
Original content copyright 2002 to Brisbane News
