Leanne Tennant Bring It All Back Interview

Leanne Tennant Dishes Out New Sounds and Challenges Closed-Minded Opinion On "Bring It All Back"

A bit MØ, a little bit of BANKS, and the musical answer to what would have been if Lana Del Rey had been a bit happier, Leanne Tennant released "Cherry Cola" earlier this year, which was internationally lauded including official rotation on Double J, 2SERand was premiered on BBC Radio. Now she returns with "Bring It All Back" premiered by Atwood Magazine, which flaunts thick bass-lines, catchy guitar licks and Leanne's signature silky vocals - OUT NOW.

Winning the prestigious Carol Lloyd Award in 2018, Leanne Tennant headed into the studio to record her third album, produced by Konstantin Kersting (Mallrat, The Belligerents, Tia Gostelow). Having financial strain lifted from her shoulders mean that she was able to experiment and follow sounds she hasn't been able to in the past. "I had a lot of fun this time around experimenting with different sounds, and different producers which is something I've not had the luxury of doing prior to receiving the Carol Lloyd Award."

The recording sessions have resulted in a fresh sound and direction, one she calls exhilarating – and certainly reveals her best work to date. Whilst staying true to her alternative tones, Tennant has diversified to reveal a bold, new and intoxicating evolution of her style.

Her new single "Bring It All Back" is about a conversation between two people with opposing views, and leans into the current social climate, "it's about one person who is willing to challenge their own thoughts and ideas, however failing in epic proportions as they're stuck communicating with someone that has their mind set and refuses to generate alternative perceptions."

Since releasing her first album in 2015 (Pull Up Your Britches) Leanne Tennant has built rapid momentum and collected a host of accolades including nominations for the Grant McLennan Fellowship, Australian Artist of The Year (AU Review), twice winningQueensland Music Awards and earning a nomination for a third QMA in 2019. She has also toured sell-out shows and landed coveted festival appearances at BIGSOUND, Woodford Folk Festival, Commonwealth Games and Port Fairy Folk Festival. Her albums have received support from radio across Australia and across the globe, ZUUS Media (US), BBC Radio (UK).

Interview with Leanne Tennant

Question: Can you tell us about Bring it All Back?

Leanne Tennant: I wrote this song after joining a songwriting group called, I Heart Songwriting Club. I was struggling with a bit of writers block so I joined this group where they give you the task of completing a song each week and then the group gives you constructive feedback. It was a great way to not overthink things and not be too precious with the song. It's written about two people in conversation with opposing viewpoints. Whilst one person is open minded enough to challenge their own viewpoint and hear what the other has to say, it proves to be futile as they're stuck conversing with someone with a fixed mindset.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Leanne Tennant: Whilst writing this album I realised what actually motivates me the most, is just showing up each day and writing. I used to wait for creativity and inspiration to strike however life is hectic and so is my brain, so I discovered that by putting time aside each day to be creative it motivated me each day that followed to continue being creative.


Question: How would you describe your music?

Leanne Tennant: I guess I would describe it as Nonrestrictive. I enjoy listening to so many different styles of music that that I can't help but let those influences bleed through into my work. If you also like a broad range of music, you'll probably like my stuff.

Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Leanne Tennant: Being in the studio is my happy place. Whilst performing has its special moments, I love writing and I love recording with all my being. I would be completely happy if one day I just dropped out of society, lived in a cabin somewhere and wrote and released music for the rest of my existence.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Leanne Tennant: At the moment it's Bring It All Back! It's just one of those songs that I feel comfortable playing regardless of whether I'm with the band or not. There's also another track which will be on the album that is my all-time favourite song to perform live. It means a lot to me so I get the feels each time I play it. You'll have to wait to hear that one…


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Leanne Tennant: Brooks Neilsen from the Growlers would have to be up there and Myf Warhurst; I'm such a long time Myf Warhurst fan.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Leanne Tennant: There's a great act called The Raveonettes who I'm really getting in to. There's so much great music out there, but these guys are gaining a bit of rotation through my kitchen speakers.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?
Leanne Tennant: I don't think I ever really intended to be in the 'music industry as such. I just really wanted to write music, and that was it. There were definitely artists when I was growing up that inspired me to write music but performing was just something I had to do in order for people to be able to hear my writings. The 'music industry' causes me a bit of pain and anxiety so I guess the people that inspire me to remain in it are those artists who are successfully releasing music as Independent Artists and those who manage to do this whilst raising a family.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Leanne Tennant: I'm a big Jack River fan so that would be a bit of a dream, I'm also obsessed with K-Flay so if you know how to get in touch with her then please send me a sneaky email.


Question: Can you share your socials?

Leanne Tennant: www.facebook.com/leannetennantmusic
@leannemarietennant
@leannetennant
www.leannetennant.com


Interview by Brooke Hunter