LIGHTS OUT TO LIGHT UP

Rhea Robertson, musician, lyricist, adventurer, talks to Stephanie Pickett about her upcoming EP ‘Lights Out’.

What an extraordinary contradiction titling an EP ‘Lights Out’ when it is written, recorded and performed by someone whose lights are most definitely switched on. 

It’s not only her natural spark that illuminates the room, but Rhea Robertson’s outlook on life and her music career inspires those around her to also be lit up.

December 13^th at The Loft in Chevron Island is where you’ll finally be able to get a hold of her new creation. 

Scott French from A French Butler Called Smith recorded the EP at Lovestreet Studios on the Gold Coast, a process which Rhea defined as “an amalgamation of Gold Coast musicians”. 

Her music is best described as is an eclectic mixture of rootsy sounds and passionate lyrical poetry.

The five-track EP is the epitome of her style, yet each track has its own uniqueness and individual presence. 

“It was initially a full album, but I decided I just wanted something that was exactly my sound,” she told.

“All the tracks are singles, I just have all hit songs on there”.

While her influences come from far and wide, she does not deny her Australian roots when looking for inspiration to write. 

“Growing up I listened to the band George, I just loved Katie Noonan and the songs she wrote. I think I was 12 years old and I was like ‘Mum I want to write songs like that!’” she explained.

As if by fate, Rhea met Nick Stewart, the lead guitarist from the band George, who soon became her mentor. 

Not only did he help her to express exactly what she wanted to portray through her songs, he also helped her to produce her first EP titled ‘Rhea’, playing guitar on the tracks. 

“[He] played the guitar that was his when he was in George. It was all kind of like a full circle… He’s been a big part of my music career blossoming”.

Rhea admits that she likes to follow successful people and do what they’ve done and her immeasurable achievements so far have certainly proven this to be an effective strategy. 

It’s hard to believe that such a young artist has not only already traveled Australia in an Combie van, but also explored Europe solo for two years. 

Heading overseas with only $500 in her pocket and no return ticket home, a mixture between her love for music and survival instincts kicked in and she began performing and living off her artwork. 

“I knew every weekend I would be guaranteed a gig in any country”, she said.“I came back here thinking I could do that too but it was a little more difficult”.

“Over there they look at you as a musician and see that as such a huge success, it doesn’t matter if you’re on a record label, they are like wow you’re a musician and I guess especially being Australian, they’d be like ‘WOW an international artist!’"

Rhea’s music depicts her interesting life journey, with a wide array of cultural influences mixed with personal experience.

While the Gold Coast will miss Rhea dearly, the music community is just as excited for her to venture into the artistically cultural city of Melbourne and show them what she’s got.

Keep up to date with Rhea’s movements through Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhearobertsonmusic?fref=ts

To listen to Rhea’s new single Lights Out visit: http://www.reverbnation.com/rhearobertson

Or do both.

Alternatively, be awesome and come and join the party at The Loft in Chevron Island December 13, 2012 for the release of her EP. Go on. Do it. Doors open at 8pm.