11 Q’s to : Emma Dean
Emma Dean is a true entertainer, a cabaret queen of another dimension and a perfect example of why music and good old theatre should be together – always.
Last year she released her sophomore concept album “Dr Dream & the Imaginary Pop Cabaret“, and she’s already making waves through media around the world, and is one of the artists listed in New York Post’s Top 10 Artists to Know in 2011.
1. What’ve you been up to today?
It’s 8:11am and thus far I have eaten two pieces of gluten free toast with peanut butter and honey and an instant coffee made with soy milk.
2. Describe your music in a haiku.
the truth of my heart
errupts and roars from my lungs
in the theatre
3. What makes you happy?
Seeing my family at Christmas time, Tim Burton movies, the feeling of writing a great new song, the first time I hold one of my new CDs, giving presents, rehearsing with my band and performers, wine with friends, the theatre, music, day dreaming, planning an overseas holiday, going to house inspections, smiling, going to a cafe to find they have gluten-free cakes, soy lattes, body attack at the gym and kissing.
4. Who or what inspires you?
My family and my boyfriend who are all very musical, the performers I work with, Tim Burton, Danny Elfman, Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre, circus and burlesque performers, “Cabaret”, “Wicked”, “Chicago”, Tori Amos, Taylor Mac, The Dresden Dolls and Amanda Palmer, Queen, Edward Elgar, Anette Askvik (a Norwegian singer/songwriter), life, death, little observations, imagination, dreams and nightmares.
5. What was the first song you learned to play?
One of the first songs I learnt was actually on guitar, not piano. It’s called “Throw Your Arms Around Me” by the Australian band, Hunters and Collectors.
6. What’s your favourite flower?
a blood red rose.
7. Who would you like to record a song with?
The answer to this question changes all the time. This morning, my top four (in no particular order) are: Imogen Heap, Danny Elfman, Tori Amos or Nick Cave.
Sincerely Fearful
8. If you had one day left to live, what would you do?
It would be very simple. I would be with my boyfriend and we’d start the day off by going to my favourite coffee place in Brisbane – Stop 16 in Ashgrove. Then, we’d go to my parents house where my parents, aunty and brother would be waiting. We would drink champagne, play songs and eat like there’s no tomorrow…which there wouldn’t be. We’d laugh and hug and in the end we would be smiling.
9. What was the last song you listened to?
“When You Were Young” by The Killers
10. Who would you say is the most underrated musician in the history?
I’m not really sure? An artist I was introduced to recently is “Jobriath”. I know his debut album was not as successful as everyone had hoped, and he is a wonderful talent. I particularly love his song “Inside”.
11. What are your top 5 favorite albums?
Here’s six! Some of the albums that have received the most rotation over the course of my life are:
Under The Pink OR/AND Boys For Pele – Tori Amos
Dizzy Up The Girl – The Goo Goo Dolls
Tidal – Fiona Apple
“Wicked” the musical – musical soundtrack
Enigma Variations – Edward Elgar
Greatest Hits – Queen
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