BIGSOUND 2018 Artist Focus Imogen Clark

Give us a short description of your music: I'm a singer-songwriter with influences that range from the old school folk of Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon, to the roots rock of Led Zeppelin and Bruce Springsteen, to the alt-country of Ryan Adams.

Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND? Mane, Oh Pep!, Ruby Gilbert and Rachael Fahim

In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments? Supporting Diesel on two national tours, and making my second album Collide with Diesel as producer. Signing with renowned singer/songwriter label Lost Highway/Universal Music. Playing Americana Festival in Nashville. Touring Europe and the UK. Four consecutive #1 singles on CMC, and 3 CMC Award Nominations.

If you could give your younger self, starting out as a musician, a few words of wisdom, what would they be? If I could give my younger self some advice, it would be to try and enjoy the ride. I'm a massive stress head, and I tend to let my anxiety get the better of me. I'm proud of how hard I've worked, but I wish I'd enjoyed each phase more!

Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at BIGSOUND? I think what sets my show apart is the rawness of my material and performance. I'm very focused on giving a live show which makes people feel very deeply. Although the songs are about my life, I think the audience can feel a lot of their lives in the music.

What industry lessons would you like to take away from the BIGSOUND conference? I'd love to make some great new contacts - both other artists and industry folk. I'm also self-managed and planning my next few years and next album, so I'd love to get some ideas from others about what worked for them in fulfilling their 5 year plans.

What do you identify as the most pressing issue impacting the Australian music industry at present? I'd love to see a music industry where artists are paid more fairly for streaming, as that's the predominant way people listen to music now.

What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year? I'm not a trendy person when it comes to music, or anything really! I've always listened to music from an earlier time - Joni Mitchell, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan - so I'm not sure what's dominating in music currently... I'm hoping for the return of roots music on the radio!

When and where is your BIGSOUND showcase? Tues 4th Sept - 9pm - Laruche, Wed 5th Sept - 10:50pm - Ric's Big Backyard.