BIGSOUND 2019 Artist Focus: imbi the girl

Answered by: Imbar Nassi

Give us a short description of your music: Think a combination of poetry and melody, harmony and dissonance, thought and feeling and intention. My sound is as ever-changing and ever-evolving as I am.

Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND? Adrian Eagle, DRMNGNOW, Huntly, Milan Ring, Mojo Juju, NETTI, Oh Boy, P-UniQue, Raj Mahal, Rebecca Hatch, Stevan and Temgazi to name a few – this year's line-up is incredible.

Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at BIGSOUND? It’s less about why you should come ~see~ my set and more about why you should come ~feel~ my set. I do my best to facilitate an experience, an energetic connection of sorts between you, the music and myself which leaves us feeling seen, held and loved.

What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year? I think this new wave of neo-soul is currently taking over Aus, but maybe I’m biased. Regarding predictions, I’d like to believe that more experimental and boundary-pushing music is on the rise – the kinda music you can’t quite fit into any genre – that’s where I hope we’re headed.

In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments? Creating my upcoming EP was definitely one, it’s unreleased but you’ll get what I mean when you hear it. Aside from that, embarking on my first national headline tour cemented my need for creative expression, my passion for music and how important it is that I honour and pursue that.

What industry lessons would you like to take away from the BIGSOUND conference? I’m not sure this is a lesson but I’d like to find community in the music industry. I've struggled to connect with artists/industry folk, so I’d like to get better at that. Also I’d love to learn how to better my grant applications and how to do music taxes, haha.

What do you identify as the most pressing issue impacting the Australian music industry at present? I think the most pressing issue in the industry is the same as that on a global scale. I think it is environmentalism which is intrinsically linked to Indigenous rights. The music industry has such a vast platform and it is seldom harnessed to address key global issues of injustice.

What is the best bit of advice you've been given to prepare for your time at BIGSOUND? Make the most of it to the best of your abilities. At the end of the day whatever will be, will be. Everything happens for a reason. And finally, practise radical authenticity. 

When and where is your BIGSOUND showcase? 3 Sep, Ric’s Big Backyard, 9.10pm.