THIS week we speak with singer-songwriter and performer Sherri Parry, who you can catch at various venues during this weekend\u2019s Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival<\/p>\n
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What initially motivated you to become a musician and songwriter?<\/strong><\/p>\n I picked up a violin when I was seven because my sister did. I quickly realised I hated it and found a larger hunk of wood, turned it sideways and chucked the bow. I played the thing relentlessly while belting along to Paramore songs for long enough that the rest of the house knew all the lyrics. At some point I realised I was kinda good at stringing a melody through pretty words, and I belted those instead. But I didn’t realise that I could pursue a career from something I loved for a long time. If I’m honest, it wasn’t all that much of a decision but instead a very, very lucky path I landed on.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How would you describe your style and how did you develop it?<\/strong><\/p>\n I have no idea. The music I write seems to drastically change depending on what’s happening, what I’ve been listening to lately, how much fresh air I got that week. The best description we’ve gotten it down to is a merge of alt pop, neo soul, folky melodies and jazzy chords. I’ve never really intentionally worked on developing my sound. Maybe that’s why it’s a complete mess of genres.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Which other musicians inspire you?<\/strong><\/p>\n The musicians I get to work with! My band mates, my friends, which I’m lucky are synonymous. Watching them love what they do and how beautifully they do it is what inspires me.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n What are some highlights you have from your career so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n Definitely John Butler. I was extremely lucky to open for him at the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival in 2019 at Ulumbarra Theatre. I was shit scared. I’d been sick with a cold for weeks beforehand and I was so nervous to be on the big stage, opening for a world-renowned musician. But the second I stepped on stage, I felt so welcomed and loved by the cheering audience. I hadn’t even done anything yet. The set I played was easily one of the best feeling ones to date thanks to that audience.<\/p>\n