Clea Pratt Interview

By Salim Ghazi Saeedi(*)

“The artist is the creator of beautiful things”, the simple notion Oscar Wilde begins his myriads of beauty adorations in The Picture of Dorian Gray with, here is the bottom line story. For Clea, beauty is omnipresent: From her deep and crystal clear voice texture to intelligent use of dynamics and expressive voice techniques and even bow-shaped eyebrows that Persian literature dramatises for relentlessly piercing hearts.

It was Sunday 7th of Feb 2016 when I was hastily passing amid of noisy clothes market in corner of Queen and George St in Brisbane as I noticed a girl with her guitar singing in solo in her unearthly presence of red gypsy skirt and stylish black boots. I passed but then stopped and returned and sat somewhere near to let her voice pierce my heart. Enchanted by her music I was staring at people bargaining on clothes; as if it was her very essence of voice making clothes dance in ecstasy in the hands of market bargains.

She is a mesmerising songwriter and performer. So make sure to click on the following SoundCloud play button while reading this interview to understand what I mean:

Clea, it is an honour to have you in Art Rockin’ Magazine!
Could you tell our readers about your background in music that led to such crystal clear voice?
Pleasure to be apart of your magazine! I started singing at a very young age. I received a karaoke machine one Christmas morning and was always apart of the school choir, I’ve never really stopped singing.

Could you tell us about the themes in your song lyrics?
My songs are mainly about my current moods, thoughts and attitudes towards a situation or someone. I would say that a lot of my songs are very broody and glum but I’ve learnt to own that style of writing and take advantage of it. 

How you came across your ideas? Lyrics or music, which one comes first?
My songs always start from my immediate surroundings and feelings. Music first, but lyrics might come with the melody if I manage to mumble a view jems on that first captured iPhone recording. 

Who are your influences?
My major influences are Laura Marling, Nick Drake, Ainslie Wills and Grizzly Bear. 

You have published two singles so far. How you have found the reception from audience?
Really good! People liked ‘Polyester’ for the lyrical complexity and sense of being very personal. ‘Dire Consequences’ still expresses a certain feeling and story but is definitely captivating a larger audience for it’s added layers and instrumentation.

Could you tell us about Brisbane music scene and especially Indie Folk scene?
The Brisbane music scene is forever blossoming. It’s a very small community and so therefore a lot of bands mix and meld… you often find that most Brisbane musicians are in more than one band. 

There is so much good music surfacing right now and there more and more great venues popping up and accommodating the indie music scene.

Where can fans see you live?
I’m currently overseas! So if you are currently in London you can check my Facebook for gig details. I’ll be home towards the end of July and hopefully shall jump straight into doing a few shows around the country. 

What are your plans for future? When we should expect an EP?
My plan for the future is to keep making music! You can expect an EP towards in the second part of the year. Stay tuned! 

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(*) Salim Ghazi Saeedi is an Iranian composer and guitarist mostly known in avant-prog and rock in opposition genres. www.salim.world