BY LEAH BLANKENDAAL
Welcome to Con Fuoco, CutCommon’s interview series with emerging musicians in Australia.
Lucinda Nicholls is studying classical voice at the University of Western Australia. She was introduced to music at an early age, and it has always been a passion of hers to make and listen to music. An avid member of choirs and ensembles throughout her school years, Lucinda is part of St John’s Anglican Church Singers.
Equally at home in a contemporary setting, Lucinda is an established singer/songwriter. Her first single Inside and Out was recorded at London’s famous Abbey Road studios in 2012 after the song was discovered by a UK ad executive on YouTube. The song went on to win a division of the West Australian Music Industry’s WAM Song of the Year award.
Her plans for the future are to continue studying music while her voice develops, and to keep finding opportunities to perform and learn.
Your all time favourite piece of music?
One of my favourites would definitely be Britten’s Hymn to St Cecilia. It’s a really nice choral work dedicated to Cecilia, the patron saint of music, and listening to it always makes me happy. Another top pick is I Hate Music by Leonard Bernstein. Atonal with witty, honest lyrics, the cycle requires a lot of vocal skill and proves that music can be virtuosic, clever, and funny all at the same time.
Most memorable concert experience?
Earlier this year, I sang in the choir for the West Australian Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Mahler’s Resurrection symphony. It was more than an hour of sitting still on stage during the first four movements, and then finally getting to stand to sing the fifth – the sound produced by the ensemble was so full and lovely, even in the quietest moments. It was nice to be a part of something so big and beautiful.
Biggest fear when performing?
Forgetting the words! It happens, and recovering from a slip-up like that can be super tricky.
Best piece of musical advice you’ve received?
I was able to receive some lessons from gorgeously talented mezzo-soprano Ashlyn Tymms last year before she went off to study music in London. She taught me to come up with just three things to think about in a performance, instead of having a million thoughts at once and psyching yourself out.
Most embarrassing moment on stage?
In my high school production of the musical Little Women, I played Jo and at one point she cuts her hair, so I had to quickly put on a short wig during a 30 second scene change. On opening night as I ran onstage, a bobby pin dislodged and the wig popped up, sitting on top of my actual hair like a bad toupee. Not my finest hour.
How do you psych yourself up for practice on a lazy day?
I listen to some phenomenal singers, make myself do a good warm up, or if all else fails, I bribe myself with food.
Favourite post-gig activity?
I like to go past Maccas and get a celebratory hamburger.
What are you most proud of in your musical career so far?
As well as studying classical voice, I also like to write and perform songs. Any time I get up and do a gig or sing at an open mic night, I’m proud of myself for having the courage to share my music and therefore my thoughts with an audience.
What do you love most about making music?
It just makes me really, really happy. And all the anxiety that accompanies everyday social interaction just disappears when you’re making music, which I think is fantastic.
What’s your ultimate goal?
To be able to surround myself with music every day for the rest of my life. That would be great!
Stay tuned for our next Con Fuoco. Would you like to be interviewed? Email editor@cutcommon.com with your bio and we’ll be in touch.
Image supplied.
