Local singer-songwriter Imogen Clark felt as though all her Christmases had come at once when she received word late last year that Universal Music wanted to sign her to its Lost Highway Records label.
Clark, who describes her musical style as ‘Americana’ or ‘alt-country’, will be releasing her first album through the label in April -- the first single off which, ‘Take Me For A Ride’, is out now.
Having grown up in a musical family and received tuition from an early age, Clark, who just turned 21, says a combination of genes, determination and making her ‘own luck’ culminated in landing her first major record deal.
Her forthcoming album -- entirely self-produced -- will join Lost Highway Records’ line-up of music from the likes of Australian artists Shane Nicholson and Adam Eckersley Band, plus overseas talents including Willie Nelson and the late Johnny Cash.
“Normally when you sign with a major label they want to put their two-cents-worth into your music, but I actually created and self-produced the album before I got the offer to sign -- so this is a huge compliment,” she told the Gazette.
Clark was born and bred in the Hawkesbury, and resides at her family home in Bowen Mountain. Her father, who has been in bands “all his life and written songs and performed” was a big influence on her as a child, providing Clark the opportunity to muck around with a variety of instruments.
When she was eight years old, Clark began opera and classical music tuition with North Richmond-based musical theatre teacher, Aleda Johnsen.
“She didn’t normally take students under 10 years old, but when she heard me she thought I had potential and very kindly took me on. She had experience in opera and theatre and guided me on that path, and taught me lots of techniques including how to not damage my voice. She was very old-school, very strict, but very lovely,” Clark said.
Clark began her high school years at Colo High School but soon made the decision to join her older brother in travelling almost two hours every day to attend Penrith High School -- a selective school with a strong creative presence.
“It was a challenge to be amongst some very bright kids and it taught me good lessons for the future. It challenges you if you’re a small fish in a big pond -- it makes you work harder and perform better,” she said.
At 15, Clark completed an eight-day junior course at the CMAA Academy of Country Music in Tamworth, which cemented her passion for the genre.
She says though living in the Hawkesbury comes with its own set of challenges, she is proud of her roots and says “opportunities are everywhere if you create them”.
“It is a bit difficult and I do find it hard to get into the city for important things, but it’s a great place to write -- it’s very peaceful. Plus, I’m always touring, so when I’m home from tours I like to see my family. So it makes sense for me to stay here, at least in the short term,” she said.
“I’m a big believer in creating your own luck; no matter where you are, I believe you can make a start for yourself. We’re not living in Sydney or Melbourne where there’s a million venues around and lots of things happening, so you’ve got to kind of create it.
“I remember physically taking CDs into venues around the Hawkesbury. I was like 13 or 14 and I’d just walk in and say ‘Hi, I’m Imogen, I play guitar and sing. I’d like to play at your venue.’ For example, the Fitzroy Hotel in Windsor -- I have a bit of a place in my heart for them. They were the first to give me gigs and they still give me gigs now.
“Anywhere to play is a good place to play. You cut your teeth in places like that -- learning how to perform and engage with an audience. It doesn’t matter how small the venue is or how many people in the crowd. I think the opportunities are there if you want them and you can make anything happen if you want to.”
Clark is currently nominated for a Country Music Channel (CMC) Award for New Oz Artist of the Year -- one of 10 nominees in the country.
“This is my first nomination in a major Australian music award and completely fan-voted, so we're asking folks to vote once a day at www.countrymusicchannel.com.au,” she said.
She is currently performing at the Tamworth Country Music Festival until 23 January.
