Mernda musician Suzanne Kinsella cites leather-clad rocker Suzi Quatro as an inspiration and an obvious musical reference.
While the 31-year-old music teacher doesn’t always perform in a figure-hugging jumpsuit, she is a singer, songwriter and bassist who describes her music as less rock and more “alternative pop”.
Kinsella will debut her first solo album, The Conversation, at The Toff in Town on November 16.
The album has been a two-year labour of love for the Ivanhoe Grammar Plenty campus teacher, who has worked full-time while writing and producing each track herself.
“It’s been a real coming-of-age experience, especially working full-time,” she said.
“The creative process is a walk in the park, but all the other stuff – booking studios, promotion – has been really hairy.
“But it was important for me to work. I saved up to do this.”
Memories of conversations with close friends and family have been spun into tracks, hence the album title.
Asked to elaborate on her style of music, Kinsella cites a few familiar names in the Australian music industry.
“A bit like Sia, but more of the alternative side … and Rufus Wainwright, with vocals like Sarah McLachlan,” she said. “But, really, I’ve tried to create my own style.”
Before taking the plunge to work on her own career, Kinsella performed with and wrote for a number of high-profile artists, including Gotye, Deborah Conway, Jess McAvoy and Liz Stringer.
She will perform at The Toff in Town, 2/252 Swanston Street, Melbourne, on November 16, 8pm. Tickets can be bought online or at the door.
