on debut
Releasing her stunning first single Eve’s Lips (Make Me Want To Cry) last month, 19-year-old Kiama local Bronte Alva has been catapulted onto the music scene. The release came after the announcement that her debut shows will also be as main support for South Coast surf rock Legends The Terrys on their east coast tour, which is currently underway.
Image @billielikes
Bronte’s beautiful melodic single was actually her way of coming out to her parents. “This song became my way of telling my family that I wasn't straight,” she says. “As I continue to discover myself and my identity, I hope this song can provide comfort to those perhaps doing the same.”
The humble up-and-coming musician and Wollongong High School of Performing Arts alum is brimming with talent and using her platform to acknowledge her privilege, and speak frankly about the LGBTQIA+ community and her personal experience. We chatted to Bronte about working with The Terrys, her influences and how she uses music to express big emotions…
At only 19, you’re already making waves in the music industry – how does it feel to be recognised for your talents?
It honestly feels surreal to be asked that question because I don’t feel like I’m making waves. As much I would like to be, or think that I am, the reality is there are thousands of queer artists making honest, expressive music. I believe I’ve worked hard to get to the point of putting my music out and have always been very determined to develop my skills and storytelling, but I can’t not acknowledge the immense privilege I have to be able to make music and release it. I also can’t talk about it without acknowledging the lack of funding there is to develop young creative minds, especially those who may rely on government funded programs or in-school curriculums. I look at the opportunities I was able to pursue and wonder how many amazing creative minds would be developed having been given the same support and openness to development of their creativity and a legitimacy to their voices and perspectives. I hope to make waves one day, but the reality is, I’m not doing anything new. I feel humbled to be recognised and representing one of many voices that have historically not been heard.
The Terrys stumbled across your demo on triple J Unearthed – can you tell us about what happened next?
Hugh (The Terrys manager) reached out and helped me set up a recording session with The Terrys producer. I, of course, couldn’t believe what was happening. It’s funny, sometimes people can see something in you before you recognise it within yourself. I went up to the studio with my dad when the time came, and recorded with Jack Nigro. He was so supportive and welcoming. I didn’t know how any of it worked but it was an amazing experience. There’s nothing like the feeling of being heard and seen in your creativity and given a channel for your perspectives and experiences.
How has it been working and touring with The Terrys?
Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for anything better. The Terrys have been so supportive and kind from the beginning – it’s like having another five big brothers by my side, looking out for me. They truly are great people and clearly care very deeply about music. They’ve shown a lot of grace by backing me the way they have, and I hope to work more with them in the future.
Have you always been interested in creating music?
Ever since I can remember I was making music. I fell in love with Missy Higgins and her music before I understood any of it. I just knew that if that was a job, I wanted it. I always have had very strong emotions. While some may call it “dramatic” ... I prefer “passionate”. Song writing became a channel for dealing with these emotions and expressing the feelings that sometimes otherwise are unable to be expressed.
This song was how you told your family that you weren’t straight, how did it feel to release this song?
I feel privileged to feel safe enough to express myself this way and to be supported in doing so. It’s scary to express yourself unapologetically and publicly but it’s also one of the most freeing things I’ve done. It’s scary, but the thought of living life as someone I’m not is even more scary.
You got to record this single with Jack Nigro, have you picked up new skills since being in the studio?
Absolutely! I’m constantly learning new skills and ways of approaching things from the people around me. I was grateful to have gone to Wollongong Performing Arts High as I truly was pushed to understand music on a new level, especially in my final years. This was important for understanding why we make songs the way we do. Everything has a meaning. What being in the studio solidified for me though as well, was the fact that you don’t always need a higher education in music to understand it. While I would love to understand it to that level, you can’t always teach intuition. Music comes from your gut and your heart, and part of the joy of recording is not only learning to trust your intuition, but having people trust and validate it too.
What kind of genre would you classify your music as?
I have always struggled with this question! Right now, it falls into indie, rock, and pop, however, I feel a strong connection with the storytelling of country influences and the emotional aspects of punk and grungy rock. I think my music will continue to evolve as I do.
What does the process look like when you’re writing new songs?
It changes a lot, to be honest! I sometimes write little hooks as they come to me, leave it for a while and finish the song later. Sometimes I’ll sit at the piano and try to tune into whatever I’m feeling in the moment and write from there. Eve’s Lips (Make Me Want To Cry) was a five-minute song, lyrics wise. Other songs may take weeks or months to write. I write my best songs out of emotion and my perspectives at the time, and I’ve learned that sometimes if it isn’t working in the moment, it isn’t the right moment, and it tends to pop up again when the feeling is right, and often my perspective has become clearer.
This single got to debut during Pride Month. Do you have any messages to others who might be questioning their sexuality?
I can only speak from my own experiences. Queerness is something that even in our growing and evolving world, as we become seemingly more accepting, can be very confusing and personal to navigate. While labels can be helpful to identify feelings and create a sense of community, the only advice I would give is that you don’t always have to know. I still don’t know exactly who I am or what the feelings I have mean, but that’s okay. We are allowed to evolve and say or feel we’re one thing one day and be something else the next. We are who we are and if someone can’t accept that, they can get lost. In saying all of this, I still have to acknowledge the darker side of Pride that isn’t talked about as much as it should be. Black transgender women are being murdered at incomprehensible rates. While being the people who we have to thank for the progress in LGBTQIA+ rights, they are among one of the most oppressed groups in the modern world. We owe this Pride Month and every Pride Month, majorly to the work of black trans women, and we must continue to educate ourselves.
Who have been your biggest influences when creating music?
Missy Higgins will always have my heart. Her song writing and storytelling is one that will never be forgotten. I would also say Bon Iver, Taylor Swift, Angie McMahon, Julia Jacklin and Norah Jones.
Is there more music that we can expect in the pipeline?
Yes! I’ve got much more lined up. My next single is actually named after one of my influences I mentioned.
