For some, playing music is a choice made later in life; the thrill of performance, the comradery of being in a band, or even the more far-fetched pursuit of riches all being part of the appeal. For Liz Stringer, however, music has been a central part of her being since a very early age. From growing up surrounded by a musically-minded family, to being rewarded prestigious scholarships, to that fateful day, aged 15 when she first picked up the guitar, her path to becoming a songwriter wasn’t just likely, it was inevitable.
Originally from Melbourne, her career has seen her pack-up shop and traipse to all corners of the world in the quest for opportunity and inspiration. First it was Germany that beckoned, then it was the UK she called home, but as she explains, Australia will always be where her heart is. “I love playing in Victoria. All my family is in Melbourne, my oldest and best friends. The time I spend overseas allows me to have different territories and do what I do. But I love Australia.”
A shoe-in for the title of ‘Hardest Working Person in Australian Music’, Stringer had herself one busy 2016. A year that saw the release of her fifth album All The Bridges, followed swiftly by an extensive tour that took her through Australia, North America and her new love, Canada. “I was in Canada when the album was released and I’ve been on the road pretty much ever since.” The album itself was recorded in Portland, a city she remembers fondly. “I loved it,” she says of the Oregon city. “It was such an easy place to be. I had a really great time.”
Now back on home soil, she’s getting ready to hit the road once more, playing a selection of regional shows throughout Victoria including one in Torquay, a prospect she’s quite excited about. “I’ve played Torquay before and it’s been really great, there’s always familiar faces in the crowd. There’s going to be a lovely vibe.”
Speaking from her home in Melbourne, you can’t help but hear her down-to-earth nature and refreshingly frank attitude that shines through so prominently in her music. When asked what changes she has seen within Australian music in recent years, she replies in a comically deadpan way: “People buy fewer CDs”. Touché.
After the successes of 2016, she is optimistic about a productive 2017, with her sights set firmly on more touring and the inception of album number six. “I’m in the throes of organising a lot of tours while I’m home and just beginning to organise recording my next album.” Her philosophy is a simple one: “Tour all this year, record and then release again next year. I have way more than one albums’ worth so I figure while I’m on a roll I should get it out.” We couldn’t agree more.
When & Where: Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn Springs – April 28; Northcote Social Club, Northcote – April 29 & Torquay Bowls Club, Torquay – April 30
Written by Edward Acheson
