Via Tania: Q&A, Moon Sweet Moon and LA Dates

Posted by: Hope on November 10th, 2009

I caught my fair share of acts at this years CMJ Festival, however I can safely say that the lady who took the cake is Via Tania. This Aussie turned Chi-town Tania Bowers, opened the night of the High Rise PR / The Hours showcase at Norwood. Tania mesmerized the crowd with selections of her newly released Moon Sweet Moon. She alternated between slipping on the guitar, keys and the ukelele, however it is her voice that stayed on my mind. Looking perfectly demure, her demeanor is almost as charming as her angelic vocals. Her sound? A delicate mixture of whispers, mystery and grace. The venue itself, the top floor of a gorgeous Chelsea townhouse, became a suited backdrop for the intimate gig. I look forward to the next time that I can catch a performance of hers in NYC. For those of you out west, be sure to catch one of her gigs this week at Bordello and Bootleg in Los Angeles.

Photo Credit: Colleen Durkin

In the meantime, read on to find out the more about the lovely and creative Tania, who was nice enough to answer some of questions…

EGS - Your video for Wonder Stranger is too darling for words. Cooking must be dear to you. What is your all time favorite dish to prepare?

VT - All time is so tricky, so many phases, now I’m into this Tapas book I bought, I like making goat cheese/sun dried tomato, zucchini tarts. I made mini versions for my wedding.

EGS - I feel it is only natural for someone to love the culinary arts as well as music. They are both inspired methods of entertaining. And no meal is complete without a soundtrack. What’s coming out of your stereo while you’re in the kitchen?

VT - I like listening to The Books, or The Zoo Wheel EP or Colorlist, Tinawren.

EGS - Care to share with us one of your recipes?

VT - I rarely make the same thing twice, I mean, I am challenging myself to follow a recipe, the reason I am not a baker! I like this simple sauce which is watered down tahini, miso, tamari, & ginger because you can use it as a sauce or dressing or put it on toast… Or brown rice, easy.

EGS - For me, your music evokes the thoughts of romance, fairytales, love, sentiment and whimsy. What are your inspirations?

VT - Anything that seems to come of another place or little worlds in between and senses we don’t have so can’t identify what is there

EGS - How long have you been writing music, and at what point did you realize you have a really awesome voice?

VT - Probably sincerely since I was 14 or so. I started understanding my voice when I started recording more. But I’d say only a few years ago I would state that I was a ’singer’. (thanks by the way)

EGS - You moved several times while writing your upcoming release Moon Sweet Moon. How did you pick Chicago to become your home?

VT - This time around, I had already lived here and knew it well. It was sort of a ‘go where you know’ when I decided to leave Melbourne. I’m glad I came back, but I wouldn’t say this is it.

EGS - As an internationally known artist you have played your fair share of venues. What show or setting is most memorable for you?

VT - I like playing The Hideout in Chicago or Joe’s Pub in NYC, also a gallery type space, let me see if I remember, SUPER something, in Tokyo, no I don’t remember right now. I like alternative spaces. I don’t like looking all around and black is the main color I see.

EGS - If you could share the stage with any three acts or musicians, what would be your dream lineup?

VT - Ooohhh oh oh PJ Harvey, Nina Simone, Billy Holiday. Easy!

EGS - What is your favorite thing about New York?

VT - The Villages and you can walk anywhere, it’s easy to understand. And I love Brooklyn.

EGS - We here are at EveryGirlsSecret are all about confessions. Anything yet unpublished on the Internet that you are willing to divulge?

VT - Today I made 13 pincushions in the shape(s) of a hedgehog and pear and an eggplant. I think I am going to start my first Etsy shop. I’m jonesin to keep sewing stuff even though it is just a hobby these days.