After a killer performance at Bar on the Hill, Asta sat down with Yak to talk all things music. 

Bar on the Hill once again played host to some of the freshest acts on the Australian music scene, this time during the aptly named The Future is Now event.

Warming up the crowd was local pop songwriter Max Jackson, indie quartet Ceilings and Sydney based electronic duo Yuma X.

The night was a resounding success, showcasing the direction the Australian music scene is heading in.

Image via Siobhan Kelly.

Who really blew the roof of the venue though, was the highly accomplished Asta. The singer-songwriter has humble beginnings; starting her music career through busking in her hometown of Hobart. Since winning Triple J Unearthed in 2012 with her song My Heart Is On Fire, Asta’s career has been nothing but an uphill trajectory.

Image via Siobhan Kelly.

Asta’s collaboration with Allday, Dynamite, was a massive hit and saw itself feature in the 2015 Hottest 100. Definitely one to watch, she has just been announced as UK pop singer Ellie Goulding’s support act during her arena tour. This comes off the back of her being signed to international label Warner Music.

Yak sat down to talk with her about her life and music before the banger of a show.

Image via Siobhan Kelly.

How do you prepare for a show?

“I’ll brew my tea, I’ll do my warm ups, I’ll do some stretching, and then I will have like a rock or a candle and do a little bit of a thing. It’s not so much spiritual, kind of like a joke.”

Where do you find your on stage energy?

“I’m honestly not too sure where it comes from. I see my on-stage persona as being Chasta, so when I’m doing my makeup I kind of feel that I have to get into that zone.”

So how does Asta differ from Chasta?

“Chasta’s thing is confidence, fierce and just slays at life, whereas Asta is not so much, and just a bit chilled.”

You won Triple J Unearthed back in 2012, what is your key continued success?

“Luck! (Laughs nervously) I don’t think my new single is doing well, so I would probably have to say it’s luck.”

How did you navigate your way around the music industry at such a young age?

“I guess I had a lot of support, especially when I was in Tasmania. When everything started to pick up and I moved to a new city, everything was a bit crazy. It really did help though, working with producers and writers in Sydney, but I think the support is definitely how I navigated.”

Who were your main inspirations?

“So many. I grow through different people over the years. When I first started, I was really into Adelle, that’s when I started picking up my guitar and writing. Then I started listening to more pop stuff, like Madonna and a bit from the ‘80s.”

How did you feel hearing that you will be supporting Ellie Goulding?

“This will be my first arena tour, so I’m freaking out a little bit. But I love a big stage, just moving around and owning a huge stage and singing really loud, I was really excited. It should be a lot of fun.”

You just got signed to Warner Brothers, what is happening from that?

“It’s just another supportive team that is behind you, helping you get your voice heard and paying for stuff. I guess I’m just expecting things to happen from now.”

What can we expect to see from you in the next year?

“I want to put out more music, that’s my goal. It’s a little bit more difficult nowadays, people only want singles but never invest in the full record or album, so I’m a little confused.”

Feature Image via Siobhan Kelly.