All male bands usually dominate the battle of the bands scene, with solo female artists being few and far between. Despite this reoccurring trend, strong female performers can, in fact, be found in the line-up for Melbourne’s second round of Emergenza competition. Scarlett Cook promises to shine on stage at The Espy, as she displays her brooding gothic musical styling that are uniquely her own. With an EP already out and new material in the works, this up-and-coming artist has nowhere to go but up! She also has a music video in the works, and is using Pozible to fund her project. Check her out and if you like what you see, help her out by donating online! Obviously, live nothing compares to a live performance, so come out to The Espy on May 9th to cheer Scarlett on!


HI SCARLETT, WELCOME TO EMERGENZA! ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR DEBUT PERFORMANCE ON MAY 9TH?
Hi and Thanks Anna. Yeah, we are looking forward to playing at the Espy and being part of the festival.

I SAW ONLINE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN PLAYING THE PIANO SINCE YOU WERE 4. HOW EXACTLY DID YOU TRANSITION FROM SOLELY PLAYING THE PIANO TO MULTI-INSTRUMENTAL GOTHIC ROCK?
It happened pretty naturally. I learnt mostly classical, jazz, blues rag time piano for a good ten years, but it felt just like any household chore. When I heard heavy guitar driven grunge rock, I knew I found my sound and why people go mad over music. I started songwriting on guitar and got into a lot of metal and goth bands. When I finally approached the piano creatively, the classical training and the metal, grunge, goth influences had merged. Now after playing solo for many years, I’ve recently teamed up with lovely cellist Rachel Samuel who helps add another dimension to the music.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE KEY TO MAINTAINING ORIGINALITY IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
Your intention is important. If you sincerely want to contribute something different or something that expands on the present norms, then that should go a long way. I think it also comes down to playing from the heart, listening to yourself, and being discerning with other music you listen too. A lot of it can be pretty predictable, if you listen to unoriginal recycled bands, its going to be hard to not to be unoriginal and recycled sounding your self.

YOU WRITE YOU OWN MUSIC; WHERE DO YOU GET MOST OF THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR SONGS?
It all really starts from emotion. I usually only write when the moment takes me or there’s something I cant express in words. Music is the most perfect therapy and tool to evolve or gain insight into the subconscious and what I’m feeling. All my music is non-fiction. It’s all written from real life experiences. Quite often injustices in the world have been a reoccurring motivator. In my youth, the feeling and hope of something wonderful happening was a more positive influence. Other artists that create with passion, sincerity and articulation also help me get out of bed in the morning.

WHAT SHOULD AUDIENCES EXPECT FROM ONE OF YOUR LIVE PERFORMANCES?
You’ll witness enchanting melancholy piano phrases, poetic sentimental vocal lullabies and beautifully moving cello. It will be like a sound track to a grim fairy tale. Then, the stereotype of a sweet meek piano girl will go ass up with heavy percussive octaves, some grungy vocals and a bit of swearing where appropriate. It could be slightly confronting, yet cathartic and liberating. You might cry. Even men have.

I SAW THAT YOUR EP WAS LAUNCHED LAST OCTOBER; CAN FANS EXPECT ANY NEW MUSIC IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
Definitely. Now the debut is finally out, the ball is rolling. Hopefully it wont be long till the next one. I have hours of material that is patiently waiting to be recorded. It really comes down to teaming up with other musicians (strings and percussion) who can add a few extra dimensions and enable the songs to be complete.