Brenda-Lee Heathcote
Q: Where were you born and where did you grow up?
A:. Hi Joy! I was born in the Northern Qld town of Ayr. My Dad was a policeman, (Harry Heathcote and Mum Nancy) was a nurse. Dad's job included transfers from one town to another, so when I was about 5, we moved south to Redcliffe and Woody Point on the peninsula. We were there for 7 years, and then once again, Dad was transferred, this time up to Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast. I did my high school at Maroochy High and at Burnside High, in Nambour. That was to the age where I left home (after year 12)
Q: Was there anyone in particular who played an influential part in shaping your career?
A: I had a very good grounding in music, from about age 7, when I started to learn the trumpet. I was a part of orchestra's for most of my school years, playing trumpet, and a year on French Horn. My mum also taught piano, of which I would hound her to have a go on all the time. So initially my parents. Then, the music of Chris Rea played a huge part in my direction. I just loved his melodies and lyrics. The person who taught me the do's and don'ts of songwriting above anyone else, was Gary Morris, former manager of Midnight Oil. He spent time going through my work when I was about 19 or so, and taught me about commercial writing for radio and song structure.
Q: How long is it since you first got started in the industry?
A: I probably performed in front of an audience in the orchestra's at about 8 or 9.
I was performing in venues, in top 40 bands at about age 16 (shhh) don't tell Mum!
Haven't stopped since then.
Q: You do a lot of song writing, but as I understand it you have never recorded an album?
A: I did bring out one release in about '95 called "Sugartown". It was more a collection of songs to be used as an example of my writing, but it went on to be played on radio quite a lot, and I gained a lot from it. It got me into Starmaker, for one thing.
Q: When were you aware that – “Hey, I am a song writer!” Did that just evolve, or did something happen that made you aware of it.
A: I feel that I always was a writer. I wrote my first full song at 11, called "Black Ballet". I moved to Sydney and Melbourne and lived in both for some time, around the age of 17 and 18, and concentrated on writing more than anything. The different cities give a real insight into life, the smells, the atmosphere, the poverty and wealth. I came home a swag of material. I just really never stopped writing. My friends call me 'The Conveyer Belt of songwriting!"
Q: You’ve had some songs recorded by some pretty well known people in the industry, would you like to elaborate on that
A: Sure. Here's some. Shaza Leigh has recorded 2 of my tracks on separate albums, one song was called "Woman At The Wheel". That went to #9 on "Country Music Top 30 Tracks". The last song Shaza released was in 2007, called "Fiddler's Creek", which also went to #9 on the same charts. Fergal Flaherty from Ireland has recorded 2 tracks (2 co-writes with him) called "25 years" and "On Another Day". Bobby Cash, "The Indian Cowboy" has recorded a total of 5 songs on 2 albums, one of which was sung with Smoky Dawson. (The title track called "Cowboy at Heart") I co-wrote 2 songs on the last album with Bobby, and 2 off the first with Lawrie Minson. I co-wrote a song with Matt Scullion, which was recorded by Melbourne band Pfea, The Spencer Band recorded one of mine in 1998, called "Shell Be Ok", which went on to win the 1999 TIARA Award for songwriting. It also went to #16 on the charts. The Wolverines recorded my song "The Ballad of Young Bobby Dale" a couple of years ago, and it is still getting lots of airplay and at their concerts.
Q: This latest exercise – the album “Light Of Hope” – started from a tragic event in your life would you like to elaborate on that.
A: Ok. My Brother, Brian James Heathcote, a well respected radio announcer was murdered while walking home from a venue in Brisbane, in January 2007. It's still going through court, so I can't say too much about it, but 2 people have been charged.
I live in Coolangatta, Gold Coast, but was playing in a duo in Brisbane that night, not too far from where it happened. We were packing the next day to head to the January country music festival. We received a phone call that was just too hard to believe.
I actually went out of performing, and writing for a while. I couldn't get my head around it. I couldn't even speak to anyone without breaking down. Even if the conversation had nothing to do with it. What made it harder too, was that Brian was "The Voice of Kmart".
Over the past 4 -5 years, if you had entered a Kmart, SuperCheap Auto, or Super AMart,
you would have heard his voice. He worked for Australian Retail Radio Network, based in Aspley, Brisbane. So even if I went into a shop, I would hear his voice - and - well it was pretty hard to say the least. I started painting (another of my favorite past times). I read an article in the paper about a lady, an artist from Cabarita NSW, who was putting on an exhibition of her artwork in a gallery in Murwillumbah NSW. She was dedicating it to her late brother Michael, who had been murdered 11 years earlier. I had to meet her. Her name is Cath Grant. We have become very close friends over the past year and a half.
Cath has co-painted the album cover with me. The painting is called "Light of Hope" and will be auctioned at the album launch in July at "Hats Off". The money raised will go to
the Queensland Homicide Victims Support Group.
I was asked by a singer songwriter from Dubbo, Sharon Lane, to write some songs for an upcoming album she was working on at the time. I hadn't written anything at all since the death of my brother, so I said ok, but I couldn't guarantee what the song would be like.
I tried not to make it too sad, but wasn't up to writing humerus lyrics or melodies, so I just wrote exactly how I felt at the time. The song is called "So This Is Life". Sharon didn't end up using the song, so I asked her if she would mind if I took it back. She was fine about it. I entered the song into the 2007 Australian Songwriter's Awards. I only had enough money for one song, as I hadn't worked since Brian's passing.
The song went on to win the "Rudy Brandsma Award" for excellence in songwriting, out of a field of about 4000. Mum came to Sydney with us in the car (My fiance Scott Lloyd Shelly, who is producing the album) and we performed it live on the night. That was tough! Got a bit shaky towards the end I can tell you!
Once home, I started to think about the fact that the song was received so well, and decided to write a whole album of songs, for people who felt just the way I did, and thought that they might like to hear some music, written by someone who's been there, so to speak.
As I said, I didn't have any money, so I applied for a grant, through the Gold Coast City Council, an RADF grant, which is for the career development of an artist. On the second round, and after much paperwork, I achieved it. We could start at least. Scott has produced the whole album, virtually for free, I have written all of the songs, and various wonderful artists put up their hands to sing the songs. We're also donating a percentage of profits back to the Homicide Victims Support Group, as they don't have any funds (very minimal) to help people in my situation, when you find yourself out of money directly related to homicide. We have some fantastic support on board too, Paul Stanley of the Matthew Stanley Foundation donated $1000 towards the project. Paul goes to schools and institutions speaking about "Party Safe" campaign, to help youngsters understand the dangers of today's house parties, and the "One punch can kill" campaign. The "One Punch Can Kill' Campaign is also backing our project. Some great friends have pitched in money to make the launch possible, and some businesses, such as Country Comfort Motels have given discounts on rooms in Tamworth on the night of the launch, and Tooheys are helping with some liquid treats!
Q: You have one track on there recorded by Paul & Helen Mateki all the way from America, that’s pretty special too… How did that come about
A: I met Paul quite a few years ago in Tamworth, when he was over at one of the festivals.
I was running a stage in Tamworth Arcade with 135 acts over 9 days. Paul didn't have any gigs lined up, and asked me if I could give him any spare spots. So I jiggled and juggled, and managed to get him as many as I could, which was quite a few. He was always grateful, and we remained friends. He always liked one of my songs from a few years ago, and was going to record it. I told him about what had happened last year, and about the album, and asked if he would like to be a part of it. He said "YES"! He asked if I could write something that Helen could sing with him, so I wrote a duet, called "Come Cryin' To Me" of which they plan to release on July 4th in America, the same day that we will be releasing the album. The Mateki's have had a lot of chart success in America, so don't surprised to see them do something amazing with this song!
Q: Your most memorable occasion?
A: In Music? Winning the Rudy Brandsma Award in Sydney with family and friends there, and getting acknowledgment and official membership of my Publishing business "Meat Pie Music" this year, from APRA and AMCOS. Personal - good stuff? Being asked to marry Scott.
Q: Your most embarrassing moment
A: How Many?? Just one --- hmmm.... I'd have to say when I was about 16 or 17, big support up in Mooloolaba Sunshine Coast - supporting "The Divinyls" it was mid 80's and they were in their prime (so was I!!) All my school peers were at the gig. About 2000 people in the place. I did the big running stage entrance for the opening song, and slid with my new boots, all the way off the stage and into the audience........... high stage.......
oh, that's even hard to think about now........ Chrissy Amphlett had even lent me her own microphone. dear oh dear. I have many sad yet funny tales. Bit clumsy really.
Q: I know you spent some time in Tamworth and enjoyed living there as a good place to write.
A: Yeah, I love Tamworth. I was told when I lived in Brisbane in the early to mid nineties, that I wouldn't achieve anything by living in Tamworth. They told me to stay in Bris, and do it from there. Well, I'm glad I moved. Not only did I fall in love with the place itself, the people I met are like family and always will be. I met a lot of people of whom I've written with also, and I met my fiance Scott there. What's not to like about it?!!
I worked on a radio station for 3 years when I first went down, in Willowtree, and owned the old Post office there for 9 years. All in all, I was there for around 9 years including my time in Willowtree. I doubt I would have achieved the success I have to this point without my time there. The only reason I moved away, was to be with Scott, who for personal reasons, couldn't move down, so I had to move up to Cooly, otherwise I would still be there.
Q: I have placed the titles of the tracks below, and you may add a comment to any or all of them if you wish.
A: Anthony Snape, is such a talent. He moved to the USA in January of this year, and has been doing some amazing things over there. He has already had one of his songs from his latest album "Disappearing Day" played on America's version of "The Biggest Loser" and has been playing a fair bit with Tommy Emmanuel over there. He did a fantastic vocal on "So This Is Life" which was the first song to be singled from "Light of Hope". It's just entering the Mildura Charts now.
Candice Long. Candice is a once step daughter of mine, from many years ago. Candice's Dad and I split up many years ago, and I have always wanted to catch up with her. Apparently she did too! I had found her previously on myspace, and we had been chatting a bit on line. I told her about what had happened, and the album and asked her if she would like to be a part of it. She said "absolutely". She has performed a song which I initially wrote for the Corrs, but because of a major computer crash many years ago, they didn't get it. Maybe it was always destined for Candice. She sings it so well.
Candice was the winner of Channel 9's "Lounge Room Legends" late last year.
Cross the Rubicon:- sung by Brad Lee. Brad lives pretty close to us up here, and has had a couple of albums out in the past. He's more of a bush balladeer though he does have a number of uptempo songs in his arsenal. He's been a Starmaker Grand Finalist, won a stack of awards, and plays the part of "The Big Bopper" in the touring Buddy Holly Show.
Lovely guy, great voice, we've got to get him back out into the public eye as a recording artist himself!
The Mateki's. Just lovely people, and talented. I explained the story earlier.
Paul and Helen are wonderful.
Vanya - "Talking To Ghosts" -- tell me this song wasn't hard to write. Perhaps one of the most heartfelt songs I've written for the album. When I was working on the radio in Willowtree, I used to play some of Vanya's tracks from the album she had out at the time. I always loved her voice. So did a lot of others! So when I moved up to the coast, and Vanya asked Scott to play guitar for her at one of her gigs last year, we became friends. I asked her if she would like to do a song, and she said she'd love to. Vanya also lost a cousin to murder some time back.
Michael King:- Michael and I have known each other since the early 90's. He's always been an amazing person, and such a talented artist. Butterfly Wings was not originally written for this album, but Michael had heard it years ago, and wanted to sing it on one of his albums. The album did not eventuate. We played Butterfly Wings at Brian's funeral. We thought it only appropriate that it be included on the album, and who better to perform it, than Michael. He agreed straight up to be a part of the album, and to sing the song.
Sharon Lane:- Sharon was the instigator for the album really. She was the one who originally asked for the songs for her album, from which I went on to write "So This Is Life". We both have bitter sweet moments over the past few years, and have become close friends. She endured life threatening brain surgery that she allowed to be filmed and aired on the tv show "RPA" and then again on the follow up series, "RPA Where are they Now?" I endured the loss of Brian. Sharon went on last year to win the "Most Promising New Talent" award at the Deadly Awards, I went on not long after, to win the Rudy Brandsma award for the song "So This Is Life" that Anthony Snape is now singing on the album. I had to have Sharon on this album. She was just a must have! She's such a lovely person and talented as well! I wrote her a song especially for her and the album, called "How's Your Journey Going?". We met in Tamworth on May 16th just gone to put her vocals down at Gary Brown's Hilltop Studio. She (and family) drove from Dubbo and Scott and I from Coolangatta. Lawrie Minson came up and donated his time and talents on pedal steel.
It was a fabulous time.
Pam Spencer -- Ahh, Pammy. We go back as well. Like I said earlier, Pam and the Spencer Band recorded one of my tracks in 1998 on a 5 song EP. The band broke up a few years later, much to the disappointment of Northwest NSW fans. Pam asked me if I'd like to take her place as lead singer for a while, so I did. The band didn't ever go back to the original line up, so Pam's brother, Kevin and I, decided to work as a duo, called "Oak St" We worked for about 2 and a half years. Pam and I always remained good friends. She moved up to Queensland a few years ago, and knowing how much the local community had missed her personality and talent, I asked her if she would like to be a part of the album, hoping to boost her back into the spot light a little. I hope it does, because she's a wonderful artist who should be heard. I gave Pam an uplifting and happy song to sing, as I think it will make her shine.
Bobby Cash:- Bobby has become a good friend over the years, with his albums, and songwriting. I caught up with him at the Celebrity Cricket Match this year at the Tamworth Festival, where we were on the same team. (oh - incidentally -- We won!!) He asked about what I was doing and I told him. I asked him if he would like to be a part of it, and he said "Absolutely", so I have written him a song that I think will suit his style of singing and guitar playing. All of the songs have to suit the theme of the album also, so it's been a bit tricky juggling the elements!
Jason Kemp:- Kempy - what a larriken!! Funny funny guy, and just all round top bloke.
A fabulous songwriter himself, he's picked up a writing deal in Nashville, through Australia's own Michael Flanders who has set up a publishing company "PIM" over there and is doing exceedingly well. Had to have Kempy on the album, and had to write him something he could relate too. So I wrote him an uptempo tune called "No Party On The Farm Tonight". Kempy lives in St George in outback Qld. He came and did the vocals while he was over for the Caboolture Country Music Festival.
Tania Kernaghan. Tania and I have become friends after my move up to the Coast. She said she would love to support the album. Initially I was going to write her a song, but she did tell me from the start that she had just taken on a massive job with her television show, so if time was of the essence, as it was, that she would give us a song which suited the theme of our album, from her album "Higher Ground". The song is called "Picking Up The Pieces". It's wonderful to have her support, she's a truly lovely person.
Q: Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t already mentioned?
A: This album, is meant to be of benefit to everyone involved. Some of the artists performing, and radio dj's I have spoken to since the inception of the album have been closely affected by homicide. It's so much more prevalent than many people are aware of, or are willing to talk about.
From the artists, (some need a boost back into the industry from a recording point of view) to the listeners (it may help some deal with grief knowing that the songs came from the horses mouth), the producer, the QHVSG, the Matthew Stanley Foundation, The One Punch Can Kill campaign, myself as a writer, and getting the message out there, that there is too much violence within our communities. It leaves a devastating and lasting effect on all who are touched by it. Awareness is the first step. Thinking before acting - is the second.
Thanks for the interview Joy.
All the best,
brenda-lee
Light Of Hope
01 So This Is Life – Anthony Snape
02 Why Did You Go – Candice Long
03 Cross The Rubicon – Brad Lee
04 Come Cryin’ To Me - The Mateki’s
05 Talking To Ghosts - Vanya
06 Butterfly Wings – Michael King
07 How’s Your Journey Goin’ – Sharon Lane
08 The Very Best That I Can Be – Pam Spencer
09 The World Beneath My Wings – Bobby Cash
10 No Party On The Farm – Jason Kemp
11 Higher Ground – Tanya Kernahgan
Available from:
HYPERLINK "http://www.brendaleeheathcote.com"
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