Storm Large, singer, Queensland Cabaret Festival
The bright open minds and hearts of humans ...
Most people tend to be pretty happy holding one occupational title at a time. But for Storm Large, one was never going to be enough. Widely recognised as one of the lead singers in acclaimed band Pink Martini, Storm can also list actor, playwright, author and cabaret star to her list of titles. For her new cabaret show Taken By Storm, the talented singer explores the language of love through song, inviting audiences to go on a date with her. Ahead of her Queensland Cabaret Festival debut at the Brisbane Powerhouse on June 14, The Weekend Edition caught up with the songstress this week to talk nighttime musings and American poets.
You made the final in the CBS show Rock Star: Supernova. What was it like being part of a reality TV show?
Exhausting. Zero privacy, zero control … but still a major blast.
You co-front acclaimed bank Pink Martini. What has been your most memorable experience since joining the band?
Probably my first performance with them. I had to learn ten songs in five different languages in four days before my debut with the band. That debut being: four sold-out concerts at The Kennedy Centre in Washington, D.C.
When did you first recognise your musical talents?
When I was around five years old. I could imitate what I heard – voices, birds, animals. When I sang songs for grown ups, I noticed there was more in their listening to me than just indulging a child. I could see that they were genuinely impressed – surprised, even – that someone so little could sing so well.
Can you remember the first time you performed in front of anybody?
I was always performing everywhere all the time, for anyone who wouldn’t tell me to shut up. The American poet Ogden Nash was a close family friend, and when he died I would sing to his widow, Frances, and recite Ogden’s poetry to her.
You studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. Were you certain you were going to be a performer, or did you have a back-up plan?
I knew I was going to act, sing or both. The academy taught me that I was a far better singer than actor, though I still do a bit of theatre and film. I never expected to be this successful, I just planned on working in the arts for the rest of my life in some fashion.
When did cabaret grab hold of you and what do you love about it?
Even when I was in hard rock bands, I would break off and tell stories. My band members would roll their eyes and say tell me to start the next song, but I could tell the audience was engaged! They were hungry for connection. Not just a sound and sight assault, they wanted to be seen as well, felt. I’ve never been a separate entity from the audience as a performer, I’m far too lonely in my nature to avoid connection when it’s offered.
You’ll be performing in Brisbane for the first time at the Queensland Cabaret Festival in June,. What’s on your list of things to do, see or consume while you’re here?
First of all, I love Australia! Your food, air and people are so clean and healthy, just being there is good for my guts. I usually take recommendations from drivers, crew and locals around where we stay, that’s the best way to get an authentic experience. Where do YOU think I should go?
What can the audience expect from your new show, Taken By Storm?
As the title suggests, you’ll get a face and heart full of whatever I decide to give you that evening. Mostly it’s a dissertation of love and love songs, exploring why most love songs are wracked with pain yet we all want to fall in love over and over again … all the while you’re essentially on a date with me.
You’ve described the show as being about love, death and madness – things you think about at night. Is there something we should know about your dreams?
Not yet. Soon, darling … soon.
The show interprets a number of well-known songs from artists including Cole Porter, Johnny Cash and Black Sabbath – can you let us in on the tracks that are still on your ‘to-do’ list?
You’ll hear some originals as well, and maybe a smidge of your countrymen’s work.
What would you consider to be your career highlight so far?
Being asked to sing at Carnegie Hall … twice!
What’s your idea of complete happiness?
Having hope.
What inspires you?
The bright open minds and hearts of humans.