Alison Newman is a talented singer-songwriter from Mt Gambier, South Australia. Her music is deeply rooted in her journey, specifically her struggles with postnatal depression. Her highly anticipated album, ‘Wolf’, is a five-track EP progressively released from June 2024.
The album delves into the intense and unfiltered emotions stemming from Alison’s battle with postnatal. A central theme is Alison’s depiction of the condition as “The Wolf,” drawing poignant parallels to the tale of Little Red Riding Hood to illustrate the consuming and relentless nature of the illness.
Alison has achieved several notable milestones in her musical career, earning nominations for the South Australian Music Awards and claiming victory at the 2021 South Australian State Final for the Listen Up Music Songwriter’s Prize. Her music is distinguished by its fusion of dark pop with emotive soundscapes, intricate vocal layering, and an emphasis on mental health themes.
In addition to her musical pursuits, Alison hosts the podcast The Art of Being a Mum, which delves into the dynamic relationship between creativity and motherhood. Through engaging conversations and personal anecdotes, she illuminates the experiences of creative mothers and addresses the obstacles they encounter.
Alison Newman will be releasing Pieces Of My Pain on Friday 30 August, as the third track from her EP ‘Wolf’.
How has your musical style evolved since you first began?
“I’ve been writing stories, poetry and songs since I was a kid. My lyrics have definitely become more sophisticated as I’ve grown up. The songs that I’ve written haven’t really changed genre, but the way they’ve been produced has. My first album was quite folky because of the producer I worked with, but my latest EP has quite a dark pop element to it and the songs could have easily been presented in a different way, but being due to the producers I chose to work with.
I’ve also gained so much confidence in expressing myself to producers in regards to how I want my music to sound, rather than handing over the reins. And I’m more confident saying ‘no’ if I really don’t like what’s being done to my songs.”
I’d love to hear about how you create your songs. What’s your songwriting process like? Where do you find inspiration?
“I often get ideas for a song when I’m walking, driving or when I’m in water, if that’s in the shower or if I’m swimming. I used to work in childcare and I’d be patting babies to sleep and would often get inspired by the rhythm. Any time I can kind of switch off and activate the theta brain!
I’ve also had times where a tune has come to me in a dream, or that moment between wake and sleep, very close to waking. And I’ll have to get up really quickly and record it in a voice app or notate it through sheet music before I forget it.
I will usually hear a tune first and then the words come very soon after, but I usually get the melody first, or a chord progression, and then I’ll sit down and work on the lyrics after, and nut out the chords on the keys.
I find inspiration through my personal experiences. I find it easy to write about things that have happened to me, or the way I interpret events.”
Can you share a story behind one of your favourite songs you’ve written?
“Pieces of my Pain off the new EP has to be my favourite song that I’ve ever written. I love the power and energy and uplift that I get when I sing it or hear it. From the very first bar the sing hits you. It is the 3rd track off the EP WOLF which I wrote about my experience with post natal depression. The 5 songs follow the timeline of when I first felt symptoms to when I was feeling well again. Being the middle track, this is the point where decide that I’m going to fight hard against my mental illness and get my life back.
And I have a really cool home made music video that will come out with this song that is a visual story telling of that moment of choosing life.”
How do you handle creative blocks or periods of low inspiration?
“When I’m working on a collection or series of songs, I very really suffer writers block because I’m feeling inspired andthings just seem to flow. But i do find sometimes when I’m working with EDM (electronic dance music) producers that it happens. I work with a few guys that will send me tracks and request just lyrics or lyrics and a vocal.
Sometimes I won’t feel very inspired by what I hear on the first listen, so I’ll leave it for a day or 2, come back to it when I’m feeling it a little more or I can give it a bit more time to let it get into me. I might listen to it while I’m driving for a few days. And then when i’m feeling upbeat and energetic I’ll get into the studio and put down a vocal track.”
How do you stay true to your artistic vision while also trying to reach a wider audience?
“I write and record music because it’s my way of expressing myself and working through my life experiences. I’m not obliged to do it – I don’t have a record label that tells me that I have to output a certain amount of music per year or when i need to deliver music. I have a day job and don’t rely on music to pay the bills so I don’t feel like I need create a certain kind of music just so it can be popular. I make my music for me and if someone gets something out of it then that makes me really happy! I don’t think you should have to change yourself in an effort to reach a wider audience.”
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as a musician?
“Being recognised as a songwriter has been tremendously affirming for me. Winning the SA Final of the Listen Up Music songwriting comp a few years ago was a highlight for sure. There’s a number of tracks off the new EP which are critically acclaimed.
Having people connect with my music is such a buzz. I love performing in front of a live crowd and feeling the energy coming back from them. It’s incredible when I get a message from someone saying they relate to a song I’ve written or have interpreted in a particular way to help them through a tough time.”
‘Pieces Of My Pain‘ will be available across all streaming platforms from Friday 30 August.
