Interview: Vanessa Kersting
Vanessa Kersting is a singer-songwriter from Australia, who has just released her latest song 'Here'. Louder Than The Music caught up with Vanessa to find out more about her and the music she writes, and her plans for the new year.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
Well, I am a singer songwriter from Adelaide, Australia. If you are wondering where Adelaide is, it is about 900 miles south west of Sydney in the state of South Australia. I grew up in the Salvation Army church. Most people know the Salvation Army as an organisation who support people in the community, but they also have a church, which has a brass band, singers, the works. My parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins on my mum's side all grew up in the church so I was surrounded by music from the beginning or as I like to say it was in my blood. Through my high school years I studied music alongside of physics, maths and biology. I was involved in church and school musicals and enjoyed jamming with my friends out of school hours. Once I graduated from school I released my first EP, started touring and I guess it has just evolved from there with my 8th album coming out next year.
Tell us about your new single 'Here' and what the inspiration behind it was?
Like a lot of the world Covid has affected so many people here in Australia. In just one week I heard a number of people saying about how tired and fatigued they were of lockdowns, risks of losing work, being isolated and just hearing the desperation in their voices to see their loved ones. I wanted to write something to encourage my friends, family and others that no matter how hard life seemed the Father, Son and Spirit always were and will always be with us. You know, life can and does get hectic. In a moment, in a breathe things change, but the constant in it all is the love of the Father, Son and Spirit for us and the promise of Emmanuel - that we are never alone.
You also have a new album coming out next year, what can you tell us about that?
We are still in the writing process, but I am hoping to release the new album late in 2022. I’m pretty excited about getting back into the studio and recording some new material for you all.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
That there is hope and that they are loved more than they can possibly imagine.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
Hmmm, I would say I have a style that is a mix of piano based pop and traditional CCM. Growing up I listened to a lot to artists like Rebecca St James, Amy Grant, Nichole Nordeman, Alanis Morrissette and Plumb. These artists have all had a big influence on my music and songwriting.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
This always changes, but Amy Grant or JJ Heller would be up there. I just love the honesty in their lyrics. They are always my go to’s when I need a pick me up or word of encouragement. It would be such a thrill to write with them.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Somebody recently told me that they were listening to a song of mine and it reminded them of how deeply they are loved, that they belong and have never for a moment been alone. For me, if just one person is reminded of that through listening to one of my songs… that to me is success.
What is your favorite album of all time?
Heart in Motion by Amy Grant
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
My mind immediately goes to songs like Ice Ice Baby, I Will Survive, Walking On Sunshine or Standard by Plumb. In all seriousness though, it would need to be a song that would get stuck in my head enough that I could keep singing it even after the phone died.
What does the next year hold for you?
Some music, some travel and hopefully the chance to catch up with friends and family again.
