With her debut EP The Coral Reef, low-profile New Zealand singer/composer Mimsy Cable makes good on the spirited enthusiasm her rare live performances and past single releases have generated around her home country. Influenced by the diverse likes of Debussy, John Coltrane, Judee Sill and Cocteau Twins, Mimsy’s command of mood and tone is exceptional, making for an enchanting listening experience. Sitting within an interzone connecting soul, indie-pop, downbeat, classical and vocal jazz, her sound rewards more with every listen.
Facts
1: I once completed the easy Minesweeper level in 7 seconds
2: Octopuses store their memories in different parts of their brain, just like humans.
3: 21 out of the world’s largest aquifers are being depleted at a rate to fast to be replenished.
Questions
What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
Lyrically, I am very inspired by the natural world and the invisible hand that moves everything, not in a religiously-specific way but rather the sheer force of nature that inevitably intersects with our human world. Musically, I was raised on Classical music – specifically Mozart and Ravel – and the Beach Boys from an early age and went on to study Jazz at University. All these things find their way into my songs in some way or another.
How and when did you get into making music?
I started writing songs at age 12 on my Grand ad’s old guitar. I don’t know what compelled me to start writing songs but it quickly became the outlet for all my teenage (and , eventually, adult) angst to come.
What are your 5 favourite albums of all time?
‘Voodoo’ by D’Angelo;
‘Here My Dear’ by Marvin Gaye;
‘Heart Food’ by Judee Sill;
‘Cat in the Hat’ by Bobby Caldwell;
‘Bryter Layter’ by Nick Drake.
What do you associate with Berlin?
Riding a bike along the runway at Tempelhof.
What’s your favourite place in your town?
I’m from Northcote Central, on Auckland ‘s North Shore. It isn’t in any way a notable place but I still love it for all it’s mundane-ness and quirks. Plus, you can get some of Auckland ‘s best hand -pulled Northern Chinese noodles there.
If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
I work in a public library by trade and am very interested in the cataloguing of things. Perhaps an anthropologist or a mineralogist.
What was the last record you bought?
Dreamin’ Wild by Donnie & Joe Emerson.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Daniel Rossen from Grizzly Bear/Department of Eagles. I admire everything he does and love his approach to songqriting.
What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
Without a doubt, Hall & Oates at Villa Maria Vineyard in 2012. Such a bougie setting but it didn’t matter, I drunkenly sang my heart out to every song.
How important is technology to your creative process?
Not very, if at all. I’m very much an analog girl.
Do you have siblings and how do they feel about your career?
Yes, I have two brothers – one older, one younger – and they are both very encouraging and supportive. I am a very lucky sister.
Our Favourites: Season of madness | Body of water | Voice from the well
