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The following is an interview with Sam Walker taken from the May 2007 issue of g3 magazine
Walker talks past loves, relationships and romantic inspirations...
There are many musical idols that have affected my outlook and career in this industry as oppose to just one. Alanis Morissette, Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) and Skin (Skunk Anansie) have particularly inspired me, and all of them in different ways. Alanis Morissette encouraged me to be strong after being hurt in past relationships. She makes very powerful statements about the way she feels and is never apologetic in words or tone of vocal. She made me realise that, both musically and in my personal life, everything has to come from the heart, which is why I can’t stand bands that try to be something they are not or who have been put together by a record label. You have to be true to who you are.
Walker talks song writing and performing...
Robert Plant knew how to perform and had an incredible vocal range that made me want to improve my own vocal ability and inspired me to let myself go onstage. I am into a lot of current music too, but I think the song writing that came out of bands when Zeppelin were around was incredible and very memorable. Skin has helped motivate my habits as a lyricist; I’ve taken a lot of tips from her style. I like diversity in song writing and she has a delicate, innocent side to her voice, coupled with a very powerful rock edge too. For me, Skin is one of the few women in rock music that has really stood out from a lot of other artists. I hope that I can aspire to a level close to her’s one day.
Walker talks up her tour ethos...
When my sister Shelley and I started touring we went through the rock ‘n’ roll phase of getting drunk and having parties. Now we have a better understanding of the business and what gigging takes out of us, we know we have to stay healthy and look after ourselves. Otherwise we’d just burn out. Don’t get me wrong we still have a good time and go to parties, but in general we get our highs from performing. Bands I really respect, like Zeppelin and Aerosmith, used to damage themselves with drugs and drink on tour and the band [Joanovarc] have had that experience - we thought that was the way it had to be. But it isn’t, and you learn quickly that you have to stay focused on what you’re doing.
Walker talks of relationships with other musical genres and musicians...
Me and the girls (Shelly Walker, guitar; Debbie Wildish, drums) listen to a wealth of different artists that impress upon our song writing and individual musicianship. ACDC, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Radiohead, Alanis Morissette, Cooper Temple Clause, Skin, Muse and Aerosmith have all been influential within Joanovarc. Personally, I have great relationships with many different musicians and feel just as excited to meet talented unsigned artists as I do established ones. They are after all, the best people to know in this business as you can support each other through the fickle nature of the industry.
