Being ‘Everything at once’

She enjoys a huge Facebook fanbase and has three albums to her credit. Meet Australian singer-songwriter Lenka Kripac who will perform in the city this weekend

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Lenka’s introduction to most of the Indian audiences was perhaps through the Windows 8 commercial. Remember ‘Everything at once’, the song with a cutesy video, which had the singer bobbing about in a monochromatic setting? Her music has also been part of a host of other television commercials and shows. “I feel lucky that my music gets chosen to be part of such things and then introduces a whole new fan base to me. It’s a bonus,” says Lenka Kripac who is coming to Chennai to perform at the Divas Of Rock presented by Vivanta by Taj in association with Vh1, Sony Music and Rolling Stone.

Though Lenka has been singing for as long as she can remember, her career began as an actor. She attended The Australian Theatre For Young People and trained with Cate Blanchett. Once, while acting in a play, which also required her to sing, she realised she enjoyed the singing much more than the histrionics. Says the Australian singer and songwriter, “I wanted to do something where I was more involved in every aspect of the creation. As an actor, you are a part of someone else’s vision; I had an urge to share my own stories and ideas too.” And that is something she achieved through her songs and videos. Listening to Bjork helped her find her own voice. Lilly Allen and Lorde inspire her as well. “The idea of not trying to be perfect really helped me. I feel that being unique is very important in the music business,” says the singer who enjoys a huge Facabook fanbase.

Lenka is three albums old and her music has gone from being upbeat, fun and peppy to one that’s softer and dreamier. “

Shadow , my third album, was written and recorded when I was pregnant and then had my a baby. It’s a quiet, soothing album, intended for relaxing, sleeping and dreaming. I love those kinds of records you can put on at the end of the day and just feel dreamy,” she says.

So is motherhood responsible for the transition in her music? “Motherhood has changed everything! My singing is pretty much the same but the songs are softer and sweeter. Quinn (her son) actually likes upbeat music, so that is what I am writing again. I feel my perspective as a song-writer has changed,” she laughs.

Are there plans of collaborating with Indian artistes or music directors? “I haven’t given it a thought, but I must say, there is an Indian restaurant we go to back home that plays Bollywood films. They are so over-the-top! Very impressive and magical. It’s a whole obsession in India, I hear. I actually love listening to Classical Indian music. I like Ravi Shankar and have a beautiful collection of Classical music that I listen to when relaxing or doing yoga.”

Being the jet-setting singer’s first trip to India, she is looking forward to experiencing the colours, the people and Indian hospitality she has heard so much about. And as for the performance, she says, “It’s a new audience for me so, I don’t know what to expect. I hope there are a few hardcore Lenka fans and I show them all a good time and everybody leaves with a smile on their face.”

(Lenka will perform at Taj Club House on November 24)