New Release/Interview | Maple Glider

Maple Glider (Tori Zietsch) is back with her new single 'Good Thing.' The Naarm/Melbourne based singer first came into the spotlight with her well received debut single 'As Tradition' and has been gaining attention ever since. Listen. Maple glider is good. Just trust me. When have I ever let you down? Also, this isn't the first time Shrek is mentioned in one of my interviews, BUT it is the first time that it isn't prompted by me. So you know this is a good interview. Check it out!

Rapid-fire Questions

1. What have you been listening to lately?

Beverly Glenn-Copeland, Ryan Downey, Mindy Meng Wang, Kehlani, June Jones, Bedouine, Lijadu Sisters, Okay Kaya, my housemates scaring each other down the hall, pollinating bees, sleepy puppy breathing noises

2. What fictional location would you most like to play a show at?

With E.T., on a bike, flying past the moon

3. Do you remember what album or artists first made you fall in love with music?

I listened to Kelly Rowland Simply Deep on repeat.

4. I’ve asked everyone this question, but nobody takes me seriously. I’ve been obsessed with Cher for like a year now. Can you do a cover of “Believe”??

Um I’m also obsessed with Cher… have you seen her aerobics videos? Her costumes are amazing. They’re a serious workout. Also, yes. Definitely.

5. What conspiracy theory are you convinced is true?

My housemate told me to say lizard people but I don’t know what he’s talking about

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To start things off, can you introduce yourself for those who may not be familiar with you?

I’m Maple Glider and I live on the unceded land of the Wurundjeri people in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia.

You mentioned in a previous interview that you started playing shows at 14. What first sparked your interest in music, and what has your musical journey looked like this far?

My dad and my brother both had guitars. I remember one day mum was really frustrated, I think maybe at dad. She took his guitar and sat with it all day teaching herself chords. It really impacted me. I took my brother’s guitar and did the same thing, and then I just didn’t stop. I was obsessed with music. I’d already sang heaps and wrote poems and turned them into songs from a young age. I’d always sing melodies to myself in the car. Mum said she did the same thing when she was young. I don’t think I’ve ever really acknowledged how much she has impacted my love of music.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned since then as far as music goes?

Opportunity is not equally distributed. It’s important to be critical of the music industry, and of my own privilege. The people we choose to support and amplify are important.

I read that you grew up in a religious household, and you talk about it in your single “As Tradition.” How do you feel like that has influenced you as an artist?

It’s definitely given me a lot to write about. As a kid I spent a lot of hours playing music, and writing songs. I think that dedication to practice came from a desire to focus on something that felt less restricted. I read the bible when I was like 8. Wasn’t really a fan. Not enough horses. Playing music transported me to a lovely place.

Talk to us a bit about your newest single “Good Thing” . Are you excited to be able to share the song with the world?

I wrote it during the close of a connection with someone that definitely shook me a bit. It took me a while to process it, but I wrote a fuck tonne of music and poetry. I love playing it live and the whole song is like three chords so I don’t even need to look down at my guitar once.

What is the most important thing for you when it comes to creating a song?

I need to feel open, and not too concerned about the outcome. Writing is such a great outlet, and if I’m too rigid about it then I don’t enjoy it and my face looks cross. I try not to have a cross face.

Where do you normally draw inspiration from?

Usually from personal experience. The complexities of different relationships, beautiful places, unusual experiences, intimacy, loneliness, anxiety, and golden tortoise beetles.

Do you have to be in a specific mood or environment to write a song?

Yes. I must be wearing a shrek costume. At all times.

Who do you consider your musical and non-musical influences?

Our cat Coriander and our puppy Flo. They make beautiful and obscure noises and always speak their truth.

What does” success” look like to you as far as music goes?

Having my mum repost a pixelated screenshot of a link to my song on her instagram.

What musical accomplishment are you most proud of?

I’m really happy I took my time and now have the opportunity to work with some of the kindest and most passionate people I’ve met in music. I’m very lucky, and very proud of that.

Ideally, where do you see yourself in 5 years?

As I’m writing this it’s the last day of Summer. 5 years to this day I hope I’m outside with the sun on my face!

What are you currently working on?

My abs.

To wrap things up, do you have any questions for me?

If you were a question what would that question be and is that a question or is that question you?

I'm deleting this entire interview now.