Internationally acclaimed songstress WENDY RULE hasn’t always sung about magic and mythology – in fact, it used to be quite the opposite. She tells KIRSTIE SEQUITIN about her spiritual epiphany. 

KIRSTIE SEQUITIN: Your performance is described as an ‘otherworldly journey’. What does this mean for audiences who are yet to see you live?

WENDY RULE: My music comes from my soul, and my performances are really part of my spiritual journey. I love to make a strong connection with the audience, being open with my emotions and sharing the stories behind the songs. I create a beautiful space with incense, candles and backdrops, and consciously create a magical environment by welcoming in the Four Elements – Earth, Air, Fire and Water.

KS: What's the story behind your title track Guided by Venus?
WR: Venus, as we all know, is the Goddess of Love. I am fascinated with the many ways that love manifests in our lives. A couple of years ago I fell deeply in love with a guy in America (who is now my boyfriend) and really this album stemmed from that profound opening of our hearts. But it’s not all just ‘love songs’ in the clichéd way. Over the course of the album I explore the epic and stormy seas of love. There are songs to my ex-partner (who is still my great friend) as well as a song for my son Reuben, and a song for my dear friend Rachel. Love continues to teach me deep and amazing lessons.

KS: Tell me a little about your change from jazz to gothic music.

WR: I don’t really consider my original music gothic – though of course it draws on similar themes and textures. My time as a jazz singer in my early 20s was really an opportunity for me to learn my craft as a singer. Although I loved those gorgeous old songs, there was a big part of me yearning for more. After my beautiful son was born I went through a kind of spiritual epiphany and could just feel Magic everywhere around me. I formed my first band (The Howl) and began doing these incredibly intense concerts all over Melbourne. From then on my music has just kept evolving. Every now and then I like to do a jazz gig, but the most important thing for me is to keep writing and performing songs that come directly from my soul.

WENDY RULE plays a special Monday night show at The Joynt on May 31. Tickets available at the venue for $20, or $50 including dinner. GUIDED BY VENUS is out now. www.myspace.com/wendyrule

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