Often seen busking in Hobart, Tasha Zappala is a singer-songwriter who incorporates nature into her music. When not touring, Tasha spends her time in the forest capturing field recordings, recently releasing a series of soundscape albums.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I grew up in Thul Garrie Waja/Gurrumbilbarra/North Queensland, and am currently based in Nipaluna/ Hobart, Lutruwita/Tasmania.

Over the summer you released three soundscape albums, Early Summer, Midwinter, and Late Spring. Why did you want to make these? Each of the albums feature field recordings from different seasons (spanning from 2021-2024), with sites across the island including Takayna/Tarkine in the North- West, and the Styx Valley in the South. In returning to sites across seasons, new sound worlds emerge: changing with weather patterns, winds and rainfall. The three albums are a part of my PhD research project, Songwriting and Sound: a medium for connecting distant environments. The research is focused on the use of field recordings in contemporary contexts and creative responses to environmental sound. Since 2021, this has allowed me to sit quietly on mossy logs and by creeksides with microphones and headphones to learn to be a better listener. It has been such a wonder to sit and notice the tiny details and patterns within sites, as they weave little sonic worlds to rest and reflect in. Field recordings provide an opportunity to dwell within the minutiae of the very quiet, to find song in unexpected places and to hear surroundings in new ways. Through the PhD research project, field recordings are used to explore the inner sounds that are prompted through external environments. You can listen to them on my website and on Bandcamp.

You’re set to release a live album, Stoveside, this month. Tell us about this. Stoveside was recorded and mixed by Eliza Bird at Frying Pan Studios in Nipaluna/Hobart and is a live album of songs written across Lutruwita/Tasmania. This album also incorporates field recordings as it was intended to be a set of songs over a cuppa with sounds of the garden softly coming through. The album is quite introspective and is largely about learning to take the time to notice tiny joys. It was transformative to work with Eliza as the sound engineer, as she was able to gently frame each of the songs. The first single of Stoveside was released in December, a song called Soak. It was written about finding love and appreciation for the everyday moments, and to find the courage to be honest even when it’s hard. The video, which is directed, filmed and edited by Louie James Richmond and shot at Snug Falls, is in sepia tones; as though it is a memory or reflection.

What do you enjoy about busking, and what do you get out of it? A large part of my current practice was informed from travelling and street performing; it was such an immediate way to connect with a new city and unfamiliar faces. A large part of busking involves responding to changing environments and improvising with spaces: timing songs to tram arrivals in Naarm/Melbourne or singing to the setting sun on the waterfront. I love the little moments of synchronicity and magic that emerge from street performances – you never know what might happen!

What events do you have coming up? There are a few events over the summer to celebrate the new releases, these include Festivale Launceston on 31 January, and Royal Oak Hotel Launceston on 20 February.

Who do you admire? I’m really inspired by so many artists living and working in Lutruwita/Tasmania, it’s a joy to be a part of such a vibrant creative community.

Favourite podcast or tv show? Tape Notes Podcast is great for hearing more about how songs are made.

Secret vice? I have recently learnt to knit and am working on a secret series of scarves for those I love.

What are you reading now? Deep Listening to Nature, by Andrew Skeoch.

Do you have any pets? No pets, but a big veggie patch!

What was your first job? I was a clothes tailor.

What are your daily news/social media habits? I love the moss appreciation pages!

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: Straight Up Coffee and Food.

Lunch: Baked Gluten Free.

Dinner: A picnic in the forest.

Dream holiday destination? The West Coast of Lutruwita/Tasmania.

Favourite Tasmanian secret? It’s not mine to tell!

Parting words? May your day be full of frog song and all of your favourite birds.