After more than four decades of making music, Deborah Conway is still chasing the perfect song, the perfect record and the perfect gig. Together with husband and musical partner Willy Zygier, she brings that restless creative spirit to UNBREAKABLE, as SHIR: The Australian Jewish Music Festival makes its Perth debut.
Meet The Musician - Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier
What is this performance or production about?
Shir has a legacy reaching back to 2010 that explores what it means to be a Jewish musician. Willy & I played at the inaugural 2010 iteration at Bondi Pavilion in Sydney and went on to become ambassadors and, in 2015 & 2017, brought Shir to Melbourne as Director & Artistic Director. Through the multiple outings of Shir, including name changes, the evolution has always been directed toward the essential & core purpose: the celebration of Jewish music & Jewish musicians.
How did you come to your instrument, and what keeps you coming back to it?
I have been a musician for more than 4 decades. While I have expounded many different styles the reason behind my unwavering interest is to strive to write the perfect song, make the perfect record, play the perfect gig. It is endlessly challenging & I am still captivated by the task.
How would you describe your sound or style to someone unfamiliar with your work?
Somewhere between Leonard Cohen & Joan of Arc
Is there a piece in this program that holds a particular personal meaning?
We try, maybe foolishly, for our songs to mean something, as there are a lot of songs in this world. Why add another unless it expresses something...
What is the difference between rehearsing and performing for you?
An audience changes everything, including your relationship to your instrument. It takes three to tango
What does performing live give you that recording does not?
Blood and sweat and a beating heart and the chance to make something that only exists in the moment. The true adventure & reason for music.
Who are the musicians who shaped the way you think about your instrument and performance?
If it's Tuesday, it must be.....
What is the most challenging thing about performing this material?
Perhaps being able to convey the unfamiliar to an audience that needs to lean on the familiar
What do you want the audience to take away from this performance?
Joy, meaning, strength, curiosity.
What is next for you musically?
Understanding, really understanding that AI has changed the face of songwriting and what it means to be human. Embracing the challenge to be as human as humanly possible.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Willy is vegetarian
Thank you to Deborah and Willy for sharing their thoughts on music, performance and what it means to be human in a changing creative world.
UNBREAKABLE comes to Perth's Octagon Theatre for one night only on Thursday 26 November. Book your tickets through TicketsWA and experience SHIR's Perth debut.
