Who is Carla Lippis?
The personality that inhabits this lump of flesh is electric yet full of woe. At times full of intense rage and, once in a while, capable of fleeting wisdom. Other than all the existential worrying, she generally likes to sing and make all kinds of music.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I would stop worrying. Jokes aside, I would have loved to study philosophy.
Who inspires you and why?
People who are inherently themselves and aren’t afraid to be just that, despite the ridicule or distain they might receive from the world. You know when you see them – they stick out like goths at the beach!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I wish I could get rid of all the plastic. Save the Great Barrier Reef. Ban all those sneaky handshakes people in big business and politics do that screw up the earth and every living thing on it.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
It’s hard to choose – but my most memorable trips have been to Istanbul and Buenos Aires. In Istanbul, you can feel the soul of the people pulsating through the streets. This was much the same for Buenos Aires. The country was so unstable when I was there, that they didn’t waste a moment. Time was nothing but a number to all the grannies I saw at midnight taking their grandchildren out for ice cream. Dinner at 11pm, nightclub at 2am, bed for a few hours and then back to work at 9am. Sleep is for the bored, and there is never a reason to be bored in Buenos Aires!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
In summer time, it’s straight to the Central Market for lunch, then fly down the freeway to Maslins Beach with an esky full of beers to swim and watch the sun go down. In winter, I would drive straight to my place for a heated game of Trivial Pursuit over some wine and cheese.
What are you currently reading?
The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene. I love non fiction and Mr Greene is one of my heroes.
What are you currently listening to?
Italian singer Raffaella Carra, RIP. She was a renegade and a pioneer. Carra was way ahead of her time. Italo disco is one of the greatest genres. We have a big disco collection, and it gets pulled out quite often. We like to dance around our living room.
Happiness is?
Going out for coffee and cake with my parents, playing board games with my siblings, holding Geoff’s hand while walking and talking about music. A glass of champagne in one hand and a cigarette in the other – enjoyed best while having heated discussions with your dearest friends. Going to the beach for a swim on a hot day when you’re hung over. Smelling all the expensive perfumes at Selfridges. It helps to remember a few things, too. Everything in moderation, including moderation 😉
What does the future hold for you?
Writing more music, spending time with people I like and love. Who knows? You can make all the plans you want, but life will happen the way it wants to.
Carla celebrates her homecoming in a sultry, soulful and spirited performance with her new band, that features a world premiere performance by two of Australia’s jazz guitar giants, James Muller and Hugh Stuckey at the 2021 Adelaide Guitar Festival in the Dunstan Playhouse on Friday 23 July. For more information, visit: www.adelaideguitarfestival.com.au for details.
Image: Carla Lippis – photo by Thomas McCammon