Who is Tina Harrod?
I am an Australian singer, songwriter, mother of Mia and Grandmother of Otis and Wesley. I was born in New Zealand and came to Australia when I had just turned 17 on a working holiday with friends and I stayed on to pursue a life in music.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I would have studied Philosophy and ancient history but with music thrown in as I was drawn to music from a very young age. I always knew that was what I was going to do with my life.
Who inspires you and why?
People who know who they are. I think they’re rare. We tend to define ourselves by what we do but that’s just one part of us.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I have always wanted to write and perform music that has depth and quality to create a shift inside the listener because music is a healing force. That’s what music does to me, and I want to do the same for others with my work.
Favourite Holiday Destination and why?
Budapest in Hungary. I’ve been there many times over the years as my late partner in life and music Jackie Orszaczky was from there, so we toured there regularly. It’s a beautiful city with so much to see and do. I always head to the Széchenyi thermal baths to unwind after the long flight.
When Friends come to town what attractions would you take them to and why?
When I’m home in the Northern Rivers, I take friends and family to Wategos Beach for a swim. Wategos is my favourite beach around Byron Bay because it’s more secluded than most. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. I also love to take friends to the Bruns pub down by the river at Brunswick Heads for some great pub food and live music. Also in Brunswick Heads is a little Mexican place called La Casita who serve the best margarita’s and tacos anywhere.
What are you currently reading?
- The Hummingbirds by Kata Kiss. A Crime novel. I LOVE crime novels.
- The Search for the Genuine by Jim Harrison. Beautifully written by the late American poet.
- The Diary of Anaïs Nin Vol 1-1931-1934.
What are you currently listening to?
- Time Out by The Dave Brubeck Quartet.
- Anatomy of Heart by Donné Restrom & Aaron ‘Baz’ Flower.
- Sentimientos En Vivo by Maritzaida
- Tether by Annahstasia
- A Love Supreme by John Coltrane.
- Ariel by Kate Bush.
Happiness Is?
Nothing makes me happier than writing a good song. A close second is spending time with my family, making an excellent cup of tea, cooking a great meal and reading and listening to music.
What does the future hold for you?
I am very excited to be performing at the Vanguard in Sydney with my quintet as part of SIMA’s Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival on Friday 30 October. I am also releasing my 6th album, Underworld, in March 2027 – so it will be a busy start to the year, touring and working to promote the new album. I have been writing it since 2023 and we finished recording it earlier this year.
Tina performs at The Vanguard, Newtown, on Friday 30 October 2026, as part of the Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival. For more information, visit: www.sima.org.au for details.
Image: Tina Harrod (supplied)