Who is Vika Bull?
Appearing in At Last: The Etta James Story at the Sydney Opera House, and is very much looking forward to it. The Opera House is a beautiful venue set in one of the most beautiful harbours in the world – it is a joy to walk to work there everyday and take in the view. I pinch myself every time I perform there.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Do you mean if I did not sing what would I do now? For me there was no other option. I decided at a very early age that I would be a singer. I just had to get some stuff out of the way first… like school!
Who inspires you and why?
Etta James has always been an inspiration first and foremost because of her voice – I fell in love when I was 17 and have been listening to her ever since. Once I read her book, Rage To Survive I liked her even more because she is a survivor, someone who was fiercely independent from a very early age who overcame her demons and sang to the very end. I also love her sense of humor – she was one funny gal and I like that very much.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I don’t know that is hard to answer. I’d plant more trees and I like the idea of tidal power too I mean gee we have a lot of coastline don’t we?
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Tonga of course. I go to Vava’u when I visit which is where my mother is from. You can swim with the whales there but I haven’t – too scared just happy to look. Phillip Island is up there too – it is such a beautiful island. Wonderful beaches and the fairy penguins live there and I love them.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I would take them to The Corner Hotel in Richmond to see a kick ass band. I learnt my craft singing in Australian pubs 6 nights a week for 10 years and for me, The Corner is one of the few great pubs left where you can experience Australian and overseas rock’n’roll at its best.
What are you currently reading?
The Healing Feeling by Samantha Gowing. A wonderful book full of recipes and remedies. She is a force to be reckoned with – very clever and very funny.
What are you currently listening to?
Currently listening to a lot of Carole King songs.
Happiness is?
Family, friends, enough to live on, inner peace, peace.
What does the future hold for you?
I haven’t got a clue. I’m working on being healthier so I can live a little longer.
Vika is currently starring in At Last: The Etta James Story at the Sydney Opera House until 17 July 2016. For more information, visit: www.sydneyoperahouse.com. Vika will then perform with Debra Byrne in Tapestry: The Songs of Carole King at Arts Centre Melbourne: 5 & 6 August 2016. For more information, visit: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au for details.
Image: Vika Bull