Little Wise
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Little Wise

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Band Folk Singer/Songwriter

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"On the Road.. With Sophie Klein"

What are you listening to on the road? Each bandmate has prepared an old-school mix CD for the tour. I'm expecting quite a bit of Motown, funk and some '90s pop from Megan [guitar]. There'll be some jazz and nu-bluegrass on Arlene's [bass] mix. Jordan [drums] is quite into his rock'n'roll and punk rock. My mix will include Mia Dyson, Rodriguez, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and Ash Grunwald.
What's your earliest musical moment? I am told that I used to be right into Salt-N-Pepa. Apparently I told the kindergarten teacher ''you're so crazy, I think I wanna have your babies!'' She wasn't too impressed.
What's the greatest thing you have seen on stage? I recently saw First Aid Kit in Melbourne and they performed a song completely acoustically - just guitar and voice, no microphones. It was a magical moment and amazing how they were able to fill the room with their sound. You could hear a pin drop. I [now] understand why they made Paul Simon cry.
What's your most treasured possession? At the moment it's my newly-purchased tour van! A Japanese import, 1998 Nissan Elgrand.
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What's your best piece of touring advice? Check, double check and triple check the posters before you get them printed to avoid countless mistakes.
Who are your musical heroes? The Waifs and Paul Kelly. The former in particular because of everything they have done in paving the way for the Australian independent music scene.
What's on your dream rider? Other than hot chips, it would have to be hot toddies - whiskey, honey, hot water, lemon - the perfect drink for a singer, in my opinion.
Who would you most like to tour with? The Waifs. There's also an Israeli band I have come to know called Asaf Avidan & the Mojos.
What was your musical epiphany? Playing with a band for the first time after doing the solo/duo thing opened my mind to all the possibilities. It was fantastic to hear my songs come alive. It still gives me chills when I bring a new song into the rehearsal room and the guys work their magic.
Is there any music you don't listen to? Classical music. I just can't find the appropriate moment.
What's your latest recording? The latest recording is also the debut and it's called Moments of Clarity. The EP was recorded and produced by Melbourne musician Aurora Jane and features many guest artists such as Rosie Burgess and Sam Lohs (of Fruit).
Describe your sound? Home-grown folk-roots with tinges of country, soul and rock.
What's your favourite gig of all time? When I was about 13, my big sister took me to Falls Festival. I saw Missy Higgins and the Beautiful Girls, Paul Kelly and the Waifs. It was around then I knew I wanted to make music.
What would be your dream touring destination? At the moment our YouTube hits have skyrocketed in Saudi Arabia and surrounds, for some unknown reason. I'm not so sure I'd like to tour there, but perhaps a rich sheikh could fund the next album?
Tell us something about where you grew up and how it influenced your sound? I am from a Jewish background and culturally I've always been surrounded by music. Also, I grew up in Melbourne. This has probably more directly influenced my sound, as well as my lyrics, for example the mention of Elwood Beach in my song Red Guitar.
What would you be doing if you weren't a musician? I'm studying social work, so I'd be a social work student, and a more diligent one at that.
What does the future hold? A hefty touring schedule including some festival appearances at Yackandandah, Mount Beauty and St Kilda.

Little Wise
WITH: Sidney Creswick and Jude Kohn
WHEN: February 1 from 8pm
WHERE: The Front Gallery and Cafe
TICKETS: $10 at the door

- The Canberra Times /The Age online (Fairfax Media)


"On the Road.. With Sophie Klein"

What are you listening to on the road? Each bandmate has prepared an old-school mix CD for the tour. I'm expecting quite a bit of Motown, funk and some '90s pop from Megan [guitar]. There'll be some jazz and nu-bluegrass on Arlene's [bass] mix. Jordan [drums] is quite into his rock'n'roll and punk rock. My mix will include Mia Dyson, Rodriguez, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and Ash Grunwald.
What's your earliest musical moment? I am told that I used to be right into Salt-N-Pepa. Apparently I told the kindergarten teacher ''you're so crazy, I think I wanna have your babies!'' She wasn't too impressed.
What's the greatest thing you have seen on stage? I recently saw First Aid Kit in Melbourne and they performed a song completely acoustically - just guitar and voice, no microphones. It was a magical moment and amazing how they were able to fill the room with their sound. You could hear a pin drop. I [now] understand why they made Paul Simon cry.
What's your most treasured possession? At the moment it's my newly-purchased tour van! A Japanese import, 1998 Nissan Elgrand.
Advertisement
What's your best piece of touring advice? Check, double check and triple check the posters before you get them printed to avoid countless mistakes.
Who are your musical heroes? The Waifs and Paul Kelly. The former in particular because of everything they have done in paving the way for the Australian independent music scene.
What's on your dream rider? Other than hot chips, it would have to be hot toddies - whiskey, honey, hot water, lemon - the perfect drink for a singer, in my opinion.
Who would you most like to tour with? The Waifs. There's also an Israeli band I have come to know called Asaf Avidan & the Mojos.
What was your musical epiphany? Playing with a band for the first time after doing the solo/duo thing opened my mind to all the possibilities. It was fantastic to hear my songs come alive. It still gives me chills when I bring a new song into the rehearsal room and the guys work their magic.
Is there any music you don't listen to? Classical music. I just can't find the appropriate moment.
What's your latest recording? The latest recording is also the debut and it's called Moments of Clarity. The EP was recorded and produced by Melbourne musician Aurora Jane and features many guest artists such as Rosie Burgess and Sam Lohs (of Fruit).
Describe your sound? Home-grown folk-roots with tinges of country, soul and rock.
What's your favourite gig of all time? When I was about 13, my big sister took me to Falls Festival. I saw Missy Higgins and the Beautiful Girls, Paul Kelly and the Waifs. It was around then I knew I wanted to make music.
What would be your dream touring destination? At the moment our YouTube hits have skyrocketed in Saudi Arabia and surrounds, for some unknown reason. I'm not so sure I'd like to tour there, but perhaps a rich sheikh could fund the next album?
Tell us something about where you grew up and how it influenced your sound? I am from a Jewish background and culturally I've always been surrounded by music. Also, I grew up in Melbourne. This has probably more directly influenced my sound, as well as my lyrics, for example the mention of Elwood Beach in my song Red Guitar.
What would you be doing if you weren't a musician? I'm studying social work, so I'd be a social work student, and a more diligent one at that.
What does the future hold? A hefty touring schedule including some festival appearances at Yackandandah, Mount Beauty and St Kilda.

Little Wise
WITH: Sidney Creswick and Jude Kohn
WHEN: February 1 from 8pm
WHERE: The Front Gallery and Cafe
TICKETS: $10 at the door

- The Canberra Times /The Age online (Fairfax Media)


"Tall stories come alive with Little Wise"

Tall stories come alive with Little Wise
By JONO PECH Aug. 16, 2012, 2:27 p.m.

Singer-songwriter Sophie Klein has promised to bring an energetic live show with her band's Warrnambool EP launch, showcasing accomplished musicianship through a range of instruments including guitars, banjo, mandolin and harmonica.
The 22-year-old said she was familiar with the region from her numerous trips over the years to the Port Fairy Folk Festival, where she hopes to one day perform.
"I'm just a massive music fan," Klein told Offbeat.
"Music has touched me in a great way since early high school when you first develop a taste other than whatever's on the radio.
"I remember my sister bought my mum The Waifs album Up All Night around 2002 and I just really connected with the roots/songwriter sound and that's when I really started to play guitar.
"People who listen to my music say it's a nice familiarity, like you can sing along after one listen."
After initially forming as a duo, Melbourne-based Klein recorded her Moment of Clarity EP as Little Wise with some guest musicians last summer.
"It's just really sort of been building and growing.
"I didn't really actually have a band so before the Melbourne launch I put together a five-piece band and that's kind of been a really big thing in developing the sound.
"It's almost like we want to record another EP already.
"The title track Moments of Clarity I literally wrote in the middle of night at about 4am.
"I went to the kitchen to get a cup of tea or whatever and it kind of wrote itself in a way.
"I was experiencing a moment of clarity while writing about it.
"It wasn't specific but I often feel like, living in such a post-modern era, things are very confusing and there are these rare moments where I have epiphanies, whether it's about what I want to do in life or my mind is just unclouded.
"Music can bring on a range of emotions... and it's about connecting.
"At our live show the ultimate aim is to connect with an audience and have people find something meaningful in it, and at very least something fun and entertaining.
Saturday's show at The Loft will boast the recently-formed full band, comprised of members Sophie Klein (vocals, guitars), Megan Bernard (electric guitar), Miguel Rios (acoustic guitar and mandolin), Conrad Tracey (drums) and Arelene Fletcher (double and electric bass).
- The Standard (Warrnambool) - Fairfax Media


"Tall stories come alive with Little Wise"

Tall stories come alive with Little Wise
By JONO PECH Aug. 16, 2012, 2:27 p.m.

Singer-songwriter Sophie Klein has promised to bring an energetic live show with her band's Warrnambool EP launch, showcasing accomplished musicianship through a range of instruments including guitars, banjo, mandolin and harmonica.
The 22-year-old said she was familiar with the region from her numerous trips over the years to the Port Fairy Folk Festival, where she hopes to one day perform.
"I'm just a massive music fan," Klein told Offbeat.
"Music has touched me in a great way since early high school when you first develop a taste other than whatever's on the radio.
"I remember my sister bought my mum The Waifs album Up All Night around 2002 and I just really connected with the roots/songwriter sound and that's when I really started to play guitar.
"People who listen to my music say it's a nice familiarity, like you can sing along after one listen."
After initially forming as a duo, Melbourne-based Klein recorded her Moment of Clarity EP as Little Wise with some guest musicians last summer.
"It's just really sort of been building and growing.
"I didn't really actually have a band so before the Melbourne launch I put together a five-piece band and that's kind of been a really big thing in developing the sound.
"It's almost like we want to record another EP already.
"The title track Moments of Clarity I literally wrote in the middle of night at about 4am.
"I went to the kitchen to get a cup of tea or whatever and it kind of wrote itself in a way.
"I was experiencing a moment of clarity while writing about it.
"It wasn't specific but I often feel like, living in such a post-modern era, things are very confusing and there are these rare moments where I have epiphanies, whether it's about what I want to do in life or my mind is just unclouded.
"Music can bring on a range of emotions... and it's about connecting.
"At our live show the ultimate aim is to connect with an audience and have people find something meaningful in it, and at very least something fun and entertaining.
Saturday's show at The Loft will boast the recently-formed full band, comprised of members Sophie Klein (vocals, guitars), Megan Bernard (electric guitar), Miguel Rios (acoustic guitar and mandolin), Conrad Tracey (drums) and Arelene Fletcher (double and electric bass).
- The Standard (Warrnambool) - Fairfax Media


"The Yearlings and Little Wise at the Wheatsheaf Hotel"

Sunday afternoons at the Wheaty are usually quite entertaining, and yesterday added confirmation of that.

The show was opened by Little Wise (Sophie Klein and Megan Bernard), a Melbourne duo with a refreshing folk/roots fusion, and a little bit of pop lurking in there somewhere. Lead vocalist Sophie has a warm and captivating voice, with just a touch of wistfulness that suits her songs so well. She plays a pretty mean guitar as well, and although mostly strumming rhythm, at times she really cut loose with some great picking that left us in no doubt as to her talent. And speaking of playing a mean guitar, Megan handled her Fender Stratocaster like a pro, weaving wonderful licks into Sophie’s songs, as well as providing spot-on vocal harmonies. They had an EP on sale, and after such a great performance, I couldn’t resist.

Now for the main course. The Yearlings (Chris Parkinson and Robyn Chalken) are just about my favourite band, and I take every opportunity to get along to their performances. Yesterday they were joined by BJ Barker on the drums, who has become almost a regular and provides a nice backdrop for Chris and Robyn. Another great show was no surprise, because they always manage to provide top entertainment. They played an hour long set that contained some of their back catalogue, some more recent stuff, and some new songs that haven’t yet made it on to an album, but I’m hoping that they will correct that soon. I wondered if Chris felt a little challenged or inspired by the playing of Megan Bernard earlier, because he seemed to be trying extra hard to coax some amazing sounds out of his guitar and it’s associated electronic wizardry. Robyn too, was on top form, with her gentle vocals and faultless rhythm guitar. Highlight for me was a stirring rendition of “Trouble Some More” to finish their set - Out and About in Adelaide


"The Yearlings and Little Wise at the Wheatsheaf Hotel"

Sunday afternoons at the Wheaty are usually quite entertaining, and yesterday added confirmation of that.

The show was opened by Little Wise (Sophie Klein and Megan Bernard), a Melbourne duo with a refreshing folk/roots fusion, and a little bit of pop lurking in there somewhere. Lead vocalist Sophie has a warm and captivating voice, with just a touch of wistfulness that suits her songs so well. She plays a pretty mean guitar as well, and although mostly strumming rhythm, at times she really cut loose with some great picking that left us in no doubt as to her talent. And speaking of playing a mean guitar, Megan handled her Fender Stratocaster like a pro, weaving wonderful licks into Sophie’s songs, as well as providing spot-on vocal harmonies. They had an EP on sale, and after such a great performance, I couldn’t resist.

Now for the main course. The Yearlings (Chris Parkinson and Robyn Chalken) are just about my favourite band, and I take every opportunity to get along to their performances. Yesterday they were joined by BJ Barker on the drums, who has become almost a regular and provides a nice backdrop for Chris and Robyn. Another great show was no surprise, because they always manage to provide top entertainment. They played an hour long set that contained some of their back catalogue, some more recent stuff, and some new songs that haven’t yet made it on to an album, but I’m hoping that they will correct that soon. I wondered if Chris felt a little challenged or inspired by the playing of Megan Bernard earlier, because he seemed to be trying extra hard to coax some amazing sounds out of his guitar and it’s associated electronic wizardry. Robyn too, was on top form, with her gentle vocals and faultless rhythm guitar. Highlight for me was a stirring rendition of “Trouble Some More” to finish their set - Out and About in Adelaide


"Little Wise – Moments Of Clarity EP"

If sweetness guaranteed album sales then Melbourne artist Little Wise (aka Sophie Klein) would be selling their new Moments Of Clarity EP by the truckloads, because this is one of the sweetest EPs to be released this year.
Little Wise delivers a rare brand of indie folk music, a kind so beautiful that you want to keep listening to over and over, and it never becomes repetitive. You instantly fall in love with Sophie Klein’s voice on the title track ‘Moments Of Clarity’… a track not to dissimilar to what we have come to know and love from Monique Brumby over the years.
‘Home’ certainly sends you drifting, it was one of the easiest tracks you’ll ever find to daydream to while Klein’s skills as a talented storytelling songwriter are there for all to hear on ‘Ride Now’… a track that will be lapped up by fans of The Waifs.
The thought provoking lyrics of ‘Growing Old’ certainly capture the listener’s attention while the highlight of the album is ‘Red Guitar’, a catchy little number that nicely mentions Elwood Beach for all the Melbourne-based music fans out there.
Moments Of Clarity is a beautiful EP that is guaranteed to be placed on high rotation on your stereo.

(4 stars)
- Buzz Media


"Little Wise – Moments Of Clarity EP"

If sweetness guaranteed album sales then Melbourne artist Little Wise (aka Sophie Klein) would be selling their new Moments Of Clarity EP by the truckloads, because this is one of the sweetest EPs to be released this year.
Little Wise delivers a rare brand of indie folk music, a kind so beautiful that you want to keep listening to over and over, and it never becomes repetitive. You instantly fall in love with Sophie Klein’s voice on the title track ‘Moments Of Clarity’… a track not to dissimilar to what we have come to know and love from Monique Brumby over the years.
‘Home’ certainly sends you drifting, it was one of the easiest tracks you’ll ever find to daydream to while Klein’s skills as a talented storytelling songwriter are there for all to hear on ‘Ride Now’… a track that will be lapped up by fans of The Waifs.
The thought provoking lyrics of ‘Growing Old’ certainly capture the listener’s attention while the highlight of the album is ‘Red Guitar’, a catchy little number that nicely mentions Elwood Beach for all the Melbourne-based music fans out there.
Moments Of Clarity is a beautiful EP that is guaranteed to be placed on high rotation on your stereo.

(4 stars)
- Buzz Media


Discography

Moments of Clarity EP - Released 30/05/2012

Photos

Bio

Leading Little Wise is Sophie Klein. She is perhaps small in stature, but nevertheless has got big stories to tell and musical wisdom to impart. An accomplished guitar, banjo and mandolin player, Klein’s voice has a gentle sensitivity likened to that of Frente’s Angie Hart. Hailing from Melbourne ‘Klein takes a gypsy-like approach to making music, straying beyond the boundaries of folk and roots to incorporate elements of blues, soul and country’ (The Mercury, TAS).
Collaborating with Klein since early 2012 is Megan Bernard. Megan cooks up delicious Jeff Beck-inspired soundscapes and solos on her turquoise-blue Stratocaster guitar, entwining them with skilfully blended vocal harmonies. The pair shares a palpable musical chemistry and tightness on stage that has emerged from many months spent driving together across the Aussie plains in their trusty tour van ‘Bonnie’. Performing in a duo or band format, Klein and Bernard are often joined in studio and on stage by special guests including Aurora Jane, Rosie Burgess (Rosie Burgess Trio), Sam Lohs (Fruit; RBT) and Paddy Montgomery (Mustered Courage; Oh Pep!).
Klein’s song writing inspiration often hits in the depths of night, and with this creative insomnia she conceptualised Little Wise’s first EP Moments of Clarity (2012). Reviews have pinned standout songs as Red Guitar, a catchy number that makes reference to Melbourne’s popular Elwood beach, and Ride Now that echoes the sounds of The Waifs.
In the tradition of Australian independent musicians who have come before, Little Wise has earned its stripes as a hardworking touring band. The outfit kicked off 2013 with a string of shows around Australia including appearances at St Kilda, Yackandandah, Warrandyte, Candelo Village and Mount Beauty Festivals alongside stalwarts such as Mia Dyson and Jordie Lane. With keen pop sensibilities that ignite a lasting depth and warmth to any room, Little Wise has left a trail of melodic crumbs for a hungry fan-base, eagerly awaiting the next tasty delight.

“If you’re a little wise yourself, you’ll catch them” (Rip It Up Magazine, SA).