Maple Glider: “I’ve always loved the ugliest, most fabulous thing in the op shop”

by Billy Burgess | Thursday May 02, 2024 | Features

Maple Glider, Photograph: Bridgette Winten

Across two albums as Maple Glider, songwriter Tori Zietsch has not hesitated to publicly air her private troubles. On the Melbourne/Naarm-based musician’s latest LP, I Get Into Trouble, Zietsch pairs sharp indie-pop and folk-rock songwriting with lyrics that reckon with past trauma and seek authenticity in the present.

Maple Glider is on the lineup for this year’s Vivid LIVE, playing the Opera House’s Utzon Room on May 31. Ahead of the gig, which follows an extensive regional tour, Zietsch tells us what characterises a great Maple Glider live show.

Check Check: A number of songs on I Get Into Trouble are rooted in painful experiences. What has it felt like taking the album on tour? Has it changed your relationship with the songs?

Maple Glider: It’s been great, really. People who come to Maple Glider shows are wonderful. I’ve felt pretty connected to most of the experiences I’ve had performing so far and that’s something I’m really grateful for. It makes me feel assured that sharing the album has been the right decision.

What sort of things do you make sure to include in your live shows?

Atmosphere is pretty central. I like to take moments to linger in feelings. I don’t want anything to feel too rushed.

Pace is important. I want the experience to be intimate and to feel a bit different to how it is just listening to the record. Like a little extra something.

Having a laugh together is always good. Usually after a little cry.

I like to wear costumes. A little something tacky. I always loved the ugliest, most fabulous thing in the op shop. Have taken that thing home with me since I was a kid. And now I bring that shit on stage!

Do you think of yourself as a natural performer?

Yes. I think I’ve always been a performer. Awkward in conversation but mostly at ease on stage. It baffles me honestly.

Who are some live performers that have influenced you?

I saw Patti Smith perform some years ago. She filled the room with such a loving energy. Carole King too. I love that. I hope I can be part of something like that. Sharon Van Etten is forever a fave. I’m not as rock’n’roll as her though. I can try.