Emerging Australian singer/ songwriter Claudette has an ear for good collaborations, working with globally renowned producers and artists such as Kavyen Temperley of Eskimo Joe and Jade Macrae. Claudette is building a reputation on originality, swagger and the ability to intrigue an audience. This doesn’t just relate to her music; she has quite an eye for interior decorating. I caught up with her for a peak at her 1940’s, French inspired abode, set in the heart of one of Melbourne’s trendiest suburbs- South side of the river at least.

J: Your house is just fabulous; can you tell me about its history?

C: Thank you! The actual building, Love & Lewis, was built in 1913 and was originally the Love & Lewis department store. The building facade still maintains its original Chicagoesque style and features. The apartment itself is my own little Palace of Versailles. I think the main things I look for in a space are high ceilings… and a bathtub. This apartment also has great acoustics, which is perfect for singing and dancing around in your underpants.

J: What about the mirrors? They are huge!

C: Yes! They are exceptionally large. They are 200-year old French antiques. You can never have enough mirrors I say.

J: Have you always had an interest in interiors? Where did this interest come from?

C: Always.  My mum has always been very good at interior design and decoration, she has a flare for it and I guess you take these things in from an early age. By trade, I’m a retail architect/ designer, so I really appreciate and enjoy it. The most important thing to me is that a building, home, restaurant or whatever the space may be, has character. Otherwise it ain’t got nuttin’.

J: You have an amazing collection of jewellery and fragrances. Can you tell me about them?

C: I used to have a huge interest in all of that stuff, but over the past few years I think my inner tom boy, whom I thought left me at the tender age of 12, has returned. I can still appreciate beautiful things, but I no longer really accumulate gold, frankincense or myrrh. I generally wear one or two signature things. At the moment it’s a little silver cat ring by Karen Walker, given to me by a friend and one fragrance, L’ombre Dans L’eau by Diptyque. However it does all look pretty on display. Pointless, but pretty!

J: I know you spend a lot of time in Indonesia, what’s the interest there?

C: Bali is my second home. My step mum and step sisters are Balinese and I go there around 4 times a year.  I love everything about it- khususnya makanan (especially the food). My favourite is the food from the street vendors or any Masakan Padang restaurant; I even carry around a bottle Sambal (chilli sauce) in my bag. I actually played my first big gig in Bali at a place called Kama Sutra… fitting for the 14 year old I was at the time.

J: But you call Melbourne home?

C: I spend a lot of time abroad, mainly in London and Indonesia, however, nothing compares to Melbourne. I take it for granted when I am here all the time, but when I come back after travelling for a while, I really appreciate it. It also helps that my large pony dog and cat are here. London in particular though has shown me a lot with regard to the music scene there.

J: Does that influence your music? What is your style?

C: I have very eclectic taste in music and not one particular place or thing really influences or inspires me. I’m mainly into Hip Hop, Soul and Reggae. My style is just a fusion of everything I like; it’s whatever happens when I sit down that day. I start with a good hip-hop beat and then just put down whatever Claudette thinks on top!

Hear & LIKE Claudette @ facebook.com/claudetteonline