Kimbra’s Favourite Distractions, From Breaking Bad To Adventure Time

Occasionally we ask interesting people for their inspirations — authors, films, websites, albums, events, people, whatever. For more instalments, click here.

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Three years since Vows and a turn on Gotye’s ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’ thrust her into the spotlight, Grammy-winning artist and New Zealand native Kimbra Lee Johnson has come a long way from being the lovable dorky kid who recorded adorable videos like this:

Safe to say the the production value of her songs has gone up since then — her sophomore album The Golden Echo dropped in August and the lead single, ’90s Music’, is a baroque, Katy Perry-esque construction that signals a move from the soulful doo-wop sounds of Vows to a more pop-friendly feel.

Because being jealous of obscenely talented and successful 24-year-olds is an entirely natural emotion, we asked Kimbra to give us a glimpse into the books, TV shows and music she turns to for inspiration. Here’s what she came back with.

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A Book: The Alphabet Of Grace by Fredeich Buechner

I love this author because he writes in a very conversational way. This book is full of musings on simple and seemingly mundane events that take place daily for him but he finds a way to spin a perspective on them which gives them new meaning and a deep, philosophical, even spiritual importance. I love when an author helps you to look at things in a new way — this book has become a place I go to when I need that magic or fresh resonance reinstalled in the simple everyday things.

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A Film: Chef

I recently watched this on a plane from Australia to LA and it was so heart-warming and empowering as a message. The leading character feels a calling to step away from the formulaic food he has been asked to make year after year and instead starts on a new adventure. He starts up a humble food truck and it brings him and his son together as they embark on this new inspiring project. I thought the acting was amazing and a story that many people can relate to about being brave and following your heart.

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A TV Show: Breaking Bad

It finished a while ago now but I haven’t found anything as good as this show since. It consumed me for months when I was watching – I thought it was the best television drama I’ve ever seen and challenged so many ideas of morality and family dynamics. I hope something else will come along to take its place at some point!

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An Album: Music for 18 Musicians by Steve Reich

This is the album I listen to almost every morning when I wake up. There is such an amazing sense of momentum to the album, it’s hypnotic in many ways because the rhythms all cycle on each other and it is full of repetition, but there is an urgency to it as well – it gives me energy for the day and a sense of renewed hope. I especially love the tracks where he samples sounds from train stations (for example, the announcements over the speaker) and turns them into songs. So creative.

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A Song: ‘Hot Dreams’ by Timbre Timber

When I first heard this song I couldn’t stop listening for weeks. It is so well written and so beautiful produced. There’s so much air around everything and a mood that feels so romantic and slightly dizzying which I love. His voice reminds me of Roy Orbison in some ways and I love how patiently he sings this song. The lyrics are also mesmerizing.

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A Cartoon: Adventure Time

I’ve been told about this show from so many friends forever and am only now starting to watch it. I’ve always loved animations for their creativity and imagination but this show takes it to another level. It’s about a human boy, his best friend and adoptive brother Jake who is a dog with magical powers to change shape and grow and shrink at will. I put it on for inspiration sometimes because there are so many wild ideas they explore and it has a very psychedelic element to it while still being for children.

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A Website: TED

I love checking out TED.com and watching the new videos that come up. My favourites are the ones that explore the human psyche, spirituality or science. I also love the people they have to come speak on the experiences of an artist or author (i.e. the amazing talk by Elizabeth Gilbert on Creativity). It’s a great way to share ideas and encourage conversation between people, I am grateful for the internet because of websites like this.

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A Fashion Label/Brand: Desert Designs

I recently started becoming aware of Desert Designs this year and now have become obsessed with their prints. They incorporate use of indigenous art into their designs and I think it’s an incredible way to celebrate the uniqueness of Aboriginal Australia through the medium of fashion. Their stuff is perfect for living here in LA too. I love their combination of creativity and social conscience.

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KIMBRA TOUR DATES

Sydney: Thursday November 20 @ The Metro — tickets here 

Melbourne: Saturday November 22 @ HiFi — tickets here