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The latest single from Central Coast NSW artist Jasmine Sparkes is ‘Sparkes Road’ – based on a real Sparks Road that she travels often, the spelling has been altered slightly to reflect the metaphorical and literal journey Sparkes has taken through her musical life, which began with learning piano in childhood and takes in classical training and musical theatre.
Growing up on the land, and still passionate about living in the country today, Sparkes balances her live schedule – travelling to and from her home, down country roads – with her burgeoning songwriting and recording activities. ‘Sparkes Road’ is her third song, following ‘Country to Coast’ and ‘6 Dinners’.
In this wide-ranging conversation we cover not only the songs but Sparkes’s interesting and unusual upbringing – her late father was the Australian radio presenter and television personality Ken Sparkes, and Jasmine spent time at the Channel Nine TV studios while growing up. Her father gave her a wholistic perspective on music, she says, and he would appreciate her being a country music artist, since that genre focuses on storytelling.
We also talk about the different facets of her live shows, which include her in-demand country covers band. Being an entertainer, Sparkes says, is about keeping people happy, and she clearly loves her work.
Increasingly Sparkes plans to balance the original music with the covers, so the three singles are just the start – and it was great to find out about everything that has taken her down Sparkes Road.
Listen to ‘Sparkes Road’ on Apple Music
