Exploration through song

Posted Feb 17, 2016 in Faith

The coming months will be busy ones for talented singer and young mother Kylie Brice, as she prepares to launch her debut EP and to lead a workshop at the UnitingWomen conference.

Kylie speaks to New Times about her background in the Uniting Church and her belief in music as a form of storytelling and self-expression.

Can you tell us a little bit about your experiences with the Uniting Church?

I’ve grown up in the Uniting Church. My family and I worship at Modbury Uniting Church, and we also go to “Messy Church” once a month at Para Vista Uniting Church. I volunteer as part of the Mainly Music team at Para Vista on a Monday morning, as an upfront leader running the music sessions. I have also led worship and performed at several Uniting Church congregations over the years.

How has music played a role in your faith development and expression?

Music has always been the most natural way for me to express myself and make sense of the world around me. My faith is integral to who I am, so naturally this comes through in my music.

I have a very active and often anxious mind; music is the one thing that calms my thoughts down. As a teen and in my early 20s, I would sit at the piano for hours, literally pouring my heart out through song. Song writing has been my safe place, where I can ask the tough questions; [a place] where I can explore who I am, who God is, why I am here, and how I can communicate that with others.

What are the central themes in your new album?

My new CD reflects on the theme “broken and beautiful”. I have recorded a collection of my original songs that explore the struggles that come along the journey of self-love, self-acceptance and self-care.

The artwork accompanying my CD is based on the Japanese art form known as kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with liquid gold – highlighting, [rather than] hiding the brokenness. The piece is believed to be more beautiful because of its brokenness. I have also incorporated the symbol of the butterfly, reminding us that a beautiful life can come from dark places.

Something beautiful. Something good.

All my confusion He understood.

All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife.

But He made something beautiful of my life.

• “Something Beautiful” by Bill Gaither

What will you be exploring with participants through your UnitingWomen workshop?

I am really looking forward to running a song writing and creative expression workshop.

The theme of the conference is “Sharing stories of hope” so I am going to be sharing my story through anxiety, depression, self-care and motherhood – and the vital role that song writing and creativity have had (and continue to have) on my wellbeing.

We'll explore the art of storytelling through song. I’ll share tips on ways to connect our stories through the creative spirit of music.

Why are you involved in UnitingWomen?

I am passionate about helping women to know they are unique and valuable – and they can overcome their own obstacles and still have enough overflowing for others. I am excited about being part of a community of women who value each others’ stories, encouraging one another in our journeys.

Kylie Brice will launch her debut EP, Broken and Beautiful, at Salisbury Secret Garden on Friday 26 February at 7.30pm as part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Kylie will perform with her band at the event and will be supported by special guest Susan Lily. For more information on Kylie’s music and tickets to the EP launch, please visit kyliebricemusic.com

Kylie will run a UnitingWomen workshop titled “Song writing: connecting our stories through the creative spirit of music & songs”. For more information about UnitingWomen 2016 workshops, please visit unitingwomen.org.au

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