Cards help create the latest single

A challenging songwriting exercise has produced a symbolic message of finding strength for local musician Tanya Ransom.

Ahead of extensive tours around Australia, Ransom released her latest single ‘Armour’ earlier this month.

Ransom said the original idea for the song came from a weekly songwriting exercise she had been participating in for a number of years.

“As part of the I Heart Songwriting Club you’re given a theme to write by and a time restriction of an hour to try and write your song,” she said.

“This particular week the theme was Tarot so I got out my tarot cards and with a brief shuffle, flying out of the deck came ‘Fight’, the knight of clouds.

“Armour was born out of the emotion of vulnerability, the feeling of needing to safeguard our emotions by putting up layers of protective armour.

“There’s a build up and intensity when the song reaches the bridge, a point of letting go and a realisation of ‘I don’t have to feel this way any more’.

“You know that you’re in charge of these thoughts and emotions that rise and it’s entirely only you who makes those choices on how to deal with situations of heartache and hurt.

“It’s not only about a fight with another person but a fight with yourself.”

The single was officially launched at The Good Cartel on October 18, kicking off a plethora of gigs for Ransom.

In the midst of her national tour within the next five months, Ransom will be performing at WAMFest on Friday November 1.

Ransom said it was exciting to return to WAMFest for a second time.

“I really love WAMFest because over the years I feel like I have been a lot more involved in the WA music scene and it’s really important for WA musicians to come together,” she said.

“There’s even a regional roundtable during the conference which I am very excited about to see what is happening all over the regions and reconnect with other artists.

“We have a really supportive community and that’s what I love about WAMFest.”

The national tour will also be the first time Ransom will not be driving all around Australia.

“It’s a bit challenging when you become comfortable having your van all decked out with your equipment,” she said.

“This time around I will have to really downsize because I will be flying when I travel interstate.”