A lot of people are talking about Melbourne muso Sal Kimber at the moment. After speaking with her, it’s easy to see why.

Sal, how would you describe your music?

Alt Country n Blues. [We’ve been] described us as “rural and rootsy but with urban savvy”. Our live shows take audiences on a ride over terrains from cut-back duets on the banjo and xylophone to five-piece rock ‘n’ roll alt tracks. The songs always tend have a story behind them... the band and I have lots of fun.

What is it about country and blues you love?

It can be soulful and passionate, cheeky and fun!

You won the Darebin Music Feast songwriter’s award two years ago, can you tell us about that?

I won the award for the song 'Sounds Like Thunder', the title track of my debut album. My Dad entered me in the comp. Good on ya, pappa!

You’re teaming up with Selina Jenkins (aka drag king Beau Heartbreaker) for a show at the Northcote Social Club in July. What’s the night all about?

It's gonna be a ripper. Leave the kids, dog or beloved heater at home for this winter warmer. [It’s] an evenin’ of ‘Glam Country’. We’re teaming up with Selina and her band TOXIC – a glam rock Britney tribute band. Lady drummers in both bands, killer choreography, lots of leather, banjos and discounted door charge for punters dressed in theme.

You come from a musical family, was it inescapable that you would become a musician?

Pretty much. Dad is a songwriter and he always encouraged the inner musician – inner dag – in all his daughters. We had lots of fun growing up. I always though my sister Buffy would be a dancer, though, and choreograph for the New Kids On The Block. Alas, she plays the Hammond organ keys/xylophone and harmonies in the Good Ole Boys.

You’ve appeared on the ABC’s Sunday Arts program and Triple J, as well as won numerous awards. Has this made a difference to your career?

All these opportunities have given me a good push, it reminds you that maybe you’re doing okay.

What’s the live music scene like at the moment, is it struggling or thriving?

The music scene in Australia is beaut, in Melbourne town especially. The independent scene is alive and thriving, musicians are really supportive of each other. It feels exciting to be in it. If it wasn't for the music scene here in Melbourne, I think I would be living in the Glen Valley riding brumbies and looking for gold. [Glen Valley is an isolated ghost gold mining town in the Victorian Mountains.]

What’s the best thing/worst thing about being a musician?

Best thing – making music! Worst thing – being unable to strip your clothes off at other people’s gigs and get away with it – just joking.

I heard you teach your dog how to tap dance. Is this true? If so, what’s that about!

She was showing real promise as a pup, but she has kelpie in her so the tap turned into leaps and jumps and slobber.

 Who and what are you inspirations?

I love playing with the band, they are spunky, talented musos. They are my main inspirations at the moment. I grew up on a staple of blues and folk, musos like James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and Bonnie Raitt were on repeat. I love a bit of Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac, Lucinda Williams, Dolly Parton. My dog and my family, my pals, the mountains, long highways... inspiration.

Where can we see you play?

We’re booking a heap of Aussie shows for the coming summer – both urban and many rural shows, an east coast tour in November. The big plan is to tour Canada and America next winter.

Catch Sal Kimber at the Glam Country gig, Thursday, July 23, 2009 at the Northcote Social Club, Melbourne.

Tour dates: www.myspace.com/salkimber