MELBOURNE GUITAR SHOW Q&A – GRETTA ZILLER
Melbourne Guitar Show returns as Australia’s biggest guitar show in 2025, with this year’s edition also marking a milestone for the iconic event, moving to a new home alongside an incredible lineup of performers, workshops and more locked and loaded for this March. The Victoria Pavilion at the Melbourne Showgrounds is set to play host to Australia’s ultimate showcase of guitars, amps, pedals and lots of other gear on Saturday March 1 and Sunday March 2; and with a new venue, a brand new layout and a reimagined program offering a horde of new ideas, workshops and live opportunities, 2025’s Melbourne Guitar Show will undeniably be the ultimate mecca for axe-slingers and riff-bringers of all ages.
- What do you think makes the Melbourne Guitar Show such a special event for musicians and fans?
I think MGS is such a great event where musicians and fans are in the same community … we’re all music & instruments/gear appreciators. It is such a great chance to nerd out and learn with fellow appreciators!
- What does it mean to you to be performing alongside so many talented Australian guitarists?
Ha! It’s a little overwhelming and a huge honour! I won’t lie and say I’m at the same skill level as many on the line up but I know I’m solid in what I do and am such an appreciator of the instrument so it’s going to be a great weekend for me as a fan as well as a musician!
- Do you prefer writing music on acoustic or electric guitar, and why?
My default is to write on my acoustic, actually I really like writing on my worst guitars! I used to write many of my songs on my very first guitar, a $50 valencia I got from cash converters! I’ve now upgraded a little and normally write on my Martin D-18 or if I’m feeling crusty I’ll pick up my Gretsch Jim Dandy!
- How has your playing style evolved over the years?
Yes my style has definitely evolved, I’m a self taught guitarist & when I first started playing I was in an Old Time / Bluegrass band …. I strum a lot less these days!!!
- Are there any non-guitarists who have influenced your playing or songwriting?
I have always been such a fan of Jazz & Blues singers like Sarah Vaughn, Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, Bessie Smith. I take a lot of influence from them!
- What’s your favorite guitar riff of all time?
Oh thats an impossible one to answer … but one that is super sentimental to me is the riff Mark Knopfler plays in The Notting Hillbillies “Feel Like Going Home”
- Was there a specific moment or artist that made you want to pursue music seriously?
I dont think there was a specific moment really, I’ve always played music, performed and sung so it was a natural transition to do it for a living. I do remember a boyfriend encouraging me to write songs though, weirdly it was something I’d never thought about until he suggested it!
- How do you overcome creative blocks when writing music?
I listen to music if I’m stuck or I’ll pick up my violin (which I suck at) and play songs. Whatever I do i’ll try to pivot from what I’m stuck on and go back to the enjoyment of music, that helps!
- Is there a particular guitar tone you’re always chasing?
I love having a warm and full acoustic sound so yeah I’m always looking to make that happen!
- How do you balance technical ability with emotional expression in your playing?
I’m not going to lie and say I’m a real guitar player … I’m a vocalist and songwriter. That being said, I strive to play smart enough for it to add to my songs and vocal performance.
- What’s the most challenging song you’ve written or performed?
I think the most challenging thing about performing is adapting the recorded version of a song and making it work live version. I have a couple of songs I just can’t play acoustically as they absolutely do not work without a band.
- What’s next for Gretta Ziller, new music, tours etc?
I’ve just finished a year-long cowriting project so I’ve got a few songs up my sleeve that I want to record this year. I’ll also be touring this year which I’m so looking forward to!
