“20 Questions With Verbicide” is an interview series in which an artist is handed a list of more than 100 questions and they select 20 from the list they would like to answer.

It’s been a huge year for newcomer Phebe Starr. From her first release a year ago “Alone With You”, Starr exploded into the musical galaxy. Critics worldwide have compared her to the likes of Lykke Li, Florence Welsh and Sia, yet already she is forging her own path and proudly identifying herself with Australian music scene.

After being unearthed on Triple J, Starr released a follow up single “Jurassica”. The monster song with jungle beats and ethereal melodies was downloaded over 47,000 times as iTunes single of the week in Australia and New Zealand and gained the attention of radio listeners as it was pumped on Triple J.

Verbicide caught up with Starr in Austin at SXSW 2016 for a quick photo shoot and “20 Questions” interview.

Where did you grow up?

The mid-north coast of Australia. It’s secluded, right on the beach, the mountains are close, and there are old friends. I don’t get back there much, so it’s always special.

How has your family influenced your career?

In every way. My parents are both music lovers, although they are very different. My mum is a bit of a hippy who taught me about rock ‘n roll, classic songwriters, the ’70s, and how to party. And my dad is a classic country gentlemen who has a voice like Elvis Costello, but I would only ever hear him sing when we cleaned the house.

What is your absolute oldest memory?

Crying over ice cream with my brother.

When you die, do you want to be buried, cremated, stuffed and mounted, or something else?

I think cremated. It’s cost-effective, not much mess! But seriously, I don’t want there to be a big fuss when I die. I hope the the way I live impacts people more.

What defunct band or deceased performer would you have loved to have seen, but won’t be able to?

David Bowie.

Which artist or album did you listen to most when working on your current/upcoming release?

Son Lux and Sufjan Stevens.

How many times have you visited Disneyland and/or Disney World? What is your favorite attraction?

I went for the first time in LA last week. I liked the Cars ride.

What is your favorite National Park?

Yosemite.

What is your favorite website?

http://wtfjapanseriously.tumblr.com

What is your favorite film of all time?

Fantastic Mr Fox.

What thing that everyone loves do you just totally not enjoy?

Roller coasters.

Which is your favorite fluffy animal: angora bunnies, pomeranian puppies, or fuzzy-wuzzy ducklings?

This is a hard question to answer. Pomeranian puppies…I used to babysit one who looks like a mini lion called Willow.

What was the first album you ever bought? What format was it in? Do you still have it?

Coldplay Parachutes — YES!

Playstation or Xbox? (Or Nintendo Wii U FTW).

Nintendo old school, all the way!

What is your favorite spice in your spice rack?

At the moment, oregano.

What has been the biggest disappointment in your career?

I had a really disappointing moment when I realized the lack of women in the songwriting industry. I was always taught that women are equal and capable of anything. As I get further in my career, I realize that there is still so much to be done to encourage women and to create diversity in the music industry.

Which social media site do you use/like the most? How can people find/follow you?

Instagram! @phebestarr

Australia or New Zealand?

Can I say both? Australia kind of claims New Zealand all the time anyway.

What is your favorite board game?

Monopoly or Cards Against Humanity.

What is one new skill you’d like to acquire in the next year?

Its a long term goal: synchronized swimming. I try every time I swim!

How many tattoos do you have?

Three.