Connie Mitchell on tequila rituals, driving fast and celebrating small wins

Pip Edwards has interviewed her long-time friend, Sneaky Sound System lead singer Connie Mitchell, revealing surprising details about their 19-year friendship and the singer's hidden talents.

Connie Mitchell and Pip Edwards, who is guest editing Sydcon, at The Shop and Wine Bar at Bondi Beach. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Pip Edwards has interviewed her long-time buddy, Sneaky Sound System lead singer Connie Mitchell, revealing surprising details about their 19-year friendship and the singer's hidden talents.

Pip:I’m so excited to be interviewing Miss Connie Mitchell. Do you remember the exact moment we met, what was your first impression of me?

Connie: It was 2005 at Derby Day in Melbourne. I thought “She’s a wild one”.

Pip:Hahaha, takes one to know one. What’s one thing about our friendship people would never guess from the outside?

Connie: Well we have always been friends outside of a social setting that’s really founded in family values. We like hanging out in all settings, backyards, lounge rooms, by the pool, dinners. We know if we don’t see each other for a week, a month or so, we are both there for each other – like if you called me from the airport at 3am and said ‘pick me up’, I’d be there.

Pip:What’s a moment in both our lives we have bonded over?

Connie: It would have to be our mutual love of music, it is just so important to both of our lives.

Pip:Your voice is instantly recognisable. Do you remember when you realised it was your superpower?

Connie:When I was about six, this voice just came out of me at school as I was pretending to be an opera singer. I was told to go to the principal’s office and do it again … I thought I was in trouble.

Pip:Is there a ritual you do before performing?

Connie: Tequila.

Connie Mitchell thinks “it’s so very important to have your own vision”. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Pip: What’s the weirdest fan interaction you’ve ever had?

Connie:No fan interaction is weird, what a gift it is to be able to perform. That’s a blessing.

Pip: Is there a piece of clothing or accessory that instantly puts you in ‘Connie mode’? Actually... when I see Connie pulling out a pair of Balenciaga pumps and polka dots, that’s when I know it’s on!

Connie:Hahaha pretty much, I do love both of those things.

Pip:If you weren’t a musician, what creative world do you think you’d be living in?

Connie: Pro golfer.

Pip:Haha, but also a costume designer as you have such a clear vision for your stage looks, unlike a lot of artists who rely on a stylist.

Connie: Thanks Pippy. I think it’s so very important to have your own vision, although I have relied on you as a stylist from time to time, lets be honest.

Pip:What’s a lesson life has taught you recently?

Connie: Celebrate the small wins. Everyday life can be pretty tricky but if you find the small wins, life is easier to manage.

Pip:What’s something you’re proud of that no one ever asks you about?

Connie: Just how far I pump my driver.

Pip:That’s a golf reference?

Connie: Sure is. And also that I can drive a car really, really fast but just don’t tell anyone, OK?