Following acclaim for her 2021 debut from the likes of Pitchfork, NME and Rolling Stone, Australian artist Tori Zietsch – aka Maple Glider – released her stunning second album I Get Into Trouble last year, and it was one of my most listened to, and favourite, releases of 2023. Offering a poignant reflection on her Christian upbringing, reflecting on themes of shame, consent and sexuality, it’s a truly stirring collection of starkly honest, yet delicately beautiful, compositions.
We think one of the best ways to get to know an artist is by asking what music inspires them. So, ahead of her upcoming UK tour that starts next week, we spoke to Tori about some of the British artists who inspire her the most. Read about her five favourites below, and then make sure you nab a ticket to see her majestic splendour live!
Nilufer Yanya
I absolutely adore Nilufer Yanya. When Miss Universe came out in 2019 I was obsessed. At the same time I was also unknowingly writing my first album. ‘Heavyweight Champion of the Year’ is unreal – the vocals are incredible. And I think ‘Safety Net‘ was on a playlist I was listening to when I was working on my second album. I’m also really loving all of the new songs being released as well as all the visuals . Especially ‘Like I Say (I Runaway)‘. Runaway bride forever. I can’t wait for the new album!
Bat For Lashes
I think I may have illegally downloaded (Limewire) Two Suns (or at least part of it) when it came out in 2009. Sorry! I was in grade ten. From that time, I remember it was a lot of this and M83. ‘Daniel’ is the obvious pick, but I also loved ‘Siren Song’ and ‘Sleep Alone’! So spooky. The Haunted Man is another one of my favourite albums, and the video clip for ‘Laura’ is one of my faves. And then I also listened to ‘I Do’ and ‘Widow’s Peak’ from The Bride a lot when writing my second album.
Nick Drake
I got pretty into surrealism when I was in high school, and so I loved the album cover for Pink Moon. Somewhere around the same time I also fell in love with fingerpicking – it’s the only way I’d play guitar. I love the intimacy of the recordings on Pink Moon, and the piano is so cute. And then ‘Sunday’ off Bryter Layter is so dreamy.
Cleo Sol
My manager sent me Mother when it came out in 2021; we’d spent most of the last year in lockdown, and it brought me to tears. It’s one of the most beautiful albums I’ve ever heard. I’d just released my first album and felt more open to writing again. I think subconsciously it inspired me to write my song ‘You’re Gonna Be A Daddy’. ‘Don’t Let Me Fall‘, ‘Know That You Are Loved‘, ‘We Need You’ – all stand out songs; just the whole damn album melts my heart and entire being. I’m a puddle.
Laura Marling
The first time I heard about Laura Marling, I saw her on a magazine cover; it was black and white, and I think the article said she was 17…? I’ve been following her music for however many years it has been since then and I have deeply loved the journey. Her Song Exploder for ‘Song For Our Daughter’ is unbelievably beautiful – she speaks so gracefully and with so much patience and care. I admire that. When ‘Patterns’ came out I’d just lost an old friend. I can physically feel my heart ache when I listen to it.
Huge thanks to Maple Glider for sharing her five favourites with us. We can’t wait to be immersed in her shimmering allure at The Courtyard Theatre on 5th September!
Get In Her Ears 
Published by