The singer-songwriter, originally from Western Australia, moved to Melbourne earlier this year and is enjoying the diversity of the west.

"I love the multicultural feel of it. It feels good to be part of a community that is not homogenous," Newman says.

"I felt it was time to plug into a city and really get the music out there. Melbourne has such good musicians and a great community of music, I just find it really stimulating creatively."

She says her music, a mix of reggae, soul and folk sounds, is influenced by her travels around the world.

"I do a lot of touring; I love it. I guess I have a bit of gypsy in me. I get to travel around, meet new people and play music while I'm doing it - it's a pretty good lifestyle."

After taking piano lessons as a child and picking up the guitar in her teens, Newman has gone on to achieve every musician's dream of making music her career.

"I am full-time with the music. You have to really work hard, but it's so rewarding."

She says music is an inspiration as much for the musician as the listener.

"Music is a way to process what is going on for you and what is going around the world. It can get you through the toughest times or it can make you dance around the house."

Newman, who released her latest album Ancient Forward recently, performs this Sunday at The Evelyn, 351 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy.