One year ago, my childhood idol, Whitney Houston passed away.
In the year since her death, much has happened…from the big (a family wedding) to the small (I mastered the wheel pose in yoga). And while I got one with another year of life, one constant during those 365 days was Whitney’s music.
I confess that I did not listen her music every day… but for a good 6 weeks after her passing on Feb 11th, 2012, it was on high rotation…I indulged this guilty pleasure again in late September for my birthday and by pure chance, whilst preparing for my god daughter Mae’s birthday yesterday, she appeared on Video Hits in all her ‘ I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ glory!!
Mae, who was busy helping her Dad blow up balloons for her party stood still from the moment Whitney graced the screen. She was transfixed by her natural beauty, bubbly personality , 80’s hair-do, million dollar smile…and THAT voice.
The VOICE that commands attention: Ms Whitney Houston
We shared a special moment there and then, when a little girl all of 2 years of age and grown women (who will remain ageless) danced around a suburban lounge room to a timeless classic.
Ms Houston we did you proud, you gained a pint sized fan whilst transporting me back to a time when happiness depended upon one thing: a cassette tape titled ‘Whitney’
It is the 3rd day of 2013…and I already I am tempted to pen the book ‘ Can I write myself a future?’
Feeling slightly of balance as I enter the New Year..all aspirations, dreams, desires and passions weighed down by an all-consuming sense of BLAH!!
And then, a ray of sunshine, a glimmer of hope, the documentary I was meant to watch, at home, alone on Wednesday the 2nd of January, 2013- Freddie Mercury- The Great Pretender
I struggle to find the right words to best capture the life force that beamed through my television last night….What I will say is that Mr Mercury, you captivated me ….Your lust for life , love, passion, self belief, bravado and confidence….your ‘ I can do ANYTHING and I WILL’ attitude restored my faith in, well, everything.
Mr Mercury…you are my poster boy for 2013, and this song is my anthem:
Followed closely by this gem:
Yes, in 2013 I want it all and I’ve got to break free…and I am investing ALL my energy into making this happen.
‘ Whatever you do, or dream you can do, being it- boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now’ Goethe
And the book ‘ Can I write myself a future?’…may this be the year that I not only write the book, but I LIVE it too.
Friendship Fire starter: something that promotes friendship, encourages a catch up or strengthens a bond between two or more people.
Blondie…one way or another….she was going to get me…and get me good!
Homebake 2012…the first music festival of the summer season in Sydney and my friend Sarah and I were there for one reason only….to see the lady with platinum blonde hair and listen to her string of hits which dominated airwaves in the late 70′s , early 80′s.
As Sarah and I sat in a bar in Surry Hills, we could hear the festival in the distance..the drum and bass, the squeals of festival goers of carnival rides…But we had other plans…We only really wanted to see the main act, and Ms Harry did not come on stage till 9.45pm…so naturally we decided to drink our way to the concert in the park!!
Over cocktails the conversation centered around our fear that we were indeed too OLD for Homebake….Both of us had been to this festival for the first time in the late 90′s, and boy had times changed…Sarah had had to arrange a baby sitter for the day! We openly expressed fears at being OVER the festival HILL….
We both agreed, however, it was too late to turn back…we were headed in one direction…and that direction was HOMEBAKE 2012
Our fears were baseless….looking around at other patrons…we were actually on the younger side of old! It was refreshing…we ran into people who had been part of our earlier Homebake experiences…who reassured us it was cool to be part of the day, that Homebake was a ‘nostalgic festival’ of loyal followers…in short….the message we took on board was this-
‘ You are never to young or too old to enjoy a Homebake’
And who better than Ms Harry to reinforce this…At age 67, Blondie rocked and rolled with an effortless cool swagger….Sarah and I were caught up in a truly special moment as hit after hit filled the balmy night air….’ Heart of Glass’, ‘ One Wayr’ ‘ The Tide is High’…and my personal favourite ‘ Rapture’
So thank you Blondie, for reminding Sarah and I of our youth and the importance of setting aside time to do the things you love.
Above all thank you for reminding us both that once aquired, personal style, self belief and self confidence is never ages.
Is it asking too much to insert song lyrics into a blog post and expect people to read it??!!
Well, hold onto your hats, for the 200th post in the Catch up with a Mate series, that is what I am doing.
I awoke this morning, and true to form, I walked over to my cd player and pressed play….expecting the soulful tune of Ms K.D Lang to herald in the morning. For seasoned readers, you will be aware that Ms Lang’s music has been played on high rotation in my home for the last 9 days.
But not today…the tune that filled my tiny bed sit was David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowlands ‘ When Love Take Over’
And I just had to dance…right there and then at 6.23am, in my pyjama’s and bed hair….for I just LOVE this song!!
I connect to it…It makes me feel good….it forces me to be in the moment and be thankful for all that is good in this world.
Above all it speaks of love…and of late…that is all I want to hear about!!
It’s complicated, it always is, that’s just the way it goes Feels like I’ve waited so long for this, I wonder if it shows?
Head under water now I can breath, it never felt so good. ‘Cause I can feel it coming over me I wouldn’t stop it if I could
When love takes over, yeah You know you can’t deny When love takes over, yeah Cause something’s here tonight
Give me a reason I gotta know, do you feel it too ?
Can’t you see me here on overload, and this time I blame you…
Ohhh… Looking out for U to hold my hand, it feels like I could fall
Now love me right like I know you can, we could loose it all
When love takes over, yeah You know you can’t deny When love takes over, yeah Cause something’s here tonight
If only everyday could start with a song and dance..to welcome in a new day, new beginnings, new possibilities and opportunites to surround yourself with things you love.
If you could start each day to song, which would you choose and why??
Friendship Fire starter: something that promotes friendship, encourages a catch up or strengthens a bond between two or more people.
Dedicated to my childhood friend, Cameron…a true global citizen xx
Canadian singer, K.D Lang released her album ‘ Ingénue’ in 1992.
In 2002, I found myself sleeping on the floor of a mouse infested bed-sit in Soho, London. My childhood friend Cameron, had thrown caution to the wind, and relocated to the UK.
He had arrived with a small back pack and big, big dreams. Coupled with unwavering self belief and determination, the world was his for the taking…London was just the beginning.
Yet something was missing and I identified this as being the music of K.D Lang…
So I brought this cd for my friend and all the stars aligned.
Fast forward to 2012.…and on the weekend I found myself in another charity shop. I find a divine black top, and hold onto my treasure as I walk to the back of the store…to the music section. More dust-covered cd’s that apparently nobody wants…..except me.
And there she is Ms Lang‘s ‘ Ingénue‘….waiting for me….
20 years after the albums first release
10 years after the music was the soundtrack to my childhood friends life changing move to London town….
Finally, in 2012,I am ready to listen
As I drive home from the shopping expedition, I play the cd…and am moved to tears
Beautiful music, songs of love, longing, desire and heart-break.
All the important stuff, the only things that matter
And I am hooked….addicted…the songs have been played on high rotation ever since….nothing else makes sense to me at the moment except K.D Lang and her lyrics
The song that has stolen my heart?
Still Thrives this Love
Why?
Because only recently have I come to realise that despite everything I have been through, the ups and downs, the speed bumps, wrong turns, flat tires and train wrecks….Love remains a constant in my life.
For many years I had denied loves importance, ignored it, feared it, banished it from the landscape of my life.
But it never truly left my side, it was always there…I just didn’t realise it
But as the saying goes, that was then…this is now
Still thrives this love
It propels me forward, and with each considered step I know I am heading in the right direction.
I left the office uncertain of the direction I would take, where I where go, what I would do.
When I arrived some 20 minutes later at a charity shop on Broadway, Sydney…I knew this was where I was meant to be.
I had fun rummaging through clothes racks, eying dresses and tops up and down, before deciding on the purchase of a jade green denim skirt. I did not even try it on…I had faith it would fit me.
Whilst paying at the counter, the sales assistant informed me that clothing items with an orange tag where half the marked price. My skirt purchase came to a grand total of $3.00.
Feeling the need to offload a little more cash, I bent down and started looking through a stack of cd’s that where gathering dust.
As a kid who once owned a walk-man, listened to cassettes and did not get a mobile phone till 2003….I have always felts slightly behind these technologically advanced times.
I have not joined the Apple revolution, and whilst I no longer listen to cassettes…I am a cd girl through and through.
Rumour has it no one buys cd’s anymore…..music is downloaded, or uploaded, side swiped or something!!
The cd I was to buy was Bic Runga’s second solo album of 2002 ‘ Beautiful Collision’….Yep ,10 years behind the times in getting into this particular jem…but when you listen exclusively to cd’s you get used to being behind the times!
I had seen Bic sing in May of this year at Sydney City Recital Hall, and 6 years prior to that at the Basement, Sydney.
She is by far one of the most beautiful performers I have ever had the privileged of seeing live.
I had only ever purchased one of her cd’s, her debut album ‘ Sway’ in 1999, and I remember thinking at the concert in May of this year…it was time to acquire more of Bic’s tunes.
Sometimes, without trying too hard, things just happen, come to you….they appear out of no where…true gifts.
I was meant to wonder aimlessly that lunch break, through the tree-lined park, past a bakery and into that charity shop….all the stars had aligned, it might have taken 10 years, but on that particular day I was ready.
Ready to take on board lyrics and melodies that have since struck a chord with the place I currently find myself residing…a happy place, one of certainty, self-assuredness and beauty.
Listening for the Weather- Bic Runga
So I’m listening for the weather to predict the coming day Leave all thought of expectation to the weather man No it doesn’t really matter what it is he has to say ‘Cause tomorrows keep on blowing in from somewhere
All the people that I know in the apartments down below
Busy with their starring roles in their own tragedies
Sunlight sends you on your way
And those restless thoughts that cling to yesterday Never be afraid of change
I sat in the audience at Indus Restaurant, Ubud, Bali….it was hot, humid and their was a general buzz of excitement in the air.
A crowd of 200 people had gathered for ‘ An Evening with Nick Cave’, part of the 2012 Ubud Writers and Reader’s Festival line up.
I felt a fraud, an impostor….I was neither fan nor friend of Mr Cave….I had never understood the allure, listened to an albums, read a book or followed him in the press.
Yet I was in the audience, sat amongst die-hard groupies, being who worshipped at the altar of St Nick….middle age women blushing at the very thought of an evening in HIS presence, grown men proudly wearing ‘ Pussy Riot ‘ t-shirts.
My general assessment of the situation was that the entire audience was on heat…for Mr Nick Cave.
And then there was me…nevously I wrote in my travel diary the names of those I knew would sell a body organ to be in my place…It is to them that I dedicate this blog post:
Elena
Scott Gray
Philllippa
My cousin Andrew and his wife Emma
Then he appeared…the man in black…
He read from his book …captivating the room with his wit and charm
He answered questions , signed things books, postcards, pieces of paper
Then he left
What did I make of it all? What was all the fuss, the hype, the heavy breathing about?
I concluded three things
Nick Cave has lived the rock and roll lifestyle… IN STYLE since 1973… He has dared to pursue a lifestyle most would not have the courage nor faintest desire to…He has earnt the right to tell his story, it is a very colourful story ,worthy of an audience
Nick Cave the artist has stood the test of time…he has been writing, producing, performing and collaborating in music industry for nearly 40 years…He he has done so with conviction, passion and unrivalled self belief
Nick Cave idolises Johnny Cash, sites him as one of his personal heros…My heart softened upon hearing this, something I could relate too…and all at once I felt a new understanding and appreciation for this modern-day man in black.
So is Nick Cave Australia’s version of Mr Cash?…The attire- the formal black suit, the pride in his appearance suggest so….His craft- his ability to tell stories, beautiful stories through music to which people connect suggest so- His story- A man who has been to the brink and back ( many times over it would appear), who lust for life and love remains a constant, suggest so.
And prehaps after all, I was meant to be in the audience on that balmy night in Ubud…..it was me after all who would benefit most from meeting Nick….
For now my own journey of discovery can begin, a door has been opened, Nick Cave’s words and music have lured me in….I might just be beginning to understand….
Note- I insert this song clip as in Ubud, Cave referred to Johnny Cash covering his song ‘ The Mercy Seat’ as the ‘ Greatest Honour / Compliment’
Note-I have placed this blog post under the category ‘ Friendship Fire Starters- Music’, as it is my friends who inspired this post…..A Friendship Fire starter is a term I use to describe something that promotes friendship, encourages a catch up or strengthens a bond between two or more people….I think that sums up Mr Cave’s music nicely xx
Friendship Fire starter: something that promotes friendship, encourages a catch up or strengthens a bond between two or more people.
I have been writing a post about Daniel Johns in my head ever since my dinner date on Friday night with a childhood friend
As our conversation danced from family to children, school days, horror movies and a shared love of chocolate…we somehow got on the to topic of music festivals. My friend is a journalist and is writing a piece on the Australian music festival Homebake, which runs in Sydney each December.
Homebake is a favourite festival on mine, and when it was introduced to the dinner conversation it prompted discussion on all the wonderful bands we had been fortunate to see play live.
We both recalled fond memories…but I became stuck on one in particular….when a three-piece band from Newcastle debut their new material from what would go on to be the Australia’s album of the year in 2007, Silverchair’s ‘ Young Modern’
One day music festivals like Homebake require commitment….commitment to the 12 hour music schedule, commitment to drinking ( what ever your poison, the line for fluid is always miles long!!) commitment to queuing in general…for food and the ghastly port-a-loos!!
These festivals start early, 11am and by sun down… moods can swing either way…You either amp it up, or come crashing down….The thought of standing in a field with 20,000 other people for one more music act appears a task more taxing than climbing Everest.
2006 was one such year….Scorched by the summer sun….I was baked, dehydrated and thoughts of home were never far from my mind…But I had made a commitment to myself that I would stay for the final act…it was after all my all time favourite Australian rock group….the one, the only, Silverchair…
When did I fall for hard for the Newcastle trio?….It was in 2002 with the release of their 4th studio album, Diorama.
I’m watching you, watch over me
And I got
The greatest view from here
The Greatest View, Diorama, 2003
Their music prior to this album had never captivated me….I regarded it is loud, angry teenage boy music….Kind of like my younger brother’s band ‘ Rigamortis’…only much more successful!!
Diorama signified a shift. Their music became melodic and layered. The lead singer, Daniel John’s voice, had softened, the anger was gone…the lyrics too had begun to diversify…the band had grown up.
Rolling Stones Magazine called Diorama ‘ One of the boldest musical statements ever made by an Australian Rock Band’
I loved them for it….and it was then and there I became a fan…not of the die-hard variety, I simply admired from afar the trio’s ability to re-invent themselves, to bring about change when really no one had asked for it. There old sound was what had made them a success…this change of direction was a huge risk, a big leap of faith… I was on board.
‘Cause what lies beneath the clouds
Is an altered perception and I’ll pay for sanity
But sanity don’t come cheap
Luv Your Life, Diorama, 2012
Homebake 2006 and Daniel John, Ben Gilles and Chris Joannau took to the stage at 9pm. The atmosphere was electric…Silverchair had not released new material or been together on stage for what seemed an eternity….it was here and now that they would debut their new sound.
5 years had passed since the release of Diorama…everyone in the crown waited in anticipation for a hint of the musical direction the band would take them during their 45 minute set.
And then the music started….and true to the Silverchair ethos, it was new, progressive and undeniably unique. John’s had never appeared so sure of himself, of his lyrics or the raw power of his voice.
Recalling that night 6 years ago, words fail me….but strong feelings emerge. The overall excitement of being caught up in a moment,witnessing something ground breaking and redefining.
On stage, were a band, who, yet again were prepared to take a huge risk, another musical shift. As they threw caution to the wind, the audience did too….20,000 people enjoying the dawn of something new.
I remember sounds…the saxophone, the piano, and John’s voice, strong, powerful and the surge of emotion that came over me when I heard ‘ Straight Lines’ for the first time….
I love Silverchair and am a huge fan of Daniel John’s.
I love what the band accomplished, for the musical landscape they provide their audience and their commitment to reinvention time and time again. Though the band may have called it a day in 2011…for me, the music plays on…
I admire Daniel John’s from afar….his musical sensibility, his raw talent and the suffering he has endured as a result of his art.
I admire his commitment to his craft, his dedication and risk taking….he is a modern day musical prodigy.
I admire John’s for his ability to overcome illness, his battles with depression and auto immune disease….His strength and resilience in the face of adversity resonates with me.
And lastly, I find him incredibly sexy, I think anyone who is passionate is sexy.
Daniel John of Newcastle New South Wales, patron saint of Australian Music Redefined.
I don’t remember when I first feel in love with the music of Peter Allen….if I had to take a stab in the dark it would be as a young child, when my neighbour would play her record collection on high volume….the cool summer breeze carrying the tune ‘ I go to Rio’ through my bedroom window.
And I would dance…..
I didn’t know the life story of Peter Allen till my late teens….and I am continually inspired by the path he dared to take on this journey called life. A young boy, destined to be an entertainer in an era when ‘ men where men’ and women where women’…the odds where clearly stacked against the dancing, singing, flamboyant Australian boy from the bush….
A man who hid from the spot light his personal struggle with his sexuality, found freedom in the form of his craft, his singing, dancing and painfully honest lyrics……His movement of stage was effortless, he exuded pure joy….
A man who dared to express himself through song, through movement….I am in awe of his achievements, both personally and professionally….Despite all hardships, Allen found the strength and courage it took bring his ‘ all dancing, singing, one man show’ dream to fruition.
I was 13 years old when Allen passed away…..And throughout my childhood, his lyrics would float through my bedroom window, and I would be transported by his beautiful melodies, to Rio, to regional Australia, America….
I was 19 years old when the musical ‘ The Boy from OZ’ opened in Sydney’s theatre district. I could not have brought a ticket quick enough. With my equally keen girlfriends, Jess and Rhonda, we high tailed it to the big smoke one Saturday evening, and watched performer Todd McKenny embody Allen, and tell his life story through song with accuracy and precision.
Fast forward to 2006, and the ‘ Boy from OZ’ came back to Sydney, this time with Australian superstar, Hugh Jackman in the lead role. Staged at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, the show was bigger and bolder, yet still true to the music of Allen. Jess and I returned to see this production….but it did not live up to our expectations….
Part of Allen’s talent as a song writer, was the ability to connect through his lyrics to listener…In such a large venue at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, Jackman’s version of Allen’s songs failed to connect..
As I write this homage to Allen, I am listening to his music….on high rotation whilst thinking of my childhood neighbour, and thanking her for refusing to turn the volume down on such joyous music!!
His sweet melodies will continue to be played for many years to come…at dinner parties, catch ups, birthday parties and picnic, in car trips to the supermarket….And friends and family will dance, sing and smile as the infectious songs play over and over…
Friendship Fire starter: something that promotes friendship, encourages a catch up or strengthens a bond between two or more people.
My events calender is looking a little bare…so whats a girl to do?
Get out the credit card and book an event….a concert, at the City Recital Hall, Angel Place, Sydney to be precise…to see the one and only, Bic Runga, a captivating free spirited New Zealander perfomer, coming to our shores in May, 2012.
I was introduced to Bic’s music back in the in 1997, when her smash hit ‘ Sway’ played down the airways…I brought her debut album and have listened intently to any music she has produced over the years.
Her haunting redition of ‘ Somethings got a hold of my heart’ in the 2005 Australian movie ‘ Little Fish’ reignited my love for her melodies…When Bic toured OZ in 2006 or was it 2007, one of my most treasured friends, Jess and I made sure we had front row seats at the Sydney gig.
This post is reading like a roll call of dates, of years gone by…the passing of time…and yet my appreciation for a good tune has endured.
And I am lucky to share this appreciation with Jess…a common love of a strong voice, sweet melody, well crafted lyrics.
Appreciation of music is a common interest, it has been a defining feature of our friendship over the years.
The concert in May is guaranteed to add another layer to our appreication to the power of the human voice….
