Imogen Clark’s St Kilda ‘Holiday Hootenanny’ is the party we all need
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21.12.2021

Imogen Clark’s St Kilda ‘Holiday Hootenanny’ is the party we all need

Imogen Clark
Words by Leah Hulst

Imogen Clark's newest EP 'BASTARDS' has been climbing the charts ever since its release early this year. With a shift towards a heavier rock sound, Imogen is looking towards sold out shows over the summer, and her second annual ‘Holiday Hootenanny’ at the Prince Bandroom this January. 

In 2019, Imogen started working on BASTARDS with producer Mike Bloom whilst in LA, drawing inspiration from artists such as Joni Mitchell and Bruce Springsteen, embracing a harder hitting feel to her music. After completing the first half of her album, Imogen came back to Australia, where she had to complete the EP over Zoom, due to the ongoing Covid situation.

Despite being faced with the challenges on Covid –19, Imogen’s continued determination has resulted in what promises to be a landmark EP. With collaborations from Colin Hay, Taylor Goldsmith, Jason Boesel and many more. Imogen’s raw emotion is felt deeply throughout her EP, especially in the title track, with lyrics like “Don’t let the bastards burn me down.”

What you need to know

  • Imogen Clark is hosting her second Holiday Hootenanny
  • It features Dan Kelly, Gretta Ray, Ali Barter, Anita Lester, Eilish Gilligan, I Know Leopard and Mo’Ju.
  • It’s going down at the Prince Bandroom in St Kilda on January 8

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Imogen explained that when she started out as a musician at the age of 14, she was constantly feeling the power imbalance in the music industry, and that BASTARDS is an anthem to shout back against these experiences.

“I think having recorded the album over Zoom changed the direction of the record,” she says. “We were all going through so much emotionally and facing challenges from lockdown, that it would have definitely come out whilst recording.

“I remember as a young artist, being in a boardroom with older men who wouldn’t listen to me or would try to intimate me… So many of us have experienced some sort of misogyny, and this song is about what we have gone through.”

Following the enormous success of her EP, Imogen is finally able to take her tour on the road. She has shows booked throughout the East Coast of Australia from January through to March, including the greatly anticipated, second annual Holiday Hootenanny.

The Holiday Hootenanny is at the Prince Band room on 8 January, featuring an all start line up including Ali Barter, Anita Lester, Dan Kelly, Eilish Gilligan, Gretta Ray, I Know Leopard and Mo’Ju. Not only will there be a stellar line up of different artists creating music together, but Imogen will also be singing her newly released song ‘When Can I Touch You Again?’ which she describes as a “thirsty Christmas track,” as opposed to her slower Christmas song from 2020, ‘My Last Christmas with You.’

This is the second instalment of Imogen’s holiday celebration, which started last year due to the “shit time” everyone had during Covid. The first Hootenanny in Sydney received rave reviews, so Imogen decided to extend the party down to Melbourne this year, with hopes of one day taking it across the country.

“We all have gone through so much, and I wanted to get everyone together to party and celebrate after a difficult year. It’s a good excuse to all have a few drinks together and listen to some good music,” she said.

The Holiday Hootenanny will see one-off collaborations between the artists, as well as originals and covers, not to mention an all-round good time. Expect a lighthearted evening, with a stellar lineup, good drinks and good times.

For tickets, head here.