So then, what do you ‘do’ in the band?
I sing, I dance, I entertain the fans – that’s the performance bit. For every gig there is the booking, repertoire and rehearsals, promotion and so on. It’s a busy schedule and well worth the work when the lights go up and the music starts. Feels like herding cats sometimes but I wouldn’t want to spend my life any other way.
What do you think people will say you sound like?
People tell me they are inspired by my singing and that they are amazed by my energy. I have been called awesome Auty and that suits me just fine.
What do you love about making music?
Everything. It is liberating, empowering and a privilege to have experienced a career in music. I have met amazing people, travelled to fantastic places and never have to stop being creative. Creativity is the spice of life.
What do you hate about the music industry?
Nothing. Isn’t it wonderful that we have such a thriving live music industry in Melbourne which brings communities together? We also have a fabulous festival circuit in Australia. We need to be aware of how precious our venues are because…don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.
What can a punter expect from your live show?
Fun, variety, energy, great singing and playing by an extraordinary ensemble of Melbourne minstrels. Repertoire ranges through gospel, blues, jazz, country to rhythm and blues and rock: Bessie Smith to Tina Turner. Something for everyone.
What’ve you got to sell CD-wise?
I’ve produced seven CDs and each time do a short run of copies. When they sell out I don’t do a re-pressing – this makes them special. There are a number of regular fans who have all of the CDs. At the moment I have some “Big Gold Sun” which is a compilation of fave covers from the Wild Women Show repertoire and I also have the French chanson CD called “Mademoiselle Chante”.
When’s the gig and with who?
A special event at the Regal Ballroom, 218 High Street, Northcote. Friday 10th Feb. The show is Wild Women and Divas, songs, stories and fashions of great women singers over the past century. The show will be with the big band: Linda O’Brien on Piano, Max McIntosh Bass, Nick Carrafa on drums, horn section Paul Williamson, Paul Dooley, Brian Kemp, accordionist Dave Evens, Guitarist Brenden Mason – great line-up of musos. The event is a big dress-up opportunity for the fans as 2012 is the hundredth anniversary of the magnificent Regal Ballroom.
