Chelsea Wilson is back with her second album, 'Chasing Gold', her first long-play release since 2014’s 'I Hope You’ll Be Very Unhappy Without Me', which was named #2 Album Of The Year on ABC Radio National and nominated for Best Soul Album at The Age Music Victoria Awards 2014.
Produced by ARIA nominated composer/ bassist Ross McHenry (The Shaolin Afronauts), 'Chasing Gold' sees Chelsea move away from her previous sound and move into rare-groove territory, fusing her love of early disco, epic pop and jazz.
Add to the mix an impressive list of local musical collaborators and co-writers including Andy Boyle, Audrey Powne and Adam Rudegeair. The album also features lush string orchestration arranged by Ross Irwin (The Bamboos) and backing vocals by Jason Heerah and Thando Sikwila.
Outside of her own music, Chelsea is the Artistic Director of Stonnington Jazz Festival (9-19 May), Deputy Chair of Music Victoria and a regular broadcaster for Mi-Soul Connoisseurs London and PBS 106.7FM in Melbourne.
"Being so obsessed with music, I rarely do anything non-music related. So in my (rare) moments of down time, I inevitably read books on music. Here are five recommends for page turners with a disco flavour definitely worth picking up."
1: Studio 54 by Ian Schrager
This is a gorgeous (and huge!) coffee table photo book that has lovingly been put together by Ian Schrager, one of the original owners of the iconic NYC nightclub.It weighs a tonne and contains stunning images, memorabilia, stories and more and instantly transports you to the magic era of the Studio 54.
2: 'I’ll Never Write My Memoirs' by Grace Jones
I adore Grace, she is an icon and one of the most fabulous people to have ever existed. Her memoir is witty, fun, candid and illuminating.3: 'Le Freak' by Nile Rodgers
Chic will forever be in music history as one of the most influential bands of all time and Nile Rodgers as producer, songwriter and guitarist continues to build an incredible catalogue of work.His autobiography describes his early years and personal life, his time with Chic, his work producing David Bowie, Diana Ross and Madonna and so many others with humour, class and authenticity.
4: 'The Disco Files 1973-78 – New York’s Underground Week by Week' by Vince Aletti
I recently picked this one up when I was in NYC in January and I am still working my way through pages of chart lists, record reviews, articles and stories.A great resource for collectors and those wanting a comprehensive breakdown on the recorded output from the early years of the disco genre.
5: 'Faking it: The Quest For Authenticity in Popular Music' by High Barker and Yuval Taylor
You will read this book and think of artistic authenticity differently and question the way you value and perceive music. Each chapter analyses a different musician and genre, and explores what it means to be authentic as an artist with commentary on subcultures and more.The book includes an incredible essay on Donna Summer and her early collaborations with Giorgio Moroder which is a brilliant, insightful read.
