One of Perth's leading ladies of original music, Tanaya Harper is well-known for sharing her intimate messages and silken melodies, paired with disarming and hilarious stage banter.
Ahead of her showcase performance at WAMFest in November, Tanaya shares some of her 'happy places'.
1. Bells Rapids (surprise, surprise)
I always end up at Bells Rapids when I need to get clarity on some situation. There’s something really healing about this place and I’m so glad more and more people are discovering it.
I recommend: 1. Crossing the bridge. 2. Finding a rock. 3. Take a seat. 4. Watch the water. You’ll leave a whole, new person.
2. John Forrest National Park Trail
Mum used to take my sister and I here on weekends. The pitch-black train tunnel is a massive highlight, which she’d get me through by saying ‘there’s a fairy land at the end where you can see that light’. I totally believed her. The waterfall is very special, and when it’s a trickle then sitting out on the usually water-covered rock slope is very cool.
3. Barrabup Pool
This place is magical. I only discovered it this year after someone gave me the tip-off on the last day of Nannup Festival. It’s the kind of place dreams are made of; like when you picture a lagoon or a beautiful scene you think can only exist in your imagination. I try to go there whenever I’m down south.
4. Old Shanghai, Northbridge
My mate Matt took me here a lot during a sh.tty time. We’d eat something delicious and always get fortune cookies. Everyone needs fortune cookies when they’re sad.
5. Hyde Park
Take me, clear my mind, inspire me, make my day. Where would I be without the powerfully cleansing effects of Hyde Park. Beware of the black swans with their cygnets, they hiss as they charge at you.
Tanaya Harper showcases at WAMFest Live (Perth) Friday 2 November.
