The former lead singer of cult psychedelic band The Bombay Royale, Punjabi-Australian vocalist Parvyn released her debut album, 'Sa', in late 2021.
An eclectic mix of jazz, electronica and Sikh devotional music, 'Sa' features collaborations with producers Joelistics, Yelderbert aka Max Dowling, and Bob Knob from HopeStreet Recordings.After moving to Adelaide, Parvyn played OzAsia Festival and WOMADelaide last year. Next week, she lands at Nexus Arts as part of their 2023 Interplay performance series, which is being staged for the first time as part of Adelaide Fringe.
The Interplay artist development programme fosters an interconnected and supportive network of contemporary musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds living and working in South Australia.
The 2023 season will feature seven performances, kicking off with Parvyn next Wednesday (22 February).
Here, she shares five "beautiful places" discovered while touring. "As a touring musician there have been many times when I am in fabulous, faraway places yet aren't able to do any sight-seeing or visit iconic places nearby.
"It's a shame and all too often I get that feeling of 'oh so close, yet so far'! It's the nature of a touring muso's life when on the road with a band and can be expensive as you try and fit in as many shows as possible while you’re away.
"There have been times, however, when I've managed to get off the direct tour route and find some beautiful places. I'm so lucky that travelling is part of my job.
"Often it's so much nicer being hosted by venues and festivals around the world instead of just holidaying at a place. You get to know the locals, experience their authentic culture and find out about places that they recommend."
1: Greens Pool - Denmark, Western Australia
A magic cove of beautiful granite rocks and white sandy beach. The water is an exceptional green turquoise colour, clear and inviting. I visited in the cooler months and was a little pressed for time, so I didn't swim but keenly explored over the granite boulders to Elephant Rocks.The sky was that perfect Aussie blue and I felt fresh and free walking along the sand enjoying the warming sun. I hope one day I can go back and enjoy a whole day there frolicking in the waters and enjoy some tasty snacks on the beach. Pic by Andrew Clermont.
2: Mount Kaputar - 100km north of Gunnedah, NSW
I love visiting places that I wouldn't have if I wasn't working and performing nearby. I've spent many years travelling with musician Andrew Clermont and he always knows the best spots since he's been touring regionally around Australia since the '80s.This was one of those gems and we timed it so that we made it to the top of the mountain just as the sun was setting with the full moon rising on the other side. A perfect moment to witness. This pic captured by Andrew Clermont.
3: Waterfall Way - between Bellingen and Armidale, NSW
Whenever we can, I like to go this way if we need to get from somewhere like Tamworth to the coast of NSW (even if it means it takes a little longer).It's got a bunch of waterfalls that you can duck into and visit along the way, along with a couple of my favourite towns up that way like Dorrigo – a mountain valley oasis of good people and fresh air country vibes – and Bellingen.
There is a very windy road down to Bellingen from Dorrigo surrounded by incredibly lush forest and the view towards the ocean is awesome.
4: Grand Canyon
It's been a while since I've been there, but while touring with the Dya Singh World Music Group in the mid '00s I was lucky enough to visit the Grand Canyon a couple of times.We would make the detour of adding a couple of extra hours whenever we were close in New Mexico or Arizona, but it's totally worth it. Takes my breath away every time.
5: Paris
In 2017, The Bombay Royale had the opportunity to go to Europe for the Sziget Festival in Budapest and Festival Du Chant Marin in France. By this stage many of the band members had families and we didn't have much time to extend the tour out so only went over for less than a week for those two shows.I couldn't, however, pass up the opportunity to go to Paris for the first time even if it was only for a day! We managed to go to a couple of art galleries, eat plenty of baguettes and cheese, drink Absynth in the bars where infamous artists used to hang out, and of course visit the great tower.
We didn't have time to go up it but enjoyed a nice European beer under it with our Skipper, Andy Williamson (pictured lying down enjoying the view). A great day that I will cherish forever.
It turned out that was our last Bombay Royale tour; since then well, we've had the pandemic, I've made my solo album, got nominated for an ARIA, and now performing right here in Adelaide (22 Feb) as part of Interplay at Nexus Arts at the Adelaide Fringe. Here's to many more tour detours ahead.
2023 Interplay Performance Series Tour Dates
Wed 22 Feb - ParvynSat 4 Mar - Manasvi
Sun 5 Mar - Rob Edwards
Thu 9 Mar - Native Son 91
Thu 16 Mar - Daniel Gosling
Fri 17 Mar - Kayla Ikeeboh (8pm)
Fri 17 Mar - Thoma and the Humbugs (10pm)
