After releasing their new album 'Angel In Realtime' earlier this year, Gang Of Youths wrap up their national tour this weekend with their specially curated live music experience A More Perfect Union Festival in Brisbane.
To take place at Sandstone Point Hotel on Saturday (20 August), Gang Of Youths will be joined by Matt Corby, Middle Kids, Budjerah, BLESSED, Becca Hatch and Romero.On top of the hand-selected line-up, A More Perfect Union will feature gourmet food trucks, boutique beer, wine and other untold wonders.
Ahead of the show, we asked soulful songwriter and rising international star Budjerah and Western Sydney R&B phenom Becca Hatch to interview each other.
The 2021 ARIA Awards Breakthrough Artist Of The Year, Indigenous singer-songwriter Budjerah has had a meteoric rise the last two years releasing his self-titled album last year (that featured the hits 'Missing You' and 'Higher').
He has collaborated with Matt Corby (who produced his debut EP) as well as Ed Sheeran on the remix of his track '2step'.
Meanwhile in just a few years, Becca Hatch has curated a space in the Australian contemporary R&B scene that is wholly her own.
The Kamilaroi/ Samoan artist rose to wider attention after winning triple j Unearthed High's Indigenous initiative in 2017, she then began receiving mainstream attention for her 2020 debut single '2560'.
With her early influences including the likes of Ariana Grande and H.E.R., Becca released a string of singles in 2021 ('Safety', 'B The One', 'Please U'); her most recent release is 'Without You'.
"When I was starting music, I just viewed it as something that was fun, a hobby," Becca says. "As I've done more, I've realised that I'm not just a creative person in music, it carries through my whole life.
"Finding different things I enjoy, my perspective on music has changed completely."
Becca Hatch Interviews Budjerah
Who is your favourite artist of all time; and can you recommend one song from them?My favourite artist of all time is Beyoncé; I don't think I need to explain why. I would recommend listening to '1+1'. It's my favourite song of hers.
What or who inspired you to become an artist/ create music?
I grew up in a family of musicians, so I've always enjoyed playing and listening to music.
I think what inspired me to pursue it as a job was writing my first song when I was in school. My mum shared a video of me singing it on Facebook and it got a bunch of likes and shares, and that's when it all clicked into place for me.
Has there been a moment in your career that made you take a step back and really appreciate where you're at?
There's been heaps of moments for me and I am truly grateful to be where I am today. The most recent moment was getting a text from Ed Sheeran. He said he really liked the verse that I did for the remix of his song '2step' and feels kind of ridiculous to me.
It feels like I'm telling lies. It really made me feel like I'm on the right track and confident that I'm progressing still.
If you could pick one person to collab with alive or dead, who would it be?
How hectic would it be to do a song with Usher. He's one of my golden standards. It would be a dream.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music?
I have a few hobbies. I like surfing and photography, and I'm not super good at either, but I still enjoy them. I've recently been learning how to skateboard; I want to get really good at it so if my music starts going downhill; maybe I could be a pro skater like Tony Hawk.
Budjerah Interviews Becca Hatch
What is the most memorable moment you've had on stage?For me the most memorable moments are always when I'm able to connect with fans and supporters. The most memorable has definitely got to be the first time I ever received flowers at show from a fan in the crowd! It was the most wholesome experience and something I'll always remember.
What made you want to become an artist?
I feel like I've always really loved music and singing, but I found that writing and sharing my story is where my strengths lie. Being an artist really allows me to share and communicate parts of myself that I normally would struggle with communicating normally!
I also think that growing up watching Beyonce music videos and playing 'Singstar' every day probably played a major role in me wanting to be an artist too ahaha.
Do you have a dream venue or festival you want to play?
Coachella! I feel like that's definitely the dream venue.
Do you have any cool food recommendations?
OOOO!!! I think if you haven't tried Samoan food yet you defs should! My favourite is Koko Laisa (kind of like a chocolate rice) and my mum makes it the best.
Who is your favourite artist?
My two favourite artists have got to be Frank Ocean (I was involved with his albums 'Channel Orange' and 'Blonde') and Rihanna (because I respect her business mentality so much).
A More Perfect Union Festival takes place at Sandstone Point Hotel (Brisbane) 20 August.
