Having released her debut EP earlier in the year, Thandi Phoenix puts a big bow on 2019 with her performance at Sydney's Harbour Party NYE.
This past year has also seen Thandi take on Like A Version, her own headline tour and also popping up at the NRL Grand Final.She tops it all off with Sydney's ultimate New Year's Eve shindig, Harbour Party NYE, where she'll boogie down with revellers as they celebrate seeing the back of 2019. She is also part of the 2020 WOMADelaide line-up in Adelaide.
Before that though, she submits to a round of questioning from us about her highlights for the year, what new music she has planned and how best to survive the marathon that is Aussie festival season.
Some of your personal highlights from the past year?
This year has honestly been one of my favourites. Looking back I've achieved things that I've been wanting to do for a while now.
Highlights would have to be triple j Like A Version, going on my first headline tour, releasing my debut EP, doing some awesome festivals and crazy experiences like performing at the NRL Grand Final.
Congratulations on releasing your debut EP earlier this year – have you been happy with the response?
Thank you so much. Yeah, it's been great to know that people have been connecting with the EP and enjoying it as much as I do. It’s a great feeling.
Is there a song on the EP that has become more important to you than the others?
No, honestly I love each and every song on this EP equally. I can’t choose a favourite.
If the EP was the introduction to Thandi Phoenix, what can we expect from your next release?
Well, I'm just in the process of writing new material so get ready for the bangers, haha! More fire is on its way.
It's festival season soon – how do you like to prepare yourself physically and mentally for the shows?
Ah, the silly season. I think around this time of year (with so many shows) it's just about pacing yourself and not burning out. I’ll probably need to amp up the cardio because girl likes to eat!
Staying fit for shows is important though because I tend to move around a lot on stage and there's nothing worse than being out of breath. Getting mentally prepared for shows is pretty easy for me because I really enjoy doing them. As long as I plan what I'm wearing in advance and know the band and I are rehearsed then I’m excited and ready, bring it on.
Someone you think deserves a lump of coal for Christmas?
Top of my naughty list would have to be ScoMo – but we all know how much he loves coal so I'll be replacing it with a biiiiig lump of dog sh.t.
Describe your perfect Thandi Phoenix Christmas?
No fuss, no rush, just a chilled time with loved ones, eating (copious amounts) of delicious food and drinks, listening to good tunes then swinging on a hammock on some beautiful private island of course, with a personal chef, and a masseuse. Perfect.
Who are some artists we'd find on your listening playlists at the moment?
Franc Moody, SG Lewis, Evelyn 'Champagne' King, KLP and Sonny Fodera.
What's the plan for your set at Harbour Party NYE?
The plan is to give the audience their best night of 2019. We’re gonna have a whole lot of fun and bring a jam-packed, energetic set that will have everyone dancing into 2020.
As a Sydney artist, is it significant to be playing the city's NYE celebrations?
For sure, people come far and wide to celebrate NYE in Sydney’s iconic harbour so it will be great to be among it all.
If you weren't playing a show that night, how would you otherwise like to celebrate New Year's Eve 2019?
I've had a gig on NYE for as long as I can remember lol, so a little getaway with friends would be nice.
Looking towards next year, what are some things you'd like to achieve personally and professionally?
I'd like to write and release more music than I ever have, play more, travel more, ya know – the usual world domination!
