It’s been a long time in the making, but Bendigo live music stalwart Erica Hawkey and her band are releasing a long-awaited album.
Vocalist/pianist Hawkey, whose music has been described as a rich mosaic of soul, blues, funk, jazz and folk, has finally made the transition to the studio. She and her band will release an album of her originals, recorded at The Old Church On The Hill, later this year.
“I’m at the point now where I have enough songs for multiple albums, so it was definitely time to put something down,” Hawkey says.
“My band (guitarist David Turpie, bassist Ben Carr, and drummer Colin Thompson) and I teamed up with Leighton Gates, who captured the key elements, and we have some overdubs and mixing to get through now.”
Expect to hear songs dealing with current weighty topics. “My latest work (is about) the empowerment of women, my concerns about our Mother Earth, and our inherent need for soulful growth and connection in a world mad on surface appearances and dollar signs,” Hawkey says.
The album will be out in time for the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival in November, where you can again expect to see Hawkey, a long-time festival favourite, performing on stages around town.
“I am songwriting constantly,” Hawkey says.
“My aim has always been for the music to bring life to a feeling, an idea, or something I want to say, perhaps from a deeper part of me that needs a voice. Music is a deep source of fulfilment.”
Hawkey studied contemporary jazz in Melbourne, before going on to perform throughout Victoria with myriad musical ensembles, including soul/funk and swing bands and acoustic outfits. She has also performed on radio, television, and in theatre productions.
She will team up with fellow singer-songwriter Andy Garlick in a solo performance at Entree Music Bar’s Original Music Thursdays on July 18. From 7.30pm; free entry.
Also happening around town in the next fortnight:
The Golden Vine is hosting its monthly Pub Choir on Thursday, July 18, from 7.30pm (free entry); and a Vintage Guitar Jam on Sunday, July 28, from midday (gold coin donation).
Local trio JMT are performing “acoustic hits unplugged” at Entree Music Bar on Saturday, July 20. From 7.30pm; free entry.
Mia Mazzerella is appearing at The Axedale Tavern, as part of its Thursday night sessions hosting Academy of Creative Arts students, on July 25. From 6.30pm; free entry.
Sons of the Blues will take over Rocks Underground (Rocks On Rosalind) on Friday, July 26. From 7pm; free entry; dining packages available from www.opentable.com.au
Local singer/guitarist Nathan Schifferle will perform a mix of covers and originals at The Axedale Tavern on Sunday, July 28. From 1pm; free entry.
Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Georgie Currie, originally from Albury, will launch her debut EP Flowers For Your Worst Days at The Old Church On The Hill on Sunday, July 28. From 6pm.
Written by Lynette Walker. Contact: [email protected]