Thelma Plum

Unlike her namesake, a sweet slice of Thelma Plum can be enjoyed all year round, so to celebrate the release of her second EP Monsters, Thelma is hitting the road with a few friends in tow. Destined to be all treat no trick, Thelma says she’s planning to get into the spirit and show us her spooky side.
“The cover of my new EP is me with the imaginary monster that lived in my cupboard growing up,” Thelma admits with a grin. “And we will be playing a show on Halloween. We’re all going to get dressed up, I can’t wait! It should be a really fun, everyone should definitely come down. It’s going to be one big party!”
Thelma and her party posse are heading to our (eerie?) neck of the woods early next month. Handpicked for her Victorian shows is Melbourne’s new gentleman of lyrical bass and beats, Dalli, and Sydney’s electronic duo Left., featuring vocalist Sarah Corry and guitarist Jono Graham (also of Made In Japan).
“All three of them are beautiful friends of mine so I’m really happy that we can all experience this together,” Thelma said happily. “I love the fact that I’m going to have my mates on the road with me. I also love their music – they’re incredible musicians.
“Dalli is really good, he’s one of my best friends in the whole world and he’s a great guy.” His single ‘Down This Road’ is out now.
“I’d been friends with the guys from Left. for a while before I knew they made such awesome music. They released an amazing single ‘When My Body Sleeps’ about a month or so ago and it’s so good. So so good.” Thelma’s voice softens in awe, then continues: “They’re a little more electronic sounding so it’s a good segue into my new set.”
As the triple j Unearthed winner back in 2012 (followed closely by wins at the NIMAS and the Deadly Awards), Thelma went on to bewitch us all with her debut EP (Rosie, 2013) of perfectly-penned acoustic ditties. Tracks like ‘Father Said’, ‘Dollar’ and the lead single ‘Around Here,’ though sounding deceptively simple, showcase Thelma’s exceptional talent for storytelling through her warm, melodic tones.
Now in 2014, after a sold-out tour across the country, Thelma has emerged stronger and bolder, ditching her constant companion, her acoustic guitar, in favour of a full band complete with electronic beats. ‘Monsters’ is an honest, insightful, more mature sounding offering from an artist not afraid to push her boundaries and lay her soul bare.
“Oh there’s been so many highlights in the last couple of years, but the biggest I suppose was making the Monsters EP. The process was amazing, something I will never forget and always be really grateful for. Having the finished product now is pretty incredible and very exciting. I am so proud of how it turned out.”
Thelma Plum is living her dream, and that’s enough for now. “I do get asked a lot about making an LP but I have no plans for that ’til at least next year. I’ve got a lot of growing to do, both as a person and a songwriter, before I’m ready to record an album,” Thelma replied candidly. “I’m just enjoying taking everything as it comes. I’m looking forward to summer.
“I’m playing Falls Festival and have a couple other things coming up that I’ll keep you posted about, but in the meantime come and party with us!”
When&Where: The Karova, Ballarat – November 7; The Corner, Melbourne – November 8; and Beav’s Bar, Geelong – November 9
By Natalie Rogers