After wowing crowds at BIGSOUND last September, Canadian artist Saidah Baba Talibah is set to return to play Byron Bay Bluesfest! After unfortunately missing her while we were in Austin for SXSW we caught up with her last week to chat about all of this, the Australian release of her album (S)cream and much more!
You played SXSW not too long ago! How many shows did you end up playing there?
Yeah! It was a whirlwind of a trip. We did 2 shows in one day, which seemed to be a light load compared to some other bands playing 3 or 4 shows a night!! Crazy!!
What were your experiences like at the event?
I really enjoyed myself, we all did! We played the Canadian BBQ and then later that night we played a rooftop. The two shows were very different vibes, but really cool in their own rights.
Did you get to see anyone else perform? Any highlights if so?
I saw The Darcys (CAN), Royal Canoe (CAN), Band Of Skulls (UK), Mingo Fishtrap (US). I really dug all of them. I’m a diehard Royal Canoe fan, fell in love with The Darcys, but my highlight was seeing Band Of Skulls!!! They fucking rocked! The sound was massive!
We last saw you at BIGSOUND where you must have made a bit of an impact, and not just on us, because you’re returning for Bluesfest! What are your memories like of BIGSOUND and are you looking forward to coming back?
Yes! I’m so happy to be returning to Australia and, I understand, it’ll be a lot warmer by the time I get back –- which will be a welcomed change to this god awful cold weather we’ve been having in Toronto! But you wanna know about my BIGSOUND, it was such a great festival! I loved the layout, the people and the bands that I did get to see. I was only aware of Tommy Spender’s music, and I found out that he was playing the festival, so I not only got to see him perform, but I also got to connect with him – great guy! I also fell in love with the band, Bec And Ben.
What can we expect from your set at Bluesfest?
I have a couple of new band members, for one, which means that along with the Aussies that I picked up the last time, I’ll have a band full of men…which is always fun. Other than that, expect a bluesy high energy rocking show filled with sweat, squats and smiles.
Is there anyone at the event you’re looking forward to seeing?
I’m looking forward to seeing Gary Clark Jr., Erykah Badu, Buddy Guy, Charlie Musselwhite, Larry Graham & Graham Central Station, Booker T. Jones, Dr John & The Nighttrippers.
Of course the tour comes off the band of the official release of (S)cream here in Australia. The album has had quite the lifespan hasn’t it? How does it feel to be talking about it years later, seeing it get seen and heard down here in Australia?
I’m so blessed, honoured and excited to be releasing (S)Cream in Australia. I mean, music is truly incredible, I mean, it’s truly amazing how it can transcend gender, genre, borders and time.
Now you must be already ready to talk about what’s coming next? What is coming next for you musically?
Oh yes, most definitely! I am currently crowdfunding my second album while also recording it at the same time. I’m releasing three EPs to my crowdfunding supporters and then asking them to vote on the songs that will go on the official release. The album is called RedBlack&Blue. I’ve started to record the Black EP and the Blue EP.
While in Australia, anything you hope to do this time that you didn’t get to do last time?
I must hug a koala and see a kangaroo! I know it’s the touristy thing to say and do, but that’s a definite and I want to connect with my friends from Blue King Brown.
Do you have a favourite Australian song?
I can’t choose one, so here’s what I love:
Bed & Chair – Spender
Bec and Ben – This Is Why I Love You
Blue King Brown – Stay By Your Fire
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SAIDAH BABA TALIBAH tour dates:
Wednesday 16th April 2014: Ding Dong Lounge – Melbourne (VIC)
Tickets: www.dingdonglounge.com.au
Sunday 20th & Monday 21st: Byron Bay Blues Festival
Tickets: www.bluesfest.com.au
Wednesday 23rd April 2014: Ding Dong Lounge – Melbourne (VIC)
Tickets: www.dingdonglounge.com.au
Thursday 24th April 2014: Upstairs Beresford – Sydney (NSW)
Tickets: www.merivale.com.au/upstairsberesford – Ph: 02 8313 5000
Saturday 26th April 2014: Beach Road Hotel – Bondi (NSW)
Tickets: www.beachroadbondi.com.au – Ph: (02) 9130 7247
Sunday 27th April 2014: The Brass Monkey – Cronulla (NSW)
Tickets: www.brassmonkey.com.au – Ph: 02 9544 3844
