Eve Jeffery
Felicity Lawless is making quite a name for herself around town, playing countless shows in Queensland and New South Wales. Her unique blend of world, reggae and soul music took Island Vibe Festival audiences by storm in October, and she continues to captivate audiences across the country with her flashy flamenco guitar style and powerful voice
Lawless is a huge one-woman-band solo sound, playing percussion on cajon while singing and playing the guitar. She is a ‘one-womyn gypsy/reggae experience stolen from the stars and singing her way home’. She is heading to Fingal this weekend; Echonetdaily caught up with her on the way.
What are the pros and cons of being a solo act?
The pros of being solo is that you are completely responsible for yourself, your decisions, your timetable and your success! The only con is not having other musicians’ energy to bounce off and not being able to share the experience with another person. I play many duo shows, however, with percussionists, singers, guitarists and bass players, so I really have the best of both worlds.
Is there a recording on the horizon?
Yes. I am going into the studio in January and February to record my second album. I am collaborating with some awesome musicians, so I’m very excited.
Do you play mostly originals?
Yes, I play mostly originals. I often throw in a cover or two for each set I play and they are quite a random, eclectic bunch of covers that I do – for example The Bicycle Song by Melanie Safka, The Tide is High by Blondie, some Bob Marley songs and and a bit of Neil Young.
What has been the highlight and low point of the last 12 months?
The highlight of the last 12 months has been living solely off my music and being able to spread love and joy every time I go to work. I am so grateful to be able to do what I love for a job. Also playing duos with awesome people such as Julia Rose, Brennan Smith (French Butler Called Smith), Paul George (Tijuana Cartel), Katia Demeester and Lani Motiekaitis has brought so much musical insight and great shows. My only low points are when I am not feeling grateful and they come and go. I thought my van blowing up was bad, but then it turned out perfectly. It is all just a matter of perspective really
What are you working on now?
I am working on making a few new songs perfect for my next shows and I just finished an arts and music collaboration with amazing visual artists Joy French, Rebecca Cunningham and Eilidh McWhirter. I love working with visual artists, they blow me away. I’m also playing with my reggae outfit, Bertha Control, on New Years Day in Lismore for Tropical Fruits festival
Who are you listening to now ?
Emily Spiller, Fyah Walk, Bjork and myself.
Felicity will be playing at The Sheoak Shack in Fingal Head on Saturday, an encore performance to follow up the huge success of her last show there in September. It is sure to be a night to remember combining deeply moving lyrics, guitar virtuosity and amazing songs.
