Medhanit is no stranger to festival stages, having toured with Australian electronic legends Pnau. Medhanit is looking forward to in presenting her own show on the Falls Byron stage. Seven caught up with Medhanit so see what she has for Byron.
I am so excited to present my own set at Falls Festival Byron Bay thanks to Triple J and the Unearthed team! I am bringing a high-energy set with a blend of different sounds: introspective lyrics matched with beats to dance to, various genres ranging from indie/soft-rock to afrobeat, and definitely the live version of my latest single Friends.
You’ve also teamed up with Holy Holy for Triple J’s Like A Version (covering Post Malone). How did that come about?
I did! Tim Carroll from Holy Holy and I both live in Tasmania, or did so at the time, and I played at a beautiful festival he runs A Festival Called Panama. After playing, he asked if I might like to join his band Holy Holy onstage to sing Lorde’s Green Light to close another Tassie festival we were both playing. I was beyond floored and already so nervous immediately after saying ‘Yes’. But it was the most heartwarming and memorable experience; I’ll never forget it. Months later, he phoned me out of the blue and asked if might join Holy Holy in Sydney for their Like A Version, and I couldn’t say ‘Yes’ fast enough. Tim, Oscar, Ryan, and Graham have been so incredibly generous, supportive, and kind to me always and I am infinitely grateful.
Is collaboration with other artists something you’d like to pursue more? Who would be your dream collaborator?
I find collaboration to be such an artistically stimulating and emotionally engaging side to creating, and I’m always eager to work with new people. My dream collab list is endless, but it includes Angie McMahon, Tkay Maidza, Kwame, Fred Again, and Amine.
Are there any artists that you’re looking forward to seeing at Falls?
I am so sonically in love with Amine, and originally had a ticket for Falls Byron for the 31st so I could see him! He’s one of my favourite musicians, rappers, visual-makers, and inspirations, and he’s also Ethiopian (like me) so I am all the more head over heels. I am so keen to see Young Franco, DMA’s, Peach PRC, and Genesis Owusu.
What inspires you?
Botanic gardens, the human condition, grand pianos and 808s, and the people I love most.
What is one of the important lessons you’ve learned as an emerging Australian artist?
Nerves, fear, and anxieties are not synonymous with being undeserving – you can be both good at (and love) your job and simultaneously find elements of your career truly challenging. When you get up close, most people you’re sharing the stage with are a little bit scared too, and that is so very okay.
For more info about Falls, visit: fallsfestival.com.
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