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 Brisbane-based singer songwriter KATIE NOONAN is preparing to perform in WOMEN IN VOICE for the third time. She tells KOREN HELBIG why the annual event keeps drawing her back.
The name Katie Noonan is synonymous with an eclectic musical palette. She comfortably conquered rock with her hugely successful band, george, has released jazz albums as part of the Elixir trio, frequently dabbles in opera, and earlier this year completed a nation-wide tour with the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
But performing this week during Women In Voice 17, amid a line up of four other young stars, Katie is trying something a little bit different... if that is possible.
“I am doing a set based on one of my favourite artists, Joni Mitchell, from her late ’60s to early ’70s era. Such a wonderful time for music! I mainly do original material so I thought it would be fun to do entirely new works exploring someone I admire and aspire to.” Katie relates.
Katie grew up in Brisbane and first performed among the Women In Voice stars some eight years ago while studying at the Queensland Conservatorium. She was immediately befriended by the dynamic roots music performer, Lil’ Fi and it seems fitting that the pair, who have both come so far, will again perform side-by-side this year.
“She looked after me and was such a great, caring big sister throughout the experience. And now here we are eight years later, both mothers with young sons... times have changed!” Katie says.
Likewise, Women In Voice has made an impressive journey after a humble start in a West End cafe in the early nineties. Creator Annie Peterson hoped to profile female artists within one quality show, a formula that is simple but effective, according to Katie.
“It is fantastic to work in a collaborative sense with these wonderfully talented women,” she says.
And this year’s talent is palpable: along with Katie and Lil’ Fi there’s the soulful and versatile Pearly Black, Brisbane jazz singer Melissa Western, emerging South Sea Indigenous performer Georgia Corowa, and actor, singer and songwriter Liz Buchanan.
The women will perform over five nights at the Playhouse, under the musical direction of Helen Russell.
But for Katie, the work does not stop at the Women In Voice closing night. Next month the mother-of-two is off to New York to lay down a jazz record and has another album in the making with her band.
“The wonderful blessing is that I am able to do a lot of different projects and keep trying new things, work with new sounds and people,” she says.
“I have an amazing partner (saxophonist Isaac Hurren) and we support each other in our two main pursuits as musicians and parents. Children are fantastic at keeping you grounded and reminding you of what is really important in life!”
Women In Voice 17 will rock the Playhouse, QPAC from Wednesday July 9 to Saturday July 12. For tickets call Qtix on 136 246 or visit www.qtix.com.au.
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