Melding a refreshing audacity with a
disarming vulnerability, Melbourne based singer-songwriter Deborah
Hocking has securely placed gothic folk on the musical map. Her live performance will transport you
through a labyrinth of emotions; dark and intoxicating, yet complete
with an evocative back porch charm.
The spirit of her live performance has been
captured on Deborah's twin releases, D-Day and Stage. One
reviewer writes:
"It becomes apparent that Deborah's stuff is not run of
the mill folk ... the lyrics head into much darker and more
introspective moods than most folk singers dare to tread. Having
ascertained that Deborah is dark, the music is certainly not depressing
or angry. It is actually kind of uplifting..."
(Frank Boner, bonemachine.net).
The potency of her lyrics and the beguiling
nature of her live performance have drawn comparisons with two of
Australia's leading divas, Deborah Conway and Sally Dastey.
"...It doesn't take
much listening to Deborah Hocking in order to realise why she has been
praised by various folk communities. Lengthy and literate songs that
touch upon the whimsical as much as they dig beneath the skin of
twenty-something anxiety, these are what you'll find on her twin
releases D-Day and Stage."
(Richard Vogt, mono.net).
A momentous twin
CD launch at one of Melbourne's rock stomping grounds, the Evelyn Hotel,
is testament to Deborah's growing popularity, with both punters and
industry pundits alike.
In addition to
captivating audiences with her incisive and heartfelt lyrics, Deborah's
songwriting has been winning her not only widespread recognition, but also numerous awards.
Some
highlights include picking up multiple awards in several categories at
the Redgum Festival, and being short listed for two consecutive years
for the Ranges Folk Festival Songsmith Award.
"Deborah Hocking is one of those names that I
think you should remember as we will almost certainly be hearing more
from her in the future." (Frank Boner, bonemachine.net).
Gig Highlights
- Mortlake Buskers Festival with Ross Wilson
- Evelyn Hotel with Her Majesty's Finest
and
Avenue
- Australia Day Gig at Birrarung Marr Park,
Federation Square with The Badloves
- Woodford Folk Festival (QLD)
- On the bill with Kim Salmon at
Live At The Library 2003
- Family Fun Folk & Fundraising Day at the
Collingwood Children's Farm to raise money for the Children First
Foundation with Monica Weightman and Maxine Harman
Discography
- D-Day (2001)
LP recorded live in the studio
- Stage (2001)
EP produced by Paul Norton
- Local & Live (2002)
Compilation distributed by the Australian Music Foundation to
coincide with the Australia Day "Local & Live" Concert
- Girl 2 (2002)
Compilation
D-Day and Stage are both available
at Gaslight Records (Melbourne) and online
through www.chaosmusic.com.
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