Interview with
THANDI PHOENIX
BigSound 2017

Thandi Phoenix // Standing Too Close

Thandi Phoenix has recently released her new single Standing Too Close which has gone viral on Spotify. She recently wrapped up a tour around the country with Vera Blue during which she took a week off to fly to Brisbane for the 2017 BigSound music industry festival. This is her first year performing at the annual event and she took the time to catch up with Brianna Denmeade from the AMNplify team to chat music, her journey and Sydney lock-out laws.

How are you liking BigSound 2017?

I love it!

What is your journey for getting to where you are now in your music career?

Honestly, music is my absolute passion and my love. It’s just been me writing and learning by doing. I’ve been finding my way by experimenting. Once you’ve been doing something long enough you find your way.

Where did you grow up and what is your family like?

I grew up in inner west Sydney with my mum, she’s my bestie.

How is the Sydney music scene compared to Brisbane?

It’s amazing to see there is such a cluster of music industry professionals in one spot. I feel like the lock-outs have definitely affected Sydney pretty harshly, it’s such a shame. I think Sydney needs some work but as far as the talent is concerned there is plenty.

You played your first BigSound set at the 256 Wickham, did you enjoy yourself?

Yeah, it was awesome. I couldn’t see when I was on stage what was happening with the lights but then looked back afterwards like “Yasss!”.

I did see you perform recently supporting for the Vera Blue national tour. How is it being on tour with her?

Yeah, it hasn’t finished. Sunday is the last show and it started the end of July so nearly three months. It’s started to become my favourite tour so far because I’ve known Celia (Vera Blue) a while now and Lakyn the other support is amazing. Everyone knows each other, so it has a nice family vibe to it. I know most of Celia’s band like I introduced her to her keys player, and most of them are Sydney boys.

How will your second BigSound set be different from the first aside from the venue change to The Flying Cock?

Well, I had to cut a song during my first set. I’ve never done something like this before with such short turnaround times because if I go longer it cuts into someone else’s time. So I was very cautious of that last night. I’ll just have to go with the vibe of the night and hopefully, I get through my entire set.

Where do you draw ideas from when you are writing and creating music?

When I write stuff it’s just real life shit. As far as the sound is concerned it’s been a journey where I started more RnB and now I’m kind of moving away from that and I classify my sound more electronic pop. Some people still think pop is a dirty word in music (haha!) but with the electronic elements, there are so many different layers of sound. I play with Drum n Bass and South African house, I make what I love to listen to and what I love to dance to.

Thandi Phoenix // BigSound 2017

What musicians inspire you?

Growing up I listened to lots of girl power stuff like Spice Girls and Amy Winehouse. I also love Rudimental.

You toured with Rudimental, didn’t you?

Yeah, I did. That was awesome. They kind of got me into the drum and bass stuff and when their first album came out I went saw them and then ended up touring Australia with them.

Do you have any free time to see any other musos on the BigSound lineup?

100%. Last night I got to see Golden Vessels and then tonight I’ve got the night off so I’m choc-a-block on my BigSound app. I’ll be seeing MUTO and a few other friends I know performing.

Have you spent much time in Brisbane before BigSound?

I’ve only really come here when I’ve had shows so it is nice to spend a few days here and settle in.

What do you think of the music community here at BigSound?

What I’ve seen so far, it’s great. I think it’s amazing. I feel very, very grateful to be here and that they’ve extended it so more acts can perform.