Project Description

Interview with
KAHLIA FERGUSON
from
SUNFLOWER

Interviewer – Dave Bruce

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With the dawn of a new decade comes the birth of powerhouse group, SUNFLOWER. Hailing from Brisbane, SUNFLOWER are the perfect storm of soul, pop and rock rebirthing a classic sound with an added touch of high energy modern flair.

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Have you always wanted to be a musician? When did you get the songwriting bug?
Yes, I’ve always wanted to be a musician! I grew up in a very musical family. Everyone sang and played an instrument, so music has always been a massive part of my everyday life. I wrote my first song when I was six and instantly became obsessed with the craft.

How did you all find each other and decide to share your musical talents as a group?
Well, Dan’s my brother and we’ve been making music together since we were kids. We played in a family band together for about 12 years, and met Lawson and his band at a Bluesfest Competition last year. Our two bands were competing in the finals together and we all just sort of hit it off that night. We kept jamming and songwriting together and before long it became clear that it was time to make a fresh start with a new project. And so, SUNFLOWER was born.

How would you describe your sound? Why do you think people resonate with your music?
We’re a blend of soul and rock. I guess you could say our music is a bit of a tug-of-war between Lawson’s high voltage rock’n’roll and my laid-back blues. I think people love the honesty and boldness of SUNFLOWER. We’re high-energy and unapologetic and full of colour and life. We’re hard to ignore when we hit a stage.

Which artist’s music and/or performance, past or present, inspires you today? 
Growing up, I absolutely loved James Taylor and Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles. I still do. Their songwriting and musicianship were untouchable during their era. I’m now also a big fan of Black Keys, J.J Cale, Coldplay, Lana Del Rey and Amy Winehouse (to name a few).

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Pre-save ‘BETTER DAYS’ HERE

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Your new single/EP/Album has just been released/is about to be released! Describe its origin and evolution. 
We’re releasing our debut single BETTER DAYS May 14. The guys and I are very excited to get this one out into the world. The song is hopeful and empowering. It’s a reminder to look toward a brighter future during tough times. I guess that’s a message most people need right now in this current climate. While this year has been a strange and tough one so far, the five of us still feel very hopeful for what the future has in store. 

Is there an EP or Album on the drawing board?
There’ll definitely be an EP or an album in the future! I think this year we’ll be focussing more on singles. One of the good things that has come out of COVID-19 is all the time we’ve had to write songs. We’ve been churning them out lately! Very excited to release them into the world.

Any tours or events coming up soon? What are you looking forward to, and what can the fans expect?
As soon as the dust settles with this virus, we’ll be like a bull out of a gate. We’re so keen to hit the road and play as many tours and festivals as we can. We’re all really missing the stage and it can’t come soon enough.

If you could perform with any music artist, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why? 
Oh man, what a question! John Mayer is definitely on the list. As are JJ Cale, Elvis Presley, Stevie Nicks and Mick Jagger. I know Lawson would fangirl like anything if he were ever given the opportunity to perform with the Gallaghers!

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SUNFLOWER are

Lawson Doyle – Vocals, Guitar & Keys
Kahlia Ferguson – Vocals, Guitar & Keys
Dan Ferguson – Lead guitar
Willow Keith – Bass guitar
Sean the Dragon – Drums

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Do you have any long-term aspirations as a music artist? 
To be the biggest band in the world.

What is the best thing about performing to a live audience? What’s been the career highlight so far?
I think anytime you’re in front of a group of people that sing your lyrics back to you it’s a massive win. There’s nothing quite like it. When something that you wrote while sitting on your bed with your acoustic guitar becomes a soundtrack or an anthem in another person’s life, it means everything. I love the feeling of hitting a stage. The lights, the heat, the rising anticipation, the bass drum in my chest, the sweat, the blood.. It’s all magic.

Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Naturally by JJ Cale
Artist – James Taylor
Movie – Anything Marvel honestly
Place to visit – Sydney harbour or Noosa
Venue to play – Glastonbury is on my bucket list, as is Red Rocks
Food – Pesto pasta
Drink – Rekorderlig strawberry and lime cider
Person in History –  Jane Austen, I love the way she wrote
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) A sprig of lavender on my wrist to remind me to stay calm

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Check out SUNFLOWER below
Facebook – Instagram – Twitter
Youtube – Spotify

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AMNPLIFY – DB