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SOUL CHIC AT PARIS CAT - FOUR CONCERTS
review: Olga Tolkatcheva
If you haven't heard of Paris Cat you must to check it out. You won't be disappointed. Hidden in the alleyway in the CBD just near the Queen
street, this is one of the coolest live music venues in Melbourne dedicated to Jazz. It's known for its charming ambiance and inviting
decor.
I am here today for the Soul ChÌc - a Jazz band fronted by a singing duet of Georga Byrne and Nardia Rose Branca. The show is a tribute to
Eva Cassidy - amazing songstress, who found fame only after her untimely departure. Soul ChÌc musicians put a new twist on the well-known
classics, arranging them into instrumental medleys and vocal harmonies.
Both girls are talented and beautiful singers, each one has a powerful and distinct voice. Longtime friends, they were obsessed with singing
and creating the perfect harmonies. They spent years mastering this art and it shows. Georga's voice is happy and honest, it envelopes you like
a morning sunshine, while Nardia's is deeper and more worldly, and has the emotional maturity well beyond her years. Together they are like day
and night, but it works marvelously: voices blend perfectly, supporting each other, making it multi-dimensional, taking it to a new level.
The band is nicely set up with Saxophone, Cello, Guitar, Double Bass, Piano, and Drums. The superb musicians are consummate professionals,
each one has a moment to shine with a solo improvisation. You get the sense that they are not only working, but they are also enjoying the
performance and enjoying themselves - and the audience responses and appreciates. The show is a sellout - like so many in the past.
The atmosphere is very relaxed and comfortable - good vibes, intimate feeling to be in a company of friends, chilling with a drink. There is a
beautiful connection between musicians, who are close friends in real life. The singers are almost like the sisters, love and mutual
admiration is emanating from the stage.
The audience is involved and feels like a part of the show, at some point girls get everybody to clap along - perform a percussion part in
tune with an acapella singing.
The singers are natural in telling the story of Eva Cassidy, introducing the musicians and giving insight into the musical arrangements.
It is nice to hear the classics and old favourites: Cyndi Lauper, Fleetwood Mac, John Lennon's "Imagine", "Somewhere over the rainbow",
"What a wonderful world" - to name a few. The Gospel songs are the highlights of the evening, with an absolute showstopper - "Take me to
the river" - shining in the full range of emotions and letting the voices soar and fill the room.
A touching acknowledgment of Eva Cassidy's life achievements and sad departure gives a different meaning to the songs.
The musicians are approachable and friendly, they are easy to talk to and share the thoughts during the break and after the show.
Both Georga Byrne and Nardia Branca are songwriters in their own rights, performing independently with a dazzling portfolio of original songs. I
can highly recommend the next show on the 17th of November, you can find the information here:
https://www.rollerdigital.com/pariscat/product/214580?date=20181117#/sessions
If you haven't heard of Paris Cat you must to check it out. You won't be disappointed. Hidden in the alleyway in the CBD just near the Queen
street, this is one of the coolest live music venues in Melbourne dedicated to Jazz. It's known for its charming ambiance and inviting
decor.
I am here today for the Soul ChÌc - a Jazz band fronted by a singing duet of Georga Byrne and Nardia Rose Branca. The show is a tribute to
Eva Cassidy - amazing songstress, who found fame only after her untimely departure. Soul ChÌc musicians put a new twist on the well-known
classics, arranging them into instrumental medleys and vocal harmonies.
Both girls are talented and beautiful singers, each one has a powerful and distinct voice. Longtime friends, they were obsessed with singing
and creating the perfect harmonies. They spent years mastering this art and it shows. Georga's voice is happy and honest, it envelopes you like
a morning sunshine, while Nardia's is deeper and more worldly, and has the emotional maturity well beyond her years. Together they are like day
and night, but it works marvelously: voices blend perfectly, supporting each other, making it multi-dimensional, taking it to a new level.
The band is nicely set up with Saxophone, Cello, Guitar, Double Bass, Piano, and Drums. The superb musicians are consummate professionals,
each one has a moment to shine with a solo improvisation. You get the sense that they are not only working, but they are also enjoying the
performance and enjoying themselves - and the audience responses and appreciates. The show is a sellout - like so many in the past.
The atmosphere is very relaxed and comfortable - good vibes, intimate feeling to be in a company of friends, chilling with a drink. There is a
beautiful connection between musicians, who are close friends in real life. The singers are almost like the sisters, love and mutual
admiration is emanating from the stage.
The audience is involved and feels like a part of the show, at some point girls get everybody to clap along - perform a percussion part in
tune with an acapella singing.
The singers are natural in telling the story of Eva Cassidy, introducing the musicians and giving insight into the musical arrangements.
It is nice to hear the classics and old favourites: Cyndi Lauper, Fleetwood Mac, John Lennon's "Imagine", "Somewhere over the rainbow",
"What a wonderful world" - to name a few. The Gospel songs are the highlights of the evening, with an absolute showstopper - "Take me to
the river" - shining in the full range of emotions and letting the voices soar and fill the room.
A touching acknowledgment of Eva Cassidy's life achievements and sad departure gives a different meaning to the songs.
The musicians are approachable and friendly, they are easy to talk to and share the thoughts during the break and after the show.
Both Georga Byrne and Nardia Branca are songwriters in their own rights, performing independently with a dazzling portfolio of original songs. I
can highly recommend the next show on the 17th of November, you can find the information here:
https://www.rollerdigital.com/pariscat/product/214580?date=20181117#/sessions
photography: Stuart Buchanan
video: Fabrizio Evans at Group 42
Bloom Entertainment by Design and Paris Cat Jazz Club presented Soul Chic with The Eva Cassidy experience on 5 October evening at Paris Cathttps://www.rollerdigital.com/pariscat/product/208336…
photography: Stuart Buchanan at Third Life Photography
review: Olga Tolkatcheva
video: Farizio - coming up soon...
Bohemian Rhapsody Club and Magazine expresses its special thanks to the event managers, the Bloom Entertainment By Design (and personally to Michelle Schembri-Lipscombe) for the invite and the opportunity to cover this spectacular concert as well as to Stuart, Fab and Olga for their art works
photography: Stuart Buchanan at Third Life Photography
review: Olga Tolkatcheva
video: Farizio - coming up soon...
Bohemian Rhapsody Club and Magazine expresses its special thanks to the event managers, the Bloom Entertainment By Design (and personally to Michelle Schembri-Lipscombe) for the invite and the opportunity to cover this spectacular concert as well as to Stuart, Fab and Olga for their art works
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NARDIA AND HER BAND BACK AT PARIS CAT
website
website
filming and editing: Daniel Cui - coming up soon...
review: Marina Sklyar
I was absolutely thrilled to be in the audience and have an opportunity to write a review one of the coolest musicians Nardia Rose and Band.
Nardia is a confident, strong, talented women who leads her band into the night of the Jazz & Blues music.
She is not just a beautiful performer, she is also a song writer, and bands manager.
Marketing professional by day, musician by night, and a song writer. She performed some of her own songs, for which she gets an inspiration from just looking at the night stars, one of my favourites BE A U TI FU L LIFE, or whether it’s just taking a bus in middle of USA, or a painful break up, or just having a miss fortune in the kitchen . Nardia sings her soul into those songs, the music is composed together with her band.
The band played in such a harmony, all Nardia has to do is node her head and each player knows what is expected of him. Nardia is like a hovering mother overseeing her boys.
If you are Jazz and Blues fan, Nardia’s performance is an absolute to do list. In front of us we are seeing a raising star.
Nardia Brancatisano - vocals
Mat Robb - Guitar
Angus Gray - Piano
Harry Cooper - Saxophone
Scott Mealy - Upright Bass
Mark Aird - Drums
I was absolutely thrilled to be in the audience and have an opportunity to write a review one of the coolest musicians Nardia Rose and Band.
Nardia is a confident, strong, talented women who leads her band into the night of the Jazz & Blues music.
She is not just a beautiful performer, she is also a song writer, and bands manager.
Marketing professional by day, musician by night, and a song writer. She performed some of her own songs, for which she gets an inspiration from just looking at the night stars, one of my favourites BE A U TI FU L LIFE, or whether it’s just taking a bus in middle of USA, or a painful break up, or just having a miss fortune in the kitchen . Nardia sings her soul into those songs, the music is composed together with her band.
The band played in such a harmony, all Nardia has to do is node her head and each player knows what is expected of him. Nardia is like a hovering mother overseeing her boys.
If you are Jazz and Blues fan, Nardia’s performance is an absolute to do list. In front of us we are seeing a raising star.
Nardia Brancatisano - vocals
Mat Robb - Guitar
Angus Gray - Piano
Harry Cooper - Saxophone
Scott Mealy - Upright Bass
Mark Aird - Drums
photography: Stan Traianedes
video: Daniel Cui
Bloom Entertainment by Design, Nardia Rose Band and Paris Cat Jazz Clubpresent yet another sensational gig
Nardia Rose Band back at the Paris Cat!
DATE: Wednesday, September 19 at 8 PM – 10:30 PM
LOCATION: Paris Cat Jazz Club, 6 Goldie Pl, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3000
WEBSITE: http://pariscat.com.au/
TICKETS: https://www.rollerdigital.com/pariscat/product/206360…
Bohemian Rhapsody Club and Magazine is expressing its special thanks to the concert managers, to Bloom Entertainment by Design and personally to Michelle Schembri-Lipscombe for the opportunity to review the concert as well as to Stan Traianedes, Daniel Cui and Marina Sk - for the work
Nardia Rose Band back at the Paris Cat!
DATE: Wednesday, September 19 at 8 PM – 10:30 PM
LOCATION: Paris Cat Jazz Club, 6 Goldie Pl, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3000
WEBSITE: http://pariscat.com.au/
TICKETS: https://www.rollerdigital.com/pariscat/product/206360…
Bohemian Rhapsody Club and Magazine is expressing its special thanks to the concert managers, to Bloom Entertainment by Design and personally to Michelle Schembri-Lipscombe for the opportunity to review the concert as well as to Stan Traianedes, Daniel Cui and Marina Sk - for the work
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SOUL CHIC AT PARIS CAT
website
website
filming and editing: Fabrizio Evans at Group 42
presenter: Olga Tolkatcheva
presenter: Olga Tolkatcheva
review : Olga Kirk
The night at the “Paris Cats” was long-awaited and intriguing. The venue itself was stylish and cozy, with a very inviting feel to enjoy time with friends and listen to music.
“Soul Chic” - a duet of two girlfriends and their two amazing jazz performers was excellent!
Georgia and Nardia - traveling together sometimes, sharing their thoughts and emotions, funny situations and even their families are close in spirit and connected with music.
Georgia is an Australian girl with her charming jazz style and bossa nova, elegant and beautiful.
Nardia has a very strong voice, sometimes tearing with her blues compositions. They seemed so different at the beginning!
The most important thing they have in common is the love of beauty and the search for expressive techniques for a more accurate transmission of mood and feelings that they can convey to the hearts of the public.
The first composition of Georgia’s performance "Barcelona" was a very beautiful and pleasant story about the journey the two girls had in Spain, with all its beauty and colors.
Composition "Slow down before it’s too late".
The story felt like it was written for me and about me! Life is too fast, more things come your way when you rest and take it easy. I really liked the syncopated rhythm and the voice of Georgia with a hoarse voice, it turned out stylish and thoughtful.
It's amazing that one guest came to listen to the girls 3 days after the birth of her twins. This indicates that the guests and the public already know and love the girls and are not prepared too miss their performance under any circumstances!
Composition "Stars" is very relevant in our time. You are in poverty, an immigrant, a person in trouble - it does not matter. We are all worthy of love, we should be as valuable as the stars and feel worthy as a person.
"Looking for" was performed in French, which gave the compositions a special charm, and the rhythm of Bossanova immersed us even more with an easy walk into his soul.
The closing composition of Georgia "Being yourself" was dedicated to their parents. The total culminating tune was a Jam with a solo of each instrument and their own improvisations. Bravissimo!
Nardia is a sexy Filipino-Italian-Australian girl, with cat whiskey eyes, red lipstick on her lips and a tattoo on her shoulder. A voice with a wide range and capabilities Nardia uses it very skillfully, masterfully selecting the necessary nuances in different compositions.
Her musicians follow her, supporting the mood and show this very expressively in solo improvisations. Contrabass- he was not just pretty with a charming face! The Saxophonist was talented, charismatic, sexy, apparently breaking hearts wherever he goes.
The program was masterful, allowing the public to keep up with the Up and Down tunes.
"Vegas", "Forbidden Love", "Train of chains", "Thank you for nothing" with sarcastic meaning of the song, "Fire in my kitchen" - funny story of making pancakes with friends in Spanish-French style.
Excellent atmosphere, unforgettable songs performed by talented girls and wonderful musicians who gave the audience the joy of communicating with a living sound and voice.
Thanks a lot for our night of a range of emotions, we wish the group further success!
The night at the “Paris Cats” was long-awaited and intriguing. The venue itself was stylish and cozy, with a very inviting feel to enjoy time with friends and listen to music.
“Soul Chic” - a duet of two girlfriends and their two amazing jazz performers was excellent!
Georgia and Nardia - traveling together sometimes, sharing their thoughts and emotions, funny situations and even their families are close in spirit and connected with music.
Georgia is an Australian girl with her charming jazz style and bossa nova, elegant and beautiful.
Nardia has a very strong voice, sometimes tearing with her blues compositions. They seemed so different at the beginning!
The most important thing they have in common is the love of beauty and the search for expressive techniques for a more accurate transmission of mood and feelings that they can convey to the hearts of the public.
The first composition of Georgia’s performance "Barcelona" was a very beautiful and pleasant story about the journey the two girls had in Spain, with all its beauty and colors.
Composition "Slow down before it’s too late".
The story felt like it was written for me and about me! Life is too fast, more things come your way when you rest and take it easy. I really liked the syncopated rhythm and the voice of Georgia with a hoarse voice, it turned out stylish and thoughtful.
It's amazing that one guest came to listen to the girls 3 days after the birth of her twins. This indicates that the guests and the public already know and love the girls and are not prepared too miss their performance under any circumstances!
Composition "Stars" is very relevant in our time. You are in poverty, an immigrant, a person in trouble - it does not matter. We are all worthy of love, we should be as valuable as the stars and feel worthy as a person.
"Looking for" was performed in French, which gave the compositions a special charm, and the rhythm of Bossanova immersed us even more with an easy walk into his soul.
The closing composition of Georgia "Being yourself" was dedicated to their parents. The total culminating tune was a Jam with a solo of each instrument and their own improvisations. Bravissimo!
Nardia is a sexy Filipino-Italian-Australian girl, with cat whiskey eyes, red lipstick on her lips and a tattoo on her shoulder. A voice with a wide range and capabilities Nardia uses it very skillfully, masterfully selecting the necessary nuances in different compositions.
Her musicians follow her, supporting the mood and show this very expressively in solo improvisations. Contrabass- he was not just pretty with a charming face! The Saxophonist was talented, charismatic, sexy, apparently breaking hearts wherever he goes.
The program was masterful, allowing the public to keep up with the Up and Down tunes.
"Vegas", "Forbidden Love", "Train of chains", "Thank you for nothing" with sarcastic meaning of the song, "Fire in my kitchen" - funny story of making pancakes with friends in Spanish-French style.
Excellent atmosphere, unforgettable songs performed by talented girls and wonderful musicians who gave the audience the joy of communicating with a living sound and voice.
Thanks a lot for our night of a range of emotions, we wish the group further success!
photography: Stuart Buchanan
Paris Cat Jazz Club presented Soul Chic with the event called
Soul Chic Presents - Nardia Rose and Georga Byrne with Nardia Roseand Georga Byrne (PC DEBUT) on 25 August at 0830pm
https://www.rollerdigital.com/pariscat/product/201768…
Soul Chic Presents - Nardia Rose and Georga Byrne with Nardia Roseand Georga Byrne (PC DEBUT) on 25 August at 0830pm
https://www.rollerdigital.com/pariscat/product/201768…
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NOVEMBER 17 CONCERT: SOUL CHIC PRESENTS NARDIA AND GEORGA BYRNE
website
review: Leanne and Mike Vallance
They say “if you enjoy what you do, it shows”….
They also say “if you’re a performer and enjoy yourself on stage, it will transfer to the audience and they will enjoy themselves too”
This certainly proved true in the case of “Soul Chic Presents Nardia and Georga Byrne”.
The 8:30pm session in the Loft at Paris Cat Jazz Club on Saturday 17th November 2018 was a sell-out. Soul Chic is very well regarded as a vibrant and dynamic musical group led by the bewitching vocals of Nardia Branca & Georga Byrne.
Soul Chic is a regular performer at Paris Cat featuring shows including the Eva Cassidy experience show, Women of Jazz and Soul which have all been huge sell outs.
This show was effectively Soul Chic raw and exposed as Nardia and Georga separately showcased an array of their original compositions written throughout varying circumstances in their lives.
The first hour saw Nardia presenting her original tunes backed by musicians from her “Nardia Rose Band” featuring Mat Robb on guitar, Angus Gray on Keys, Harry Cooper on Saxophone, Tijon Louis on Bass and Mark Aird on drums.
Following a short break Georga performed a selection of her own compositions. Georga was accompanied by Sam Keevers on keys, Steve Rando on Guitar, Rory Brown on Upright Bass, Kieran Rafferty on Drums, with special guests Sophie Anderson on Cello and Laughlan Davidson on Saxophone and backing vocals from Rachael Compte and Ally McNaughton (and, at times, Nardia).
Their performances certainly allowed the girls to shine, both individually, and together. While their styles and music are, at times, quite different from one another, they both have an endless capacity to tell their life stories and experiences through the art of songwriting and stunning musical arrangements. They brought the audience into their lives with a refreshing amount of honesty, humour and humility as they introduced the songs and the history behind them.
Throughout the show the sell-out audience was certainly treated to a stage full of incredibly talented musicians. While the highlight of the night is clearly the wonderful singing voices of Nardia and Georga, we would be remiss if we did not draw appropriate attention to the calibre of everyone who played a part.
We applaud and thank Nardia and Georga for allowing us to play a small part as a witness to their lives and look forward to new creations from them both as they continue through life.
We would strongly recommend people see a Soul Chic show. To see a group of such talented professionals hold their chosen musical genre in such high esteem, is truly a pleasure to experience.
website
review: Leanne and Mike Vallance
They say “if you enjoy what you do, it shows”….
They also say “if you’re a performer and enjoy yourself on stage, it will transfer to the audience and they will enjoy themselves too”
This certainly proved true in the case of “Soul Chic Presents Nardia and Georga Byrne”.
The 8:30pm session in the Loft at Paris Cat Jazz Club on Saturday 17th November 2018 was a sell-out. Soul Chic is very well regarded as a vibrant and dynamic musical group led by the bewitching vocals of Nardia Branca & Georga Byrne.
Soul Chic is a regular performer at Paris Cat featuring shows including the Eva Cassidy experience show, Women of Jazz and Soul which have all been huge sell outs.
This show was effectively Soul Chic raw and exposed as Nardia and Georga separately showcased an array of their original compositions written throughout varying circumstances in their lives.
The first hour saw Nardia presenting her original tunes backed by musicians from her “Nardia Rose Band” featuring Mat Robb on guitar, Angus Gray on Keys, Harry Cooper on Saxophone, Tijon Louis on Bass and Mark Aird on drums.
Following a short break Georga performed a selection of her own compositions. Georga was accompanied by Sam Keevers on keys, Steve Rando on Guitar, Rory Brown on Upright Bass, Kieran Rafferty on Drums, with special guests Sophie Anderson on Cello and Laughlan Davidson on Saxophone and backing vocals from Rachael Compte and Ally McNaughton (and, at times, Nardia).
Their performances certainly allowed the girls to shine, both individually, and together. While their styles and music are, at times, quite different from one another, they both have an endless capacity to tell their life stories and experiences through the art of songwriting and stunning musical arrangements. They brought the audience into their lives with a refreshing amount of honesty, humour and humility as they introduced the songs and the history behind them.
Throughout the show the sell-out audience was certainly treated to a stage full of incredibly talented musicians. While the highlight of the night is clearly the wonderful singing voices of Nardia and Georga, we would be remiss if we did not draw appropriate attention to the calibre of everyone who played a part.
We applaud and thank Nardia and Georga for allowing us to play a small part as a witness to their lives and look forward to new creations from them both as they continue through life.
We would strongly recommend people see a Soul Chic show. To see a group of such talented professionals hold their chosen musical genre in such high esteem, is truly a pleasure to experience.
photos below: Stan Traianedes
In completing their review of performance by Soul Chic at Paris Cat on Saturday 17 November 2018, Mike and Leanne Vallance asked Nardia and Georga a number of in-depth questions to explore the true talent and quality of these wonderful performers. They were also asked where a lot of their inspiration and ideas for their music comes from…..
When you begin to write a song, is it always the same formula that you use? E.g., do you usually begin with some words that will form into lyrics and then become a melody or do different circumstances or events prompt a chain of thoughts for what will eventually form a song?
Nardia: In terms of writing songs, I don't have one given formula. Sometimes I might write a song on my guitar or on the piano based on some chords I have come up with or sometimes I might be driving or inspired by something and a melody and lyrics will come pouring out into my head. If that happens I just have to stop what I'm doing, write it down and record the melody. That's how I've come up with some of my best songs. Other ways I write is that I might co-write with someone. For example, I have been doing a lot of writing lately with the guitarist in my band, Mat Robb. Or sometimes I write to get away from the everyday world and get lost in lyrics and creativity.
Georga: When I write a song it is always a different process. I love to sit down at the piano and improvise on chords while I meditate and pray before I write. I then find the melody of a song, which fits over my chords, will come to me followed by the lyrics. I then record it and let it sit for a few days before I go back and edit it and re write lyrics or piano parts. There are times when I am walking along and a song comes to me, I start singing the melody and lyrics and then record it. Sometimes after both processes, I will then go back to my writing partner Luke Batterbury to help me edit embellish the chords and write the lyrics.
The recent performance at Paris Cat was all your original songs. Can you tell us which song in particular stands out for you and resonates with you personally and why? (only share the why if you’re comfortable).
Nardia: One song that I love is my "Train of Chance" song. This song was written at a time in my life where I was going through some anxiety and depression. I never knew what the feeling of anxiety and depression was until I actually experienced it for the first time. It was debilitating and it went on for over year. It put a hold on my life. I wasn't able to work or perform. My life felt as though it was on hold. Coming out of this experience, I was able to see light at the end of the tunnel and as I was starting to feel like I was on the mend, I decided to quit work and travel for a whole year by myself. It was here where I wrote this song. The lyrics of jumping on the train of chance to take a chance on life or lying on the tunnel tracks was a metaphor to describe how I was feeling. Deep I know.... With mental health growing at a rapid rate, I hope to use this song to help others.
Georga: All of the songs speak to me in different ways. Each song, has come out of a moment in my life, which for whatever reason was so strong that it manifested itself in a song. Loves a Crazy thing, I wrote when I was going through a very hard time, it came out in 10 minutes and really allowed me to make sense of how I was feeling about a certain situation. I got Luke Batterbry to help me finish it. The song is about the fact that you can’t always help who you fall in love with, however it isn’t always a positive in your life and deals with the effects that that can have on a person. Cold Wind is another song, which seems to resonate with a lot of people. It is a song which explores the effects which mental illness can have on people. I feel that it has spoken to many people and that is the reason that I write songs, to help other people feel that they are not alone and heal form their situations.
How do you decide which songs to include in a performance or set?
Nardia: I think about the venue, the audience and what message and story I'd like to tell at that show. This helps me determine my set list. In saying this the set list doesn't always go to plan. Sometimes you have to just go with the vibe of the room and the audience. At the end of the day we play for the people!!
Georga: I have written about 100 songs, so I chose songs which would suit the Paris Cat jazz club and would go well together in a set.
Who did you grow up listening to musically wise and how have they influenced both your writing and performances?
Nardia: I am a huge fan of Eva Cassidy. I grew up listening to her beautiful arrangements of songs. When I was arranging my own songs or selecting songs to cover I would always turn to her arrangements as she just had a way of taking a song and making it her own, bending the rules and turning it into a delicate and beautiful song. For song-writing, I must admit I'm a huge Carol King fan. She wrote songs that were simple but yet so impactful and memorable. I also love Etta James as I connected with her as an artist and her story. The power, the intensity and emotion she put into her vocals was phenomenal.
Georga: Wow, I listened to everyone. I was an 80’s child, so Sinead O’Connor, Belinda Carlisle, Madonna and Kylie. They were all pop singers and I do write a lot of pop music. However, it was my Dad who go me into, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Eva Cassidy and Joni Mitchel, who really, really inspired me. Recently it is Brooke Fraser and Adele who have had the biggest influence on me. In turn I write an eclectic mix of songs, I write pop songs, ballads, jazz songs, blues and country songs. So all of these artists have had a huge influence on my writing.
When you begin to write a song, is it always the same formula that you use? E.g., do you usually begin with some words that will form into lyrics and then become a melody or do different circumstances or events prompt a chain of thoughts for what will eventually form a song?
Nardia: In terms of writing songs, I don't have one given formula. Sometimes I might write a song on my guitar or on the piano based on some chords I have come up with or sometimes I might be driving or inspired by something and a melody and lyrics will come pouring out into my head. If that happens I just have to stop what I'm doing, write it down and record the melody. That's how I've come up with some of my best songs. Other ways I write is that I might co-write with someone. For example, I have been doing a lot of writing lately with the guitarist in my band, Mat Robb. Or sometimes I write to get away from the everyday world and get lost in lyrics and creativity.
Georga: When I write a song it is always a different process. I love to sit down at the piano and improvise on chords while I meditate and pray before I write. I then find the melody of a song, which fits over my chords, will come to me followed by the lyrics. I then record it and let it sit for a few days before I go back and edit it and re write lyrics or piano parts. There are times when I am walking along and a song comes to me, I start singing the melody and lyrics and then record it. Sometimes after both processes, I will then go back to my writing partner Luke Batterbury to help me edit embellish the chords and write the lyrics.
The recent performance at Paris Cat was all your original songs. Can you tell us which song in particular stands out for you and resonates with you personally and why? (only share the why if you’re comfortable).
Nardia: One song that I love is my "Train of Chance" song. This song was written at a time in my life where I was going through some anxiety and depression. I never knew what the feeling of anxiety and depression was until I actually experienced it for the first time. It was debilitating and it went on for over year. It put a hold on my life. I wasn't able to work or perform. My life felt as though it was on hold. Coming out of this experience, I was able to see light at the end of the tunnel and as I was starting to feel like I was on the mend, I decided to quit work and travel for a whole year by myself. It was here where I wrote this song. The lyrics of jumping on the train of chance to take a chance on life or lying on the tunnel tracks was a metaphor to describe how I was feeling. Deep I know.... With mental health growing at a rapid rate, I hope to use this song to help others.
Georga: All of the songs speak to me in different ways. Each song, has come out of a moment in my life, which for whatever reason was so strong that it manifested itself in a song. Loves a Crazy thing, I wrote when I was going through a very hard time, it came out in 10 minutes and really allowed me to make sense of how I was feeling about a certain situation. I got Luke Batterbry to help me finish it. The song is about the fact that you can’t always help who you fall in love with, however it isn’t always a positive in your life and deals with the effects that that can have on a person. Cold Wind is another song, which seems to resonate with a lot of people. It is a song which explores the effects which mental illness can have on people. I feel that it has spoken to many people and that is the reason that I write songs, to help other people feel that they are not alone and heal form their situations.
How do you decide which songs to include in a performance or set?
Nardia: I think about the venue, the audience and what message and story I'd like to tell at that show. This helps me determine my set list. In saying this the set list doesn't always go to plan. Sometimes you have to just go with the vibe of the room and the audience. At the end of the day we play for the people!!
Georga: I have written about 100 songs, so I chose songs which would suit the Paris Cat jazz club and would go well together in a set.
Who did you grow up listening to musically wise and how have they influenced both your writing and performances?
Nardia: I am a huge fan of Eva Cassidy. I grew up listening to her beautiful arrangements of songs. When I was arranging my own songs or selecting songs to cover I would always turn to her arrangements as she just had a way of taking a song and making it her own, bending the rules and turning it into a delicate and beautiful song. For song-writing, I must admit I'm a huge Carol King fan. She wrote songs that were simple but yet so impactful and memorable. I also love Etta James as I connected with her as an artist and her story. The power, the intensity and emotion she put into her vocals was phenomenal.
Georga: Wow, I listened to everyone. I was an 80’s child, so Sinead O’Connor, Belinda Carlisle, Madonna and Kylie. They were all pop singers and I do write a lot of pop music. However, it was my Dad who go me into, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Eva Cassidy and Joni Mitchel, who really, really inspired me. Recently it is Brooke Fraser and Adele who have had the biggest influence on me. In turn I write an eclectic mix of songs, I write pop songs, ballads, jazz songs, blues and country songs. So all of these artists have had a huge influence on my writing.
Bohemian Rhapsody Club and Magazine expresses its special thanks to the performers for their talent, to Michelle Schembri-Lipscombe for her cordial invite , to Bloom Entertainment by Design for the opportunity to cover the concert and to Olga for her impressions and to Stuart, Olga K, Olga T and Fab, Mike and Leanne for their art works
Chic Soul and Paris Cat Jazz Club with Soul Chic Presents Nardia and Georga Byrne // Michelle Schembri-Lipscombe
exclusively for Bohemian Rhapsody Club and Magazine
Chic Soul and Paris Cat Jazz Club with Soul Chic Presents Nardia and Georga Byrne // Michelle Schembri-Lipscombe
exclusively for Bohemian Rhapsody Club and Magazine
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