Are you a music lover but not really into huge concerts, mosh pits or screaming kids?
Amy Shark has you covered.
This February the indie pop singer-songwriter brings her solo acoustic show Songs and Stories to Geelong’s Costa Hall as part of a 20-date tour of regional Australia.
The solo tour comes hot on the heels of the award-winning musician’s The Sadness tour, which saw Shark perform at big arenas in Auckland and six Australian capital cities through October and November last year.
The premise of the tour is simple: Shark, a guitar or two and lots of candles.
Shark said this tour was for listeners who wanted to experience her music in a different way.
“It’s very stripped back, quite vulnerable and there’s time to tell some stories,” she said.
“We did the West Australian leg, that was three shows, and I’ve just been blown away. I knew I would enjoy it, but I didn’t think I would enjoy it this much.
“It’s pretty intense. And I love being able to almost hear people’s heartbeats.”
Shark said she found freedom in the solo setting that wasn’t possible in big shows with a full band and scripted lighting and pyrotechnics.
“When it’s just me and the audience I can do whatever I want,” she said.
“I can play the song at whatever pace I want, I can say and do whatever I want, which is dangerous but also really fun.
“It’s a different rush. And a few people have written in saying they’d never really heard the lyrics before.
“And I get to hear them too; it gives me the time and space and quiet to really be like, wow, I remember why I wrote this one. I think it’s just really rewarding for everyone.”
Amy Shark is at Costa Hall on Tuesday, February 18. Visit geelongarscentre.org.au for tickets and more information.
Matt Hewson
