By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
TO ERR is human, to forgive is divine – so the saying goes.
But for Drucindy Chin-Quan, to rock is Divinyl, and that’s just what her Chrissy Amplett tribute band Temperamental aims to do at next month’s Motor City Music festival.
Chin-Quan uses Amphlett’s divine inspiration to carry on the tradition of the pioneering rock chick in a male-oriented industry.
Taking the band name from the Divinyl’s second album, Chin Quan says she can relate to Amphlett’s struggles off-stage as well.
“I often feel the frustration she must have felt being a female in a male-dominated rock industry,” Chin-Quan agreed.
“Females can be shown a lot of disrespect, in practical ways in regard to bookings, dressing rooms and just in people’s attitude.
“I have a Masters and I’m still not getting a job. Plus I’m part Chinese and there are no real Asians in the industry, so it’s a double whammy for me.
“That’s where a lot of Chrissy’s attitude came from and that character plays out on stage.”
Chin-Quan approaches her portrayal of Amphlett from the position of being a fan first.
“She can be a hard character to get right. I still study her. I am always looking at video clips, before every stage show, to refresh myself.
“That way I know I won’t get too comfortable. There’s always something new to pick up that I can incorporate into the show.”
Chin-Quan’s rock and roll attitude is fuelled by being the youngest in a family of nine, ironically with several older brothers also in the music industry.
It was one of her brothers, performing in an Angels tribute band, who first mentioned to Chin-Quan the resemblance to Amphlett.
The classically trained dancer and qualified high school music teacher included an Amphlett portrayal in her studies, where a teacher suggested forming her own tribute band.
Chin-Quan says she is eager to present Amphlett in the diva’s hometown, following her first gig locally last year.
“A couple of Chrissy’s high school friends came and talked with me after the show and were complimentary, so that was a relief,” Chin-Quan admitted.
“It was a bit nerve-wracking bringing Chrissy to Geelong, but I’m looking forward to being part of the festival atmosphere at Motor City.”
