Clare Bowditch has, in her own words, had a curious career so far.
Wikipedia tells us she is a “musician, author, and occasional actress”, a description which, while technically correct, does nothing to communicate what Bowditch actually does.
After breaking into the national consciousness two decades ago as a singer-songwriter of uncommon quality, Bowditch was named the ARIA Awards’ Best Female Artist in 2006.
She has toured with Gotye, been nominated for a Logie for her acting on Australian comedy-drama Offspring, hosted 774’s afternoon program, written a book, produced a podcast on mental health and received a marriage proposal from Leonard Cohen.
While that range of professional experiences speaks to her ability to tell stories, connect with audiences and entertain through a wide range of media, for Bowditch it is just about finding and taking opportunities to work when they present themselves.
“I think it’s not an untypical sort of career for anyone who’s making their living out of creativity in Australia generally,” she said.
“I established myself in people’s minds and first built my audience as a music maker. But along the way I’ve also had the privilege of being able to try a few other things that work in well with family life.
“It’s really just doing things in the world of communicating ideas… but doing it wherever the work is.”
June marks a return to the stage for Bowditch and her husband, drummer Marty Brown.
A mini-tour of six dates will see the duo present an offering of new material to audiences around regional Victoria, a gentle re-entry into the world of live music after many years working in jobs more suited to bringing up three children.
“We haven’t done this for a really long time… really, it’s just seven date nights with an audience throughout regional Victoria to test the waters again” she said.
“I worked out how to be a musician and performer in small rooms… and it’s so valuable for me to hear what people think of the new songs, to see their faces and be in those rooms again with them.”
Clare Bowditch is at Queenscliff Town Hall on Friday, June 13. Visit lunalivepresents.com for tickets and more information.
