Naked in the Woods

Wed 29th Jul, 2009 in Features

FReeZACentral, a Victorian Government initiative funded by the Department of Planning and Community Development, as part of Victoria Rocks program, and managed by The Push, assists young people in pursuing a career in the music industry.

The new compilation, Naked in the Woods, heralds the third album for FReeZACentral and showcases an exciting partnership of established and emerging female singer/songwriters from around Victoria. From blues and roots to folk, contemporary funk and soul, the songbirds explore themes such as personal growth, friendship, temptation and loss.

Katy Steele and Jen Cloher have both made their mark on the music industry and headline the forthcoming tour in support of Naked in the Woods.

Having just returned from Splendour in the Grass festival, and before hitting the road again with Little Birdy, Katy Steele is excited about sharing her individual work with an intimate all ages crowd. – œI can’t wait to play these shows and be part of such a great concept playing alongside many other great women,’ she says.
– œPlaying solo is very liberating and very, very different. It’s like another world. I get a lot more anxious before solo shows because the pressure is a lot different. There is not much to hide behind and you don’t have the support of your fellow band mates.’

Jen Cloher, one of 50 mentors within the 2009 FReeZACentral Mentoring Program and a feature artist on the Naked in the Woods CD and tour, revelled at the chance to share her experiences as a musician with emerging artist Jessica Hoven. – œWhen I first started out (in the music industry) I had no idea what I was doing,’ she explains. – œIt wasn’t easy. That’s why I jumped at the opportunity to share what I have learnt with someone who is just beginning their journey.’

Being a part of the mentoring program has been a rewarding experience for Cloher and she encourages all forms of mentoring. – œIt’s vital because it keeps the music industry healthy,’ she says. – œIt self regulates the industry. If a venue treats musicians poorly, the word gets out fast and people stop playing there! Independent musicians mentor each other all of the time by sharing knowledge. It leaves less room for charlatans.’

Both Steele and Cloher will no doubt inspire the young performers on the tour. They are full of encouragement and look forward to the up-coming shows. – œThe compilation we are launching features the music of mentors and mentees from this year’s program,’ says Cloher. – œIt’s a really strong album – you can’t tell the mentees apart from the mentors, which is testament to the standard of talent.’
– œIf you are a woman, your strongest weapon is your intuition. That is an amazing weapon that no one can steal from you. Always follow your gut,’ Steele advices.

With the album now ready to be launched and a new wave of talent set to greet the industry, what can one expect from the tour? According to Katy Steele -’Intimacy and a hell of a lot of soul!’

Naked In The Woods featuring Katy Steele and Jen Cloher
Friday 31 July at The Palais, Hepburn Springs with Arowe
Saturday 1 August at the Arts Centre, Playhouse with Sophia Katos (All Ages)
Saturday 8 August at the Meeniyan Town Hall, South Gippsland with Rezzalp (All Ages).

Naked in the Woods compilation is available with the August edition of Rhythms magazine or free on entry to the launch shows.

FReeZACentra is running free music industry workshops across Victoria – for more info head HERE