Exposing Kylie Auldist
She's an unashamed disco fan, and has rocked the world with the funky Australian band ‘The Bamboos.’ This New Zealand sultry soulstress who is now Melbourne-based is named Kylie Auldist has shared vocal time with the likes of Aloe Blacc, Megan Washington, Tim Rogers and Daniel Merriweather on the track ‘Medicine Man.’
Ahead of Kylie’s debut album release ‘Still Life’, we chat to her about why working with The Bamboos was like band camp, her debut album due to drop in October, and how her 18 year old son’s musical taste takes her out of her 80’s & 90’s comfort zone. Margaret Tra writes.
Tell us about ‘Still Life’
‘Still Life’ is the third chapter in my solo career. My first album was very much an introduction to me and my life and it was quite exposing in a way! ‘Made of Stone’ was recorded just after I lost my aunty Rosy, and so I wrote that song for her. I was also trying to tell other, more obscure stories.
‘Still Life’ is me letting go a little... I am an unashamed disco fan and always have been. I also love reggae and The Black Keys, so I wanted to cover one of their tracks and it all sort of came together that way. Quite a few of the Bamboos played on ‘Still Life’ - as with the other albums. I haven't done that many live gigs with my solo project, and when I do it's mainly the Bamboos who are involved . Although my friend Mick Meagher plays bass and he's from ‘The Putbacks.’
What was it like working with the Bamboos?
Working with the Bamboos is like being on school camp! Probably band camp actually... They are all very clever musicians and funny guys, and I've been around the world with them so it's all very easy really.
Who influences you?
I'm influenced by Lance (Ferguson) a lot obviously, and he wrote all my albums with me and knows a lot about music - he's also a DJ and record collector. The music my 18 year old son Reggie listens to is great as well, cause it takes me outside my 80’s and 90’s comfort zone. My husband only listens to reggae, so there's a lot of that around the house. I also love New Zealand bands like six60, Fat Freddy's drop, Tiki Taane and Ladi 6.
If you could share the stage with one other person, who would it be and why?
If I could sing with anyone in the world it would be George Michael or John Legend. I would also love to sing with hip hop artists like Hilltop hoods.
You’ve shared vocal time with the likes of Aloe Blacc, Megan Washington, Tim Rogers, which artist was a highlight moment for you?
Although I'm on the same album as all those artists you mentioned (apart from Medicine man), I don't really get to share stages with them because they are off being famous in the far flung corners of the globe. I did get to do some backing vocals with Tim Rogers, who is amazing! I was excited to be on the same CD as Sharon Jones when we did a Rolling stones cover for Mojo Magazine. We did “Can't you hear me knocking” which was fun and we do it live sometimes.
What Stimulates your soul?
Basically singing live is what stimulates my soul! It's my happy place and I've heard there are health benefits! Although I'm not sure that includes the rider and the after parties...
‘COUNTING ON YOU / CHANGES’ IS OUT NOW: http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/counting-on-you-changes-single/id548585046
‘STILL LIFE’ IS SET FOR RELEASE FRIDAY 12 OCTOBER 2012
FOR MORE INFO: http://www.tru-thoughts.co.uk