I discover some amazing artists through this blog. I hear about their shows and think they’d be great live, but I often don’t actually make it to the gigs. Then there are the rare artists like Donovan Woods, who capture my heart so quickly that I know I need to be there. That’s how I found myself at new inner-city venue Darling Nikki’s on Friday night, just a couple of months after hearing his music for the first time. As I looked around at the blokes dressed in flannel and trucker hats, emulating Donovan’s signature look, I knew most people had followed his career for a lot longer. But I always say, it doesn’t matter when you find an artist; just that you do.
Darling Nikki’s was a last-minute venue option after The Great Club’s (hopefully temporary) shutdown. It’s wonderful that Darling Nikki’s stepped up, but I couldn’t help but think of what might have been. While I hadn’t yet been to the Great Club, a friend praised its relaxed vibe, with plenty of seating to chill. That was the kind of atmosphere that an artist like Donovan really needed. Darling Nikki’s small standing-room venue would be ideal for an up-and-coming rock act, but it didn’t feel right for gentle folk music.
You could have been forgiven for thinking Hayley Warner was the main event, rather than the support act. She got a rapturous response when she took to the stage, although she was quick to tell us that many of those cheering loudest were her family members and friends. Personally I was pretty excited to see how this artist, who I remember fondly from Australian Idol in 2009, had blossomed. She was an angsty teenager then, delivering some of the best rock music the competition’s ever seen. The years have mellowed her music, and helped her become one of the best songwriters I’ve heard in some time. I loved her originals, some of which you might have heard. A little Katy Perry hit called “Never Really Over” by any chance? Hayley’s been living in Los Angeles for the last 12, writing tracks for other artists like Ms. Perry, and being “miserable,” as she joked, perhaps not entirely tongue-in-cheek. Clearly she relished the opportunity to be here at home, playing for loved ones, making jokes that might not have been as well received Stateside, covering songs that the Americans simply don’t know. She encouraged us to sing along to John Farnham’s “Burn For You” and Tina Arena’s “Sorrento Moon,” soaking up that Aussie enthusiasm. When she announced her final song I had to check my watch. Surely she wasn’t done yet! We were having so much fun.
The fun ramped up when Donovan Woods took the stage. That might seem a strange word to use for an artist who makes fairly mellow folk music, but this was one of the most fun gigs I’ve attended in some time. I knew the music would be amazing. Donovan’s recordings are pretty stripped back, so I knew just hearing him sing his songs with an acoustic guitar was my idea of a good time. What I didn’t prepare myself for was just how funny it is.
After wrapping up the first song “It’ll Work Itself Out,” he told us that would be the show. Just some gentle guitar music, some whispery singing, maybe he’d grab the other guitar but that was as dynamic as things would get. So if we wanted to get out now, he’d understand. Of course, no one headed for the door. I hung onto his every word as he played his music. But I enjoyed his hilarious repartee between tracks every bit as much. If this music thing didn’t work out, he could have easily had a career on the stand-up circuit. At one point he asked us whether he was talking too much, but my favourite gigs are always those ones where the artist shares themselves, not just the music. I found myself gaining an even deeper appreciation of songs like “Man Made Lake” and “Leave When Go” after hearing the stories behind them.
I grasped my husband’s hands just a little bit tighter as Donovan played favourite songs like “Seeing Other People,” “Last Time I Saw You”, and recent single “Back for the Funeral.” I know I’m fairly new to Donovan’s music, but I thought it was an incredible set that really celebrated his discography, including the soon-to-be-released album Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now, (not Get Loose as it might have been! If you know, you know). Given that Donovan was touring solo, I expected we’d miss his gorgeous duets, so I was thrilled when he called for a volunteer to sing “I Ain’t Ever Loved No One” with him. I was even more chuffed to discover that volunteer, Talia (so sorry if I’ve spelled your name wrong!) was incredible. The best one yet, according to Donovan. What a special moment in an evening that was already so special.
Normally once an artist has several albums under their belt, you’ve missed the opportunity to see them play an intimate show. But Donovan hasn’t quite broken through here, so I got to be in a crowd of no more than 80 dedicated fans who soaked up every moment. Up close and personal with one of the best songwriters on the planet. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Friday night.
Image source: own photos