After growing up on a Victorian lavender farm, Anna Smyrk has spread her wings in recent years, making her home in far-flung parts of the world including Cambodia, the Philippines, and the Solomon Islands. Her time in the Solomons inspired her latest song “Benjamin,” a folky fish-out-of-water tale about finding your peace far from home.
Anna recorded the track in a Central Victorian farmhouse with a host of old friends on mandolin, double bass, banjo, dobro, and her sister on backing vocals.
“It was definitely a family affair,” says Anna. “I just had a couple of weeks back home, so I pulled together friends that I’ve played with for years. It made the recording process really comfortable.”
“Benjamin” is the first track lifted from Anna’s sophomore EP, which tells more tales of her time spent abroad. It’s due for release in October, but you can hear a sneak peek at the shows she’s playing along the East Coast. Catch her at the following venues in the coming weeks.
24 April 2019 – Red Bar, Sydney
25-28 April 2019 – St Albans Folk Festival, St Albans
1 May 2019 – Scullion Sessions, The Stag & Hunter Hotel, Newcastle
5 May 2019 – The Folk Studio, Armidale
7 May 2019 – Cambus Wallace, Gold Coast
8 May 2019 – Can You Keep a Secret?, Brisbane
9 May 2019 – City Sounds, Brisbane
10 May 2019 – Dusty Attic, Lismore
14 June 2019 – Merri Creek Tavern, Melbourne
Image used with permission from Anna Smyrk