If there was ever a sign that Australia’s moving into a new phase of pandemic life, it’s the steady stream of international performers arriving on our shores. I finally broke my international gig drought on Saturday night when I caught Dermot Kennedy at the Hordern Pavilion.
I was thrilled to see Miiesha named as the support on this tour. Her album Nyaaringu was one of my favourites of 2020, so I was pretty excited to finally see her live. That album, released as the Black Lives Matter movement gained traction made such insightful comments about culture, race, and division. What a shame the sound mix didn’t do her justice. While her band was fire, the mix which put their instruments over Miiesha’s vocals was disappointing. Miiesha’s words deserve to be heard. She gave such energy and swagger, but it couldn’t quite make up for the mess coming out of the speakers. I’m going to have to catch her again some other time.
Thankfully those sound issues were sorted by the time Dermot took the stage. I’m not sure my heart could have taken having this moment tainted by sound issues. According to my Spotify stats, Dermot was my most-streamed artist of 2021. There’s something special about musical pandemic discoveries. At a time when so much of the world seemed dark and grey, finding the right music can bring colour. Seeing that person who lifted you up delivering the songs that you felt right down to your bones is special. He started with “Lost,” a song that reminds me so much of my husband and the dark time he went through stressed about a job that he eventually lost. I sang along with every fibre of my being, feeling such jubilation and joy. I’m sure we’ve all had those experiences, where someone comes on stage and you just feel such overwhelming happiness. What a rush.
The beautiful thing is that it happened so many times. Those moments with those songs that were just so perfectly exquisite. Me connecting with the songs, as so many people in the sold-out room did. Dermot connecting with the people in the room and his own songs. The emotion in his voice attested to that. What a thing to witness.
While Dermot was perfect and I’m sure a great proportion of the crowd was too, unfortunately, my experience was marred by some punters. I’ve always been a really attentive concertgoer. You’re there to listen. Sing along, absolutely, but it’s not the place to have a conversation. Especially not in the quiet moments. I cringed as I tried to listen to Dermot’s words between songs, hoping he couldn’t hear the chatter as he explained their inspiration. I tried desperately to drown the murmur of voices out as he so beautifully sang “For Island Fires and Family” acapella. Maybe it makes me a stick in the mud, but there are plenty of other places to chat with your mates, double-fist booze, and take selfies. We’ve been without international artists for so long. How about we just soak up the moments we have with them?
That annoyance aside, Dermot was everything I hoped he would be. His voice was spinetingling. I found myself wiping away tears more than once. He’s such a special performer. I only hope that next time he tours he plays venues where the whole crowd gives him the attention he deserves.
Image source: own photos
I always believe we find music at the right time in our lives.