Tag: Thndo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Lessons in Love” – Thndo

It’s no coincidence that Thndo’s released her new album Lessons in Love this Valentine’s Day. While the day might be a Hallmark holiday, it’s also the perfect time to discover this diverse collection of “love songs.”

I put the term in quotes because most songs aren’t love songs in the traditional sense. While they all touch on relationships, they’re not formulaic or overly saccharine. Thndo bares her heart here, exploring the emotions that come when you open yourself up to someone. There’s excitement over infatuation, but also trepidation over being vulnerable. Love comes in all forms, so it’s only fitting that Thndo touches on motherhood with songs like “Another Day” and the incredible closer, “Purpose.” The struggles in relationships are celebrated as part of the story rather than sugar-coated. While Thndo’s not afraid to show the scars, this is ultimately an uplifting collection of songs that offers hope that love can conquer all.

These are songs of real substance, so I wanted to celebrate that first before I mention Thndo’s voice. It’s important to stress that her talent goes much deeper than her vocal chops. But of course, I also have to mention Thndo’s voice. It’s simply one of the best in the country. It can truly do anything, from the upbeat grooves of “Along the Way” and “Bedroom Eyes” to the cinematic ballad “Holding On.” But I love it best in pared back numbers like “Another Day” and “Given Time.” When you strip the music back, there’s nowhere to hide. If there were any imperfections, we’d hear them. There are none. Thndo’s rich, soulful voice is simply incredible.

I liked Lessons in Love from the first spin, but after a few listens I feel deeply in love with it. Press play and let it find its way into your heart this Valentine’s Day. You can see Thndo performing selected songs from Lessons in Love at the following venues:

14 February 2025 – A Valentine’s Affair @ Jazz Lab, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick
22 February 2025 – Under the Stars @ Packer Park, Bunurong and Wurundjeri Country/Carnegie (FREE)
16 April 2025 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting BJ the Chicago Kid)
27 June 2025 – Karralyka Theatre, Wurundjeri Country/Ringwood

Main photo credit: She is Aphrodite

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

thndo Drops Captivating New Single, “Fall”

Many of us met Thndo when she appeared on The Voice earlier this year. However, I didn’t feel like I really got to know her musically until the release of her Life in Colour EP a few months back. She’s continuing to reintroduce herself to audiences with the release of her new single “Fall”. It’s an utterly captivating piece of neo-soul that perfectly showcases the creativity and vocal chops of this exceptional artist.

“I’m really excited for people to hear my latest offering,” she enthused. “I completely wore my heart on my sleeve with this track, and said all the things I felt I couldn’t when I was still in my last relationship.”

I let you know about thndo’s The Reintroduction tour months ago, but if it slipped your mind you can still get tickets to the remaining dates.

27 October 2022 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
28 October 2022 – The Street Theatre, Ngambri/Canberra
29 October 2022 – Wangaratta Jazz Festival, Wangaratta
17 November 2022 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
18 November 2022 – Imperial Hotel Eumundi, Kabi Kabi Country/Eumundi
19 November 2022 – Wynnum Fringe Festival, Wynnum

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit Leila Maulen

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thndo Reintroduces Herself to the Nation With New EP & Tour

After capturing the country’s attention in this year’s season of The Voice, Thndo is ready to reintroduce yourself. As Thando, she wowed the country with her soulful vocals and radiant spirits. But there’s only so much of yourself that you can show when you’re singing other people’s songs. Now with a new moniker, Thndo is ready to let you all know what she’s all about.

If you want to get to know Thndo, I suggest listening to her recently released EP, Life in Colour. It’s a thoughtful, genre-bending collection of songs that share Thndo’s experiences growing up black in Australia. She doesn’t shy away from highlighting her struggles with displacement and discrimination through tracks like “Gag Order” and “Good Ones”. But there’s a joy too as she celebrates her identity in songs like “Rewrite It” and “Numb”. She effortlessly combines the soul we love with elements of hip hop and afrobeat. It’s really great stuff.

Thndo is bringing her music to the East Coast on The Reintroduction Tour. See her at the following venues:

6 October 2022 – Chapel off Chapel, Naarm/Melbourne
27 October 2022 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
28 October 2022 – The Street Theatre, Ngambri/Canberra
29 October 2022 – Wangaratta Jazz Festival, Wangaratta
17 November 2022 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
18 November 2022 – Imperial Hotel Eumundi, Eumundi
19 November 2022 – Wynnum Fringe Festival, Wynnum

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit: Leila Maulen