Artists who have found sounds that feel unique and are their own; which resonate honestly; which reflect 'play'. People who are focusing on what is, and what can/will be; who still believe in ideals. People who create and DO and people who translate their love/agitation into service... People who are Happy. Abdu'l-Baha.
Then, in loose order from 'oldest' to 'newest' the following: My Parents (!!), Kate Bush (!), Paul Simon (!), Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Madonna, Ben Harper, Tracy Chapman, Alanis Morisette, Sinaed O'Connor, Jeff Buckley, David Bowie (!), Portishead, Massive Attack, Radiohead (!), Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Joni Mitchell (!), Bjork(!), Tori Amos (!), Ani Di Franco, Sam Lohs, Mel Watson, Suzanne Vega, Queen, Van Morrison, Les Nubiens, Tryo, Bob Marley, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday, Nina Simone (!), Chet Baker, Erykah Badu (!), India Arie, Jill Scott, Anjelique Kidjo (!), Me'Shell, Sarah Maclachlan, Dizzy Gillespie, Zap Mama, Jai Uttal, Damien Rice, The Shins, The Dave Mathews Band, Edith Piaf, Johnny Klegg, Youssou N'dour, Ismael Lo, Virginia Rogriguez, Badi Assad, Las Perlas Del Son, Bobby, Soursob Bob, Serge Gainsborg, Sufjan Stevens (!), Lior, Heather Frahn, Emiliana Torrini ... and on... People are great!
Since releasing her debut album "HELLO ...i like you" late 2007, Delia's music has been heard on Triple J's Roots n All show, has featured on the Nationally distributed Sounds Like Cafe album 19, alongside Paul Kelly and Abby Dobson, and can be likewise found on the fundraising compilation "Where is Darfur?", alongside fellow local talents John Woods Band and Cookie Baker, and has supported National touring artists such as Bobby Flynn at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel.
This independent release has been supported and distributed by the much-garnered Mixmasters Records, whose papa bear Mick Wordley believed so much in Delia's talent and the honest integrity of her songs, he personally saw to the engineering of the album and his dedication to it are likewise reflected in the vastness of his musical credits on the album. The album has a "home" on the Mixmasters website and you can order the album online through this site:
www.mixmasters.com.au
or seek it out in person at the Big Star Records, b sharp Records or Blue Note Records (so, all the good records stores).
Earlier in 2008, in the Adelaide Fringe Festival, Delia had a very successful run of shows at the new Melbourne-esque "dragonfly bar" on Victoria Square, which opened her music up to a wider audience of appreciative listeners. Here's what one reviewer wrote:
"Hers is not music to watch but to feel - subtle sounds which imbue the soul ...
Comparisons are awful but oft-needed; think the vocal richness of Phoebe Snow with, in Olam's originals, Ricki Lee Jones' kicked-back comfort. But, propelled by uninhibited folksy appeal, the unexpected can also happen. Imagine Bjork (whom she covers) or Bowie's Changes and then add a twist; all the sharp edges rounded off and drawn into quirky turns of phrase. Given a spike of urgency, Olam has potential to fly."
- The Advertiser, Adelaide.
At the National Music Industry Festival "fuse" 2008, Delia's music was met with warm appreciation by a panel of Festival bookers (Glastonbury, SxSW) and radio and publishing personalities. Moose, from the U.S. and representing a New York Music Festival, was effusive in his praise - comparing her favourably to Beth Orton and similar - promising to help her crack the College Radio Circuit in America, whom he is convinced will love her music...
Along with Heather Frahn and a few others, Delia's music can be said to be part of a new wave of "Conscious Roots Music" in Australia which speaks with honesty and integrity about things that matter in life - without getting too bogged down in self-reflective melancholia. This is the optimistic spirit of bygone eras that reflects a belief that we still have reason to hope.
...But it's not just for the politically and socially-minded. It's just damn-good music!
G’day super trooper – just letting you know that I am playing on Friday August 7 @ The Wheatsheaf in Thebarton. I’m on at 9pm – entry is free. I will be supporting Joe Murphy and band.
Be great to see ya – if not ... I guess I won’t see ya. You level of rocking is adequate so rock on – Palky
Hey Delia how are u??? havent seen you in a long time, hope your having a good time in Adelaide! please send my love to Dan and Hero!! and i hope to see you around soon!! which will be next year!! lol lve Karmil oxox
Hi Delia, Just thought we would let you know that we've added an extra date, The Old Clarendon Inn Satuday 20th December, to our Adelaide run (The Gov on the 18th & 19th). We're looking forward to working with Billy again (all the way from the UK) & presenting our best show ever... Hope to see you at one of the gigs! The ILZP
Hi. Just want to say how much i'm loving your music at the moment. Be so nice to write a comment and listen to your music at the same time! Hope to see you soon. Love to play.Back to the music. Alain
I am having a gig at The Wheatsheaf Hotel on Sunday the 11th of May at 4:30pm-7:30pm $10DC. Joining me on this fine evening of Music will be Mal Webb and The Laura Hill Band. Would love to see you there :)
HELLO BEAUTIFUL, you are amazing. i thought your album was amazing before. but now. since i have seen you live. i have this new found respect and love for your album. and also a new obsession with it.
thanks for letting me photograph you. i got a few goodies. ill try get them to you some how.
i lvoe you more than the grass loves the suns energy.
Hello Dearest! :) Well, well, well! I was in Urban Cow Studio today, and I walked in and I heard familiar sounding music & what do ya know? IT WAS YOUR ALBUM! :O yes!! AMAZING, I KNOW! how cool! anyhoo, must say, i love it and i think that people are very silly if they haven't heard your music :) hope you are having a splendid week! much love xxxx
So thankful your tunes have been up here... Gets me through the homesick moments! But I can't hear Joni song (is it just me?) and that one's my fav! Lovely living room memories!
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