Here at The Urban List we’re unbelievably proud of our local talent, so when we found out Aria-award-winning and all-round boss babe Amy Shark was performing a live and FREE concert here on the GC we were buzzing! That’s right, our fave songbird—who we just adore…get it?—is treating her hometown to a special gig at Robina Town Centre this Thursday 19 July. FYI, her latest single ‘I Said Hi’ has reached platinum sales, 15 million streams globally and 1.5 million video views—YAS GIRL!
We were lucky enough to sit down for a quick chin wag with Australia’s hottest musical export to find out more about her new album, Love Monster (out now), and of course her fave haunts on the Coast.
How would you sum up the new album?
It’s a pretty good collection of stories that I’ve been gathering over a lifetime. Some I’ve had for six years and some were just purely inspired by writing (first album) Night Thinker and finally understanding who I was as an artist and the stories I wanted to tell. It felt really good getting everything out and knowing people would listen. There is a song for every feeling and emotion on this album, it’s all girl drama which guys like as well (laughs).
What’s one song you’re most excited for people to hear?
I really love the song ‘Leave Us Alone’. I’d had this song for quite a while and it’s about a really special time for me. I’m also proud because I was able to tell it in very few words which is always key for me. For so long I used to write such wordy songs and the second you can edit and use the right words at the right time and it’s a really special time as an artist.
What's been your biggest pinch me moment so far?
There are so many but when I hear someone introduce me as “Amy Shark, two-time Aria Award winner”, I’m like, is that actually me, is that my title now? I shut down the idea of ever winning one of those awards many years ago. Even when I won it, I just couldn’t believe it, I was in a state of shock. Winning an award for your country is one of the best things you can do.
How does it feel to be performing on the Coast at Robina Town Centre?
It’s such a great feeling. When I’m home it’s weird because to me I’m just at home and I forget there are people here that really love the music and recognise me. I’m just still not in that mode (laughs). It’s really sweet but takes a bit of getting used to. Everyone is super supportive and it’s so nice to see my friends and family.
What's your fave thing about touring?
I love travelling and I’m lucky to have such a great team to do it with. I’ve got my band with me, my tour manager and man even comes along so it’s one big party.
What three items do you always have on your tour rider?
My backpack, muesli bars and these slouchy, baggy pants that all the guys hate because they’re so ugly but they’re really comfy.
What's your fave thing about coming home to the Coast after being away?
The beach! When I get home I’m usually jetlagged and up at 5am so I head to the beach and just sit there and chill. Everything stops when I’m back on the GC. I get a chance to catch up with my mind.
What's your fave restaurant on the Coast?
I’m a massive fan of Hideaway, the owner Scott Imlach used to book me in for gigs at his old restaurant Nobby’s Arc back in the day. I’d be like “I’m broke Scottie can you book me a gig?”and he’d do it all the time. And now he has Bine so I’m always there too.
What’s your go-to coffee spot on the Coast?
I really like Coffee Sisters—I go there every morning when I’m home. I’m also a fan of Bam Bam in Mermaid, it’s a naughty place with those pastries.
Fave spot for go for a tipple when you’re back?
I love Nobbys and frequent Cambus Wallace far too often. I’m also a bit of a surf club rat, they have the prime locations—I love the Crabpot in Burleigh Heads.
What's your ideal Sunday spent on the Coast?
The perfect Sunday would be spent hanging around Burleigh, probably relaxing at Burleigh Hill and then I’d venture into Nobbys for some lunch at BSKT.
The Details
What: Amy Shark Live Performance
When: Thursday 19 July, from 5pm with signings afterwards
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre
Cost: Free baby!
For more information, click here
Image credit: Sony