LIVE REVIEW: TULLIAH + STELLA FARNAN + HOLLY HEBE @ THE WORKERS CLUB
Photos credit: Lauren Barrey
Tulliah is one of those rare gems that you listen to once, and then have to relisten to a few more times because you’re just in such disbelief of her talent and how on earth had you not heard her name before. That was my exact reaction to when I hit play on her single ‘Just My Type (A Little Bit Lonely).’
The Mornington Peninsula singer/songwriter held a sold-out ep launch show at the Workers Club in Brunswick for her first EP release, ‘Fre$h Hugs’ on May 14.
Opening the night was another Mornington Peninsula singer/songwriter + pianist Holly Hebe, another name which will also make you do a double take when listening to her sing. Hebe performed a stripped back set of her current released songs, plus a few new ones which hadn’t been heard before. Her talent is unlike anyone I’ve ever seen before, the way she played the keyboard was as if it’s second nature to her. It’s really incredible to watch. She opened with her first single release ‘Sink,’ which was accompanied by her angelic voice. It was almost hard to believe that it was just her on the stage at times, with the sheer amount of talent that there was. Hebe performed her go to cover, which is none other than Chet Faker’s ‘Talk is Cheap’ which was mashed up with Lorde’s ‘Royals’ in the bridge. The cover has more of a jazz feel to it than the original, making it her own. There was a moment in her set where she debuted a new song, which Hebe explained was about “grabbing your loved ones and taking in the sounds.” The crowd literally took a seat at the front of the stage and just embraced the moment. Closing her set with her latest release ‘Nothing Hurts, I Promise’ it was a perfect way to fully showcase her talent.
Stella Farnan is another Melbourne based singer/songwriter who was accompanied by her band consisting of two electric guitars and a drummer. Farnan’s set starts off slow but builds in tempo and pace with each song. Farnan’s instrument of choice is the electric guitar, which again I am blown away with her talent. She’s got a very different vibe to Hebe, but nonetheless she still provides strong vocals accompanied by passion. She explains the meanings of songs/her writing process behind some them which gives a bit more depth to the proceeding song. There was a moment where it was just Farnan and her special guest, Stella Bridie on stage where they performed a cover of “Everything is free now.” Both performers have vastly different vocal ranges, and it blended perfectly with the acoustics of the guitar. It was a hauntingly beautiful moment that showcased the sheer talent of both artists. Farnan’s band then rejoined her on stage, closing her set with high energy that was matched by the crowd in the band room.
Tulliah takes the stage and goes straight into the set with ‘Just My Type (A Little Bit Lonely).’ The song starts with a dreamy harmony that is backed up by the crowd and her pianist. Her voice is accompanied by a lot of emotion, you can see it in her face when she sings and when she takes the time to explain the backstory behind songs. Tulliah’s vocals and song writing ability is something to be in awe of, it’s hard to believe that this is her first ep she’s released. Her vocals are haunting and harmonious, and really creates a statement in itself. She mentions that last time she played a lot of these songs they were unreleased, so it’s crazy to her to hear the words of these songs being sung back to her by the crowd.
Something that strikes me is her sense of lyricism in the way her mind pieces together experiences that either herself or others have had. The song that particularly stands out is ‘Take It Off Now Boy,’ which is Tulliah is accompanied by a cello that is introduced half way through the song. The song was co-written with her pianist about a heartbreak that a friend experienced, the song was born out of the anger and devastation that they felt. ‘Take It Off Now Boy’ ended with just Tulliah’s vocals, no backup, nothing, it was one of those goosebump inducing moments where you can’t help but just be impressed. ‘Okay’ she explains is a very, very personal song to her. Last time she performed it she couldn’t stop crying. Tulliah explains that it’s about letting your friend know that you’re there for them, and how hard it is to see someone go through something so hard and not knowing how you can help them. It was a really special moment, particularly when the audience, strangers and friends alike, embraced each other and swayed for the duration of the song. Something that a year ago seemed so far away, so it felt like a dream to experience.
Tulliah played quite a few unreleased songs, one of them she mentions she sang at a family members funeral. Her vocal range that is demonstrated in this song blows me away; it’s deep but also light and feminine. I am just in awe of her sheer talent. She then goes on to cover a classic, ‘If I Ain’t Got You’ by Alicia Keys.
This is the biggest show she’s ever had, and you can see the appreciation in her face and the way she speaks. You can tell that herself and her band were just having the best time and were loving every moment. The final few songs of her set included two songs she’s never played live before and ‘Distant Dreams.’ A beautifully written song that again, show’s off her impressive lyricism. The way Tulliah writes creates a different perspective to the norm, something you wouldn’t often think about. It’s raw and romantic, yet deeply emotional.
Tulliah closed the night with her first ever release, ‘Company,’ a song that has more of an upbeat sound to it and wasn’t included on the ep. But regardless was chanted for as an encore at the closure of the night. I’ve said this, but I really am in such awe of Tulliah. Her talent is unmatched and she’s already way ahead of the game, definitely someone to watch.
CHECK OUT THE FULLY GALLERY OF THE NIGHT HERE