Q & A: Tash Sultana

A seasoned road veteran and overall pioneer of groove-laden and infectious folk-rock, Tash Sultana will soon be returning to Australia for a final run of dates before bunkering down in the studio. That studio session, as Tash explains, will be for her upcoming debut release which has both the media and the punters in a frenzy to hear. We spoke to Tash about her favourite track and the difference between headline shows and festival slots.

We love your ‘Notion’ EP, your single Murder to the Mind, and of course Jungle; of all the tracks you’ve released so far, do you have a favourite?

Because I’m always writing, my favourite is always changing.

What’s been the biggest inspiration behind your writing and performance style?

I don’t just get up and play a song—I’m centered playing, like a current that runs through my body when I play sometime and I shake. I look at Bob Marley and I see how he moves and I’m like, “I really get how you feel man.”

You featured on so many festival bills over the past few years. Do you prefer playing festivals or headline shows?

When I play it’s exactly the same whether I’m playing to a handful of people in a small room or playing to 20,000 people at a festival. Playing my own shows though are cruisier because I can have a jam during soundcheck and you’ve got more time to get everything right.

You’re kicking off a string of tour dates around the US at the end of this month, what are you most looking forward to about that?

I’ve got my good mates, the Pierce Brothers, supporting me on this tour so being able to tour the US with them will be a lot of fun.

You’re only 22 and you’ve had so many amazing achievements – ARIA and iTunes charts, J awards, sold-out shows around the world – what’s next on your to-do list?

To record and release an album.

What’s been the proudest moment of your career so far?

Having my lyrics sent sung back to me. That’s your message to the world getting sung back at you, it’s like ultimate respect.

Scope the full list of touring dates for Tash Sultana below including her recently announced festival slot at This That.

Tash Sultana Live Dates

SAT 4 NOV
This That, Wickham Park
SAT 18 NOV
Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
FRI 1 DEC
Hordern Pavillion, Sydney
THURS 7 DEC
Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
THURS 14 DEC
Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
SAT 16 DEC
Noosa AFL Grounds, Noosaville