Fall Concert Series 2.0: Tash Sultana

I am no longer physically in Australia, but I would like to say my trip was extended until October 5^th, when I saw Melbourne native Tash Sultana perform at The Brooklyn Steel.

After falling in love with her music and seeing her at Groovin’ the Moo music festival in Australia last semester, my roommate Sierra and I searched to see if Sultana had any American dates. Before we knew it, we had tickets in our inboxes and a few months of torturous waiting ahead.

The wait was well worth it. I remember the calming vibe that she radiated into the crowd at GTM that allowed me to get lost in her folk-reggae music, despite the enormous mosh pit of rowdy people in which I was standing. Not to my surprise, she did it again, but this time it was even more beautiful. For one hour, Sierra, the hundreds of people that filled the space and I swayed our heads to her peaceful vibes.

Sultana opened up her solo show by laying out the house rules: Don’t ruin the fun and accept everyone. She called the the old steel manufacturing plant-turned concert space a “house of love” and wanted everyone to feel comfortable and safe. She then transported the whole crowd to a place of serenity and positive feelings as she effortlessly created music right before us.

Sultana is a looping artist, so she creates all the sounds right then and there and plays them over each other, resulting in beautifully layered melodies. She is definitely someone who can pick up any instrument she sees. Although I could easily listen to just her guitar, trumpet, pan flute and synthesizer playing all day, her raspy but strong voice adds a whole new dynamic to her tunes. She is almost hypnotic to watch as she passionately bounces to her dreamy songs.

Before she wrapped up her show, Sultana gave a motivational speech about purpose, during which she said, “You will never find your calling because your calling will find you.” This is the perfect reminder to anyone struggling with their identity and goals. Being the vehement, wild artist she is, she played until the exact last second her manager would allow.

I also have to give Sultana credit for bringing such a thrilling opening act along. When I arrived at the venue, I was not excited to hear the opening act because I was there, of course, for Sultana. However, The Pierce Brothers, also from Melbourne, absolutely blew me away. The twins were unbelievably animated on stage and really brought the energy with their indie rock/pop music. Between their energizing attitudes and playing of multiple instruments, including the didgeridoo, the brothers encompassed what a talented opening act should be.

Sultana exemplifies sincere talent and passion. Being in the same space as her one more time was unbelievable and I left wondering when the next time I will see her is. I suppose you can take me out Australia, but you cannot take Australia out of me.