Nimbin Roots Festival: Caitlin Harnett

Sydney singer-songwriter Caitlin Harnett has won many fans with her two exceptional EPs and her album, The River Runs North. She is one of the artists appearing at Nimbin Roots Festival and I asked her a few questions about it.

What appeals to you about playing at Nimbin Roots?

I haven't been to Nimbin for years so I am looking forward to playing there again and to a whole new bunch of people. Plus its going to be a wonderful festival! A number of people I love and respect will be playing which is very special.

Who are you looking forward to seeing play at the festival?

My buddy Sam Newton! A musical gem, he is.

How do you like playing at festivals compared with other gigs?

Festivals have such a great energy and vibe. Everyone is there just for the music. Everyone is happy and relaxed. There is never a dull moment!

What's your favourite festival thus far?

Americana Fest in Nashville has definitely been my favourite so far.

Have you made artistic/creative connections at festivals?

I've definitely met a lot of people and forged some beautiful friendships.

What's next for you, writing/recording/travelling wise?

I am currently writing so that I can record my second album. I really hope to be able to return to Canada and do that at the end of this year.

Nimbin Roots Festival takes place on 17 to 18 September 2016.

www.nrfest.com

caitlinharnett.com

CD review: All in the Golden Afternoon by Caitlin Harnett

I absolutely loved Caitlin Harnett's debut EP, Tiny Spark, but somehow missed the release of her second, All in the Golden Afternoon. Happily I'm now in possession of a copy and there's more love.

Caitlin's voice is wonderful, and on Golden Afternoon it displays its ability to be both vulnerable and strident, particularly on 'Into the Wild'; the strident quality - well, it's more probably more a developing confidence - was lurking on Tiny Spark but is more to the fore now, which is appropriate given that she was about 17 (from memory) when Tiny Spark was released.

Caitlin's 'lost love' songs are wistful, and never bitter. They betray their author as a dreamer, and one who doesn't let disappointment get her down for long. She can be sad but doesn't let it develop into misery. I haven't successfully put either of her CDs on in the background - I always want to listen to what Caitlin's singing (her lovely enunciation makes this very easy).

Golden Afternoon is a progression from Tiny Spark, as it should be - musically these songs are more fleshed out, no doubt because there's more of a band behind them. Tiny Spark was more delicate, and charming with it. Golden Afternoon sounds like it should be half of an album: it's a mature song cycle with some muscle behind it, and the siren's voice still calling us closer.


www.caitlinharnett.com

Caitlin's EPs are independently released - you can buy them via her website or on iTunes.

Caitlin Harnett at the Orphanage

The Orphanage Sessions kicked off on Saturday 23 February with a simply stunning set by Caitlin Harnett. Caitlin is 17 years old and hails from Richmond, on the northern outskirts of Sydney. It is worth mentioning her age only because it's almost impossible to believe that she hasn't been alive longer than that - her songwriting and live skills would put many older singer-songwriters to shame.

Caitlin's set was a mixture of original songs - several of which can be heard on her website and MySpace page - and nicely chosen covers; there was a gorgeous version of Patty Griffin's 'Oh Heavenly Day'. She's a quietly confident performer - not showy, but already relaxed enough to get the audience laughing when she chats in between songs. She's a star in the making, of the Kasey Chambers order.

The venue - upstairs at the Mars Hill Cafe in Parramatta - was an excellent setting for the songs: cosy, with tables and chairs and couches, coffee and food at hand and no real time pressures. Caitlin's set came first and then The Orphans got up. Although I couldn't stay for much of their set, I saw enough to know I'll definitely hang around for the rest of it next time.