By Peter Douglas
MELBOURNE songstress Liz Stringer is set to perform a bunch of sweet new tunes at the Sooki Lounge on Thursday 22 September.
Fresh off the release of her fifth studio album, Stringer is keen to reacquaint herself with her strong fan-base in the region, after a heavy touring schedule which has recently included a two-month stint in Canada.
The ‘Mail’ caught up with Stringer before her Belgrave show, and the singer-songwriter said she couldn’t wait to perform for local crowds.
“It’ll be great to catch up with a few people, but I’m most looking forward to performing with our new line-up and new material from the album,” she said.
“We’re sounding great at the moment, and I’m really enjoying playing shows.”
After four years since the release of her award-winning fourth album, ‘Warm in the Darkness’, Stringer said the new album had left her feeling rejuvenated creatively.
The latest instalment, ‘All the Bridges’, was recorded in just eight days in Portland, Oregon.
“We were able to get in some incredible musicians to work on that album,” she said.
“We didn’t have a lot of time to muck around, and I think that actually helped the process.
“I listen back to it now and think, ‘we did pretty good’.
“The songs all sound great and there is cohesiveness throughout the album, which I’m really proud of.”
The new release features prominent Portland mainstays Luke Ydstie (bass) and Ben Nugent (drums) on rhythm section duties.
The result has been described as a vibrant and assured album, playing tribute to the new West Coast sound with the addition of 80s inspired urgency.
Now, local audiences will have the chance to see Stringer’s music and musicianship live.
One constant in her music is not only her silky voice, but her incredible guitar playing.
Interestingly, it is said Stringer started playing the piano before she could talk.
Although, she took up guitar at age 15 and the rest, as they say, is history.
For more details and bookings, visit www.sookilounge.com.au.