If you’re in touch with Melbourne’s R&B/soul scene, Thando is not going to be a new name to your radar. Commanding crowds with a voice that has a remarkable charm and rich quality to it, the singer has been doing her thing on the local scene for years now, cultivating a great following along the way.
In 2018, it’s seeming like Thando is definitely setting her sights on grander horizons, starting with the release of a cracking new single in “Numb”, featuring fellow Melburnian, and one of Australian hip hop’s favourites, Remi.
Tackling themes of cultural isolation and belonging, as well as her experiences growing up in Australia as young African person, “Numb” is a heavy hitter, though each punch lands smooth, as the music dedicates itself to some dulcet production and slick R&B work.
“Lyrically, I took the approach of having to be wasted to get along with people I have nothing in common with (and we’ve all been there).” Thando explains. “On a personal level however, I’m addressing being an ‘African Youth’ who has grown up in Australia. Topics concerning ‘belonging’ and ‘race’ have been focused on by mainstream media, (especially as of late) and this had me reflecting on my place in this country and where I truly belong. The title references the struggle of realising how displaced I feel when I’m being my truest self, instead of a watered down version that’s easier to get along with… and in turn, numbing myself to how hard it actually is to do that.”
Take a listen to “Numb” below and catch Thando out on tour from February through April!
THANDO TOUR DATES
February 22nd | The Milk Factory, BRISBANE
February 23rd | NightQuarter, GOLD COAST
February 28th | FOUR5NINE, PERTH
March 2nd | The Odd Fellow, FREMANTLE
March 3rd & 4th | Nannup Music Festival, NANNUP
March 7th | Beach Road Bondi, SYDNEY
March 8th | Leadbelly, NEWTOWN
March 10th | Smith’s Alternative, CANBERRA
April 1st | Boogie Festival, TALLAROOK
April 5th | Beach Hotel, BYRON BAY
April 7th | Imperial Hotel (Bunker), EUMUNDI
Photo by Wilson Liew.
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