Taking a bite of the Big Apple

Sydney’s Martyn Badoui has been invited to perform in New York and on Fire Island.

The gay artist, who wowed audiences with his sold-out Mardi Gras show, is gaining an international reputation for his offbeat harmonies and heartfelt melodies.

It’s a challenge to pigeonhole Badoui into any genre. His creativity and eclectic sounds share similar characteristics to the likes of Kate Miller-Heidke, known for her odd choice of lyrics and unusual sounds.

He flies out to New York at the end of the month, but admits to needing to brush up on his geography before he even thinks of packing his bags.

I don’t know where Fire Island is, Badoui laughed. I know it’s in New York but I don’t know how to get there.

It was Badoui’s online profile that caught the attention of a Fire Island party coordinator, who decided the Sydneysider would be a great guest to perform at the popular gay destination.

My music is available through D List Radio Online. It’s like a gay music Gaydar, Badoui told Sydney Star Observer.

I was basically seen through that because you can put your profile at the bottom.

I will be singing one of my own tracks -” it’s an up-tempo dance track. As well, I will be writing theme songs and singing for their East Village Radio program.

The opportunity has forced Badoui to drop the recording of an EP and refocus on producing a full-length studio album.

The process of recording is not only exciting but it’s also very rewarding because all the work from writing the songs, the time it takes while you’re in the studio from the track-work, layering, instrument arranging and making it perfect -” it’s brought to life in a way, Badoui said.

It’s very dramatic [his music] with a musical theatre sound and an element of improvisation with a gospel influence as well. I like to be individual and not work within an institutionalised way of singing.

Badoui was the mastermind behind the Merrick and Rosso summer series theme song and has worked extensively with SBS radio. He said he understands the pressures some gay musicians face, but added his sexuality had never been an issue in pursuing his dream.

I haven’t found it difficult and I don’t see myself as a gay artist -” I see myself as a musician, he said.

My music speaks to everyone and it crosses the boundaries of age. I don’t make music to be like someone else. I do it to express myself and be myself.

If you want to check out this amazing performer before he jetsets to America, the AB Hotel in Glebe has invited him to perform on Thursday 31 July for a cabaret concert.

I don’t think they have had anyone doing their original music before as a cabaret event and I don’t know anyone else in Sydney who does cabaret as a musical event, he said. This will be an unplugged show and I’ll be talking about my songs and I’ll be doing some covers of many classics as well.

info: Badoui will play the AB Hotel in Glebe on 31 July before heading overseas. Details: www.myspace.com/martynbadoui or phone
9660 1417.