A nu challenge for Christine

A nu challenge for Christine

Since bursting on to the scene in 1995 with the infectious dance-pop track Party, Christine Anu’s been a pop singer, a theatre performer, a comedic actress and even a reality show weight loss contestant (we won’t hold that last one against her).

But the 42-year-old Indigenous icon’s latest role may just be her most challenging to date: tackling the classics of Aretha Franklin for a new record and tour, both titled Rewind.

“The idea’s been three years in the making. I’ve been adding covers into my live sets in the past 10 years until someone said ‘All these songs are by Aretha — you should do an Aretha Franklin album’,” Anu told the Star Observer.

Just the thought of it made me nervous. It’s been on hold while I built a little bit of confidence to fill such amazingly huge shoes.”

While her vocal chops have been on show throughout her music career, Anu said audiences could expect to hear a very different voice on stage during the Rewind tour.

“I really wanted to take a departure from the gentle vocal qualities that people would know of me from My Island Home and that [pop] era of my life. This is really about showcasing a different side to my vocals.”

Is ‘different’ code for ‘louder’? After all, who amongst us hasn’t wailed along to classics like Think, Chain of Fools and Respect while doing the dishes or having a shower, valiantly ignoring pleas from friends, family or neighbours to keep it down?

“[Singing] ‘What you want? Baby I got it!’ Yeah, you’re absolutely right. I think these songs give me permission to directly dial my inner Aretha up and really sing,” Anu mused.

“Having a big ‘belt’ like that feels really good — almost like you’ve brushed away the cobwebs. It’s such a fulfilling feeling to really belt out a song like she does. That’s what the album’s been to me — soul therapy.”

Anu will sell CDs of the studio recording of Rewind after every gig, with the recording staying very close to the spirit of the live show. It’s a full soul revue set-up, complete with live band and even two young female back-up singers.

And just like an old soul revue, Anu and co will traverse the country for months on end, playing capital cities and regional towns everywhere from Wangaratta to Wollongong.

“The travelling can be trying, because everything’s about packing up and moving to the next town, on and on for months.

“But what’s worth it is what the audience gives to you in the room with their enjoyment. That interaction is the buzz that all singers survive on.”

INFO: Christine Anu, Rewind tour, from May 31. www.christineanu.com.au

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