Erykah Badu Bluesfest 2014 sideshows have been announced, with the Queen of Neo Soul headed to Byron Bay for the festival’s 25th Silver Anniversary Edition, now there’s exclusive headline sideshows to enjoy, with very special guests.
While Erykah Badu was among the first round of artists revealed for the Bluesfest 2014 lineup, there was no word of sideshows from the famed neo-RnB songstress, but following on from Bluesfest Touring announcing their own batch of sideshows, Live Nation and Niche now reveal that Erykah Badu will grace her dedicated legion of Australian fans with headline shows in Sydney and Melbourne.
Since the beginning of her reign – singer, songwriter, producer, director and actor – Badu’s unique approach to soul has redefined the genre, described as a mix of traditional soul vocals, staccato hip-hop rhythms and a laid-back jazzy groove.
Tickets for both shows go on sale at midday this Monday, November 11. Niche and My Live Nation members can secure tickets first during the exclusive pre-sale beginning midday this Friday, November 8. Become a member at www.nicheproductions.com.au and/or www.livenation.com.au
Since the beginning of her reign – singer, songwriter, producer, director and actor – Badu’s unique approach to soul has redefined the genre, described as a mix of traditional soul vocals, staccato hip-hop rhythms and a laid-back jazzy groove.
Badu’s impressive discography has dominated the charts throughout her 16-year career and garnered multiple Grammy Awards. Her 1997 debut album Baduizm debuted at #2 on the Billboard charts, earning multi-platinum sales and two Grammys: Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Album.
Her sharp-wit and social-conscious songwriting style responsible for producing the hit songs ‘On & On’, ‘Tyrone’ and ‘Window Seat’ is only surpassed by her electrifying stage presence and soulful vocal ability.
Born Erica Wright in Dallas, Texas, Badu christened herself after her favourite jazz-scat sound, “ba-du”. Her vocal ability is unsurpassed and has often been likened to jazz legend Billie Holliday. Her iconic status as a leader of the neo-soul revolution has been confirmed by the respect she has received from the new generation of RnB revolutionaries.
Badu’s latest album, New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh, debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart and earning widespread critical acclaim. Badu’s 2012 Australian tour saw her play to sold-out crowds and received rave reviews.
Opening both shows will be the Australian-bred, internationally renowned future soul outfit, Hiatus Kaiyote, who will strike the perfect note merging poetry and polyrhythms.
On the band’s debut album Tawk Tomahawk it is as if the vast desert landscape has opened up, borrowing ingredients from farreaching lands to concoct a distinctive flavour that is the essence of all its parts. Each song whispers of delicious, ancient stories untold.
The perfect accompaniment for the universally recognised Queen of Soul on her forthcoming Australian headline shows.
Erykah Badu Bluefest 2014 Sideshows
with special guests Hiatus Kaiyote
Tuesday April 15 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne VIC
Thursday April 17 – The Star, Sydney NSW
Tickets on sale at midday Monday November 11.
My Live Nation members’ pre-sale begins midday this Friday, November 8.
For further details please refer to the attached media release or head to www.livenation.com.au
