Today we have the pleasure of premiering the band new EP from Melbourne folk talent Anna Smyrk. Hailing from central Victoria, Smyrk’s delicately crafted contemporary folk tunes have made her a local name to watch.
Drawing inspiration from Gillian Welch’s story-telling songwriting, Laura Marling’s pure and elastic vocals and Sia’s unflinchingly exposed lyrics, Smyrk’s new EP (A follow on from her 2012 effort Belly of Winter) Song of the Silver-tongued Magpie is a stunning effort from the thoughtful songwriter.
Recorded back in February 2015, this EP was put on ice after Anna was offered a job in Cambodia, working for a non-profit organization that uses music and the arts to engage disadvantaged young people. It was too good an opportunity to turn down; Anna packed her bags and left two weeks later.
A truly intimate affair, the recording was made in the old farmhouse in northern Victoria where Anna grew up. Performing on the record are Dan Musil (dobro guitar) and Jimmy Power (banjo), two of Anna’s oldest friends. All three of them have jammed and played together in different formations since childhood.
Now back in town for just two months, she’s determined to get this music out into the world before embarking on her next adventure in the Solomon Islands. To celebrate the release of the EP, Anna will be playing a very special launch show on Thursday May 19th The Toff in Town. For more info on the forthcoming show and EP release pop by Anna’s Facebook page.
