Leah Flanagan

With a suite of new creations, local soul singer Leah Flanagan returns home this August to play stages big and small.

You released your beautiful album Saudades last year – can you tell us a little about the album?

The title reflects the conceptual tone of the record. It’s a beautiful Portuguese word that roughly translates to a ‘longing for something’. The album took about two years to make and some of the songs are five years old, so it felt great to have them finally out in the world. Plus it had been six years between albums so it was about time I released some new material.

You’ve been living in Sydney for the last few years, what are you looking forward to most about heading home to Darwin in August?

I come home every year to visit the family. As much as I miss the lifestyle in Darwin I have to say my family and friends come first. I miss not being close to them.

You’ll be performing at the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMA) this year, as part of an incredible line-up that includes Dan Sultan, Paul Kelly and Aussie hip-hop duo A.B. Original. What’s it mean to you to perform at these awards?

I’ve never performed at the NIMAs before so am looking forward to the experience. The boys get a lot of hype and I’m sure they’ll be brilliant, but I’m most looking forward to seeing my little sister in song Emily Wurrumara perform – she’s just stunning.

There’s a new member of the Leah Flanagan fan club who’s been enjoying some intimate one-on-one shows lately – a new little baby boy!

I wouldn’t necessarily say my son is a fan as yet, he’s too young and all his music experiences have been inflicted on him at this stage. I hope he likes music, poor kid’s got no choice really.

What have you got planned music-wise over the next 12 months? Or will music take a back seat for a while?

I’m working on a few projects for 2018 and releasing another album later in the year, so as much as I am taking time off to be a mum I am still quite busy. The album is made up of the tracks I recorded with Jim Moginie in his studio so I’ve named it the Oceanic Sessions – stay tuned.

Leah Flanagan will be performing intimate parlour gigs around Darwin throughout August. If you are interested in hosting Leah in your home for one of these performances, find out more at community.parlourgigs.com/leahflanagan

National Indigenous Music Awards | Sat 12 Aug | 7pm | Darwin Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre