Kasey Chambers
Aussie music legend Kasey Chambers has been laying down tracks that resonate across generations, from country anthems to heartfelt ballads, that hit you right in the feels.
Chambers’ live shows are nothing short of magic, with raw energy, and that authentic Aussie spirit. This month, she’s bringing her Backbone Tour to Darwin. Brooke Gibbs caught up with her for a chat.
Kasey, you’ve had such an incredible career spanning over 25 years. Looking back, what are some of the defining moments or highlights that stand out to you the most?
I’ve had some incredible standout moments at big award ceremonies, singing with some of my heroes and friends like Paul Kelly, Bernard Fanning and Keith Urban, but often the highlights for me that come up are much less-publicised moments, like singing with all the kids in Zambia at Our Rainbow House School, where I visit regularly to write songs and sing with them.
Hearing young girls sing my songs busking down the street in Tamworth. Visiting Aboriginal communities throughout Australia sharing music jams with the locals. Recording a song with Ondara in my home studio, who is a unique singer/songwriter from Kenya and one of my most favourite artists in the world. Having my kids come out on stage and sing with me, and my dad making it three generations on stage singing together. These are some of the greatest memories and life changing moments for me.
You’re bringing your Backbone album to Darwin. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the album?
This album really feels like the soundtrack to my life. Often my albums feel like they capture only a few years of who I am at the time of writing and recording, but I feel like this one spans right from my early childhood through to now.
I honestly think I’ve never made an album that has more of my true self in it like Backbone does, probably since I made my first album The Captain, which I had a similar connection to.
What is it like for you to balance performing old favourites with new material? Do you have a favourite song from Backbone to perform live?
On the Backbone tour, I will obviously play a few songs from the new album, but I’ll mostly go back and play old ones a lot more. I still love playing all my old ones like ‘The Captain’ – still my most favourite – ‘Not Pretty Enough’, ‘Barricades and Brickwalls’. ‘Backbone’, the song, has also fast become one of my favourite, staple songs, but even though I only just wrote it a few years ago, I kinda feel like this song has been a part of me for my whole life.
How has your sound evolved over the years? Are there any new influences you explored on this record?
I have a live version of Eminem’s ‘Lose Yourself’ on the Backbone album. This song, and my version is obviously extremely different to the original, has been such a big part of my live show, and life, over recent years, so I wanted it represented on my new album.
I love pushing my own boundaries musically, and this was something I challenged myself with. I can honestly say I’ve never been more inspired, encompassed, and swept up in someone else’s song as much as I am when I perform ‘Lose Yourself’.
What do you prefer – more intimate settings or larger stages?
I always connect more with audiences in smaller, intimate venues. It’s fun to play big festivals around Australia, but I think for my style of storytelling and songwriting, I definitely feel more myself in a more intimate setting where I can be close to an audience. But, hey, I’ll play anywhere that anyone will have me. I’m just so grateful to still be able to play music for a living.
Kasey Chambers - Backbone Tour 2025
WHEN THU 17 APR | 7.30PM
AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
COST $65 | $60 MEMB/CONC
INFO yourcentre.com.au
