Grammy nominated Hiatus Kaiyote to share experiences with music students

Grammy nominated contemporary soul outfit, Hiatus Kaiyote, will be special guests of the next APRA Songwriters’ Workshop at Southern Cross University on Thursday September 25.

The Melbourne quartet, a collaboration between Nai Palm (vocals, guitar, keys), Perrin Moss (drums, percussion, electronics), Paul Bender (bass, electronics) and Simon Mavin (keys, synths, electronics), will be presenting the workshop for students of SCU’s contemporary music degree and local high school music students.

The community is also welcome to attend the APRA Songwriters’ Workshops, which is a mix of interview, stories and performance. The event, to be held in Studio One29 of D Block Theatre in the Contemporary Music Building at the Lismore campus, is free.

This is the second visit to the NSW Far North Coast in as many months for Hiatus Kaiyote, who performed at the Splendour in the Grass Festival in July.

“It’s always great to connect with young, passionate musicians. I am really looking forward to this trip," said Paul Bender.

Nai Palm said she was also keen to interact with the students.

"I like the element of teaching that showcases that it’s an exchange of perspective. It’s not just about us projecting our information but exchanging ideas from young creative.”

Hiatus Kaiyote’s groundbreaking 2013 Grammy nomination was in the Best R&B Performance category for their collaborative version of ‘Nakamarra’ with A Tribe Called Quest legend, Q-Tip. They made Australian music history as the first band to be nominated for an R&B category at America's most prestigious music industry event, held in January this year. While they didn’t win, Hiatus Kaiyote got to play as part of the pre-Grammy celebrations.

Leigh Carriage, contemporary music lecturer and coordinator of the APRA Songwriters’ Program at SCU, said Hiatus Kaiyote’s sound referenced a swathe of influences – electric, acoustic, futuristic, psychedelic, progressive, soothing and urgent – slipping in and out of genres and defying definition.

“For the past few years, vocal students have been bringing in songs from Hiatus Kaiyote, such as Nakamarra and Leap Frog, and much like them I was captured by vocalist Nai Palm’s vocal, lyrical and melodic prowess and freedom, and the band’s collaborative strength, which is richly apparent and dynamic.

“This is an incredible opportunity for SCU contemporary music students and staff and music students from our local high schools.”

EVENT DETAILS
APRA Songwriters’ Workshop with Hiatus Kaiyote
Thursday September 25, 2pm – 3.45pm
Studio One29, D Block Theatre, Contemporary Music Building, Lismore campus
Free

Photo: Hiatus Kaiyote.