TOUR DIARY: CLYPSO Shares Her Diary From Supporting The Avalanches Around Aus

Sydney singer and producer CLYPSO had a few "curveballs" thrown her way while supporting The Avalanches on their recent tour. Here's what went down behind the scenes...

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First stop on The Avalanches national tour was Melbourne at the iconic Sidney Myer Music Bowl; probably the biggest venue I've played in (it sounded like I was playing in a canyon from where I was standing!) 

With restrictions still in place, people were seated in cute white pods. It was freezing but a beautiful night and it was also great catching up with everyone at the informal little after-party.

Pic by Lady Drewniak

This super talented crew of my dancers Nick, Hena and drummer Dan joined me in the Melbourne and Brisbane shows. There was a bit of panic because their flight was delayed but they got there! So grateful to have people on stage with me that bring such a beautiful spirit and energy in all they do.

I thought the Brisbane show at Riverstage was going to be a washout because it was raining the whole day but it magically cleared up and the full moon was out as well. It was also the release day of my new single On Our Way and the first time playing it.

Pic by Darren Burns

The final sold out show was in Sydney at another iconic venue, the Enmore Theatre. I think this cheesy grin was an attempt to hide how nervous I felt for this show. The lockdown in Melbourne had been announced the day before and my dancers were coming from Melbourne! 

I was definitely not ready for that curve ball but they were lovely enough to recommend two of their friends in Sydney. We'd exchanged messages/videos and jumped on a call but never met or worked together before. This is me before I meet them, a bit like a first date!

We had ample time to soundcheck at this show which is a rare luxury. The drums were extra close to me for this show, I could really feel the rumble. Looking out to the empty dark theatre with the lights on the ceiling was a beautiful sight.

Budjerah was the opener for the night. He came in for a chat with his Polaroid camera. Such a sweet soul with such a calm and confident energy; I had to capture it.

We did it! These two firecrackers, Rachel and Richard gave their all to the dance and brought such huge energy. Big kudos to them for stepping up at such short notice while I bombarded them with info and ideas.

It was great to catch up with Robbie and Tony from The Avalanches and an honour to support them on their national tour. I'm not sure when we'll meet again but Robbie always makes an effort to keep in touch and encourage me in his quiet, humble way. True legends.

CLYPSO's new single, On Our Way, is out now. Check it out below. Rewind With Steve Bell has recently shared its latest podcast season, taking a look at The Avalanches seminal debut album Since I Left You, find out more about it here.