Star Scene: Emma Donovan

Renowned Indigenous soul singer and powerhouse vocalist Emma Donovan talks to Mary Boukouvalas about her new single, with The Putbacks, Pink Skirt, and the power of love, respect ... and chicken soup.

September 4, 2020 Mary Boukouvalas

Pink Skirt released today

Renowned Indigenous soul singer and powerhouse vocalist Emma Donovan and critically-acclaimed rhythm combo The Putbacks have released Pink Skirt, the first single from their much-anticipated new album, defining a new flavour in the feast of Australian music.

With nostalgic songwriting delving into Emma’s childhood and family memories, Pink Skirt is a musical tribute to her grandmother.

Growing up singing church songs with her grandparents on the North Coast of New South Wales, Emma’s recollections of the past form the yearning and heartfelt masterpiece that is Pink Skirt; a beautifully honest soulful ride through the past.

The personal, yet powerful lyrics are emphasised by The Putbacks sharp, dynamic and funky rhythms, delivering a swag of soul-defining songs throughout the new album with sentimental hints of Stax and classic Atlantic recordings the whole way through.

Emma Donovan & The Putbacks first burst onto the scene together with 2014’s epic Dawn which won fans all over the world. Since then, Emma Donovan has toured and recorded with Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter, Paul Kelly and Spinifex Gum, while The Putbacks released their debut self-titled album in 2018.

Following on from the successful collaboration with Dawn, the new album highlights the band’s shared love for classic American soul and the protest music of indigenous Australia, with a uniquely Australian accent.

Five-piece combo The Putbacks are veterans of the recording studio, having performed across a variety of festivals and major events for over a decade, establishing themselves as Melbourne’s go-to instrumental funk ensemble.

Pink Skirt is out on Friday 4 September. Emma Donovan & The Putbacks’ forthcoming album will be released through Melbourne’s very own Hopestreet Recordings in November on digital, vinyl, CD and all streaming platforms.

Grab a copy here

About Mary Boukouvalas 1620 Articles

Mary is a photographer and a writer, specialising in music. She runs Rocklust.com where she endeavours to capture the passion of music in her photos whether it's live music photography, promotional band photos or portraits. She has photographed The Rolling Stones, KISS, Iggy Pop, AC/DC, Patti Smith, Joe Strummer, PULP, The Cult, The Damned, The Cure, Ian Brown, Interpol, MUDHONEY, The MELVINS, The Living End, Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, Rage Against The Machine, The Stone Roses –just to name a few - in Australia, USA, Europe and the Middle East. Her work has been published in Beat magazine, Rolling Stone magazine, Triple J magazine, The Age Newspaper, The Herald Sun, The Australian, Neos Kosmos, blistering.com, theaureview.com, noise11.com, music-news.com. She has a permanent photographic exhibition at The Corner Hotel in Richmond, Victoria Australia.