Words by Sofia Perica.

This year at Live At The Gardens, Melbourne’s hippie sector travelled far and wide to celebrate Australian music under the stars and inevitably catch a glimpse of the wickedly talented Tash Sultana, who hasn’t headlined a show since 2019.

Starting off with local supporting acts including Little Green, the audience was eased into the afternoon. Coming all the way from the Blue Mountains to celebrate the release of her song, Thank You For That, and a forthcoming album, her silky voice and quirky stage presence was not to be missed. She blends edgy, jazz elements with a pop-like sound to create this beautiful musical concoction that is both delicate and gritty. Her stage presence is both relatable and dignified, as she shared stories about following your dreams and having visions of Mary Poppins. What was a standout to me, though, was her talent as a multi-instrumentalist – there was some stellar saxophone and guitar solos that were sprinkled amongst her dynamic vocals. She accompanied Tash so well, definitely an artist that belongs on your indie-chill playlist.

As the sun set over the beautiful flora and fauna of the Botanical Gardens, those with unkept hair and colourful harem pants started trickling in, some even barefooted. It was obvious that Tash’s set was near commencement. 

Tash emerged onto the stage in a misty haze, their presence electrifying, the audience shaken still. They stood centre stage, surrounded by a plethora of instruments - guitar, synth, piano, drums – just about everything you can think of - all of which were to be played by the master themself. Starting off with Pretty Lady, Tash constructs the song from scratch, using a multi-layered soundscape of looping guitar, electric synth, and vocals. It really is like watching a master at work – the way they are able to seamlessly switch between instruments so effortlessly, whilst continuing to capture such passion, groove and soul really is incredible. I stood there watching it in literal disbelief. Their deep, raspy vocals felt like warm, melted chocolate to my ears. 

For most of their set, it was like the audience weren’t even there – it was just Tash in their purest element, as they grooved to their own music on stage, feeling every beat, every note. They were full on just jamming out – throughout the set they would have 10-minute periods of just full-on instrumental sessions. This is what sets them apart from other artists, they build these intricate, complex compositions in real time, blending elements of the rock, psychedelic, soul, funk and even electric genre- and can transition between them with such fluidity. One minute they are hardcore rocking out on a drum solo, next minute they are fingerpicking the guitar with soaring riffs like its nobody’s business, next minute they are shredding the synth like a house DJ. And then they pull out a trumpet solo and you’re left thinking is there an instrument they cannot play.  

As the night got darker, the visuals got trippier, the atmospheric lighting accompanied the ethereal aspects of their music- it felt as though as we were captured in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours, Tash becoming like the glimmering light in the centre of a tunnel-like vision. I felt everyone’s shoulders drop as we fully immersed ourselves into songs like Willow Tree and Cigarettes. There were people arm-in-arm, swinging to the music like the trees were swaying above us. One thing about Tash is they are the epitome of soul, they are a true “swing operator,” they make you feel a way that’s almost spiritual; like you are one with the earth and your fellow humans. Tash finished with their most famous song, Jungle, and the crowd went wild, dancing and cheering to the infectious rhythm and beat. 

I was taken on a journey with Tash beginning to end. They are truly a one of a kind performer. We are so lucky to live at the same time as a true musical genius.