Katie Noonan, Musician, Songs of the Southern Skies
Do what you love and try to do good in your endeavours ...
A whirlwind of orange, her flame-red hair glows in the West End afternoon sun, while her bright pants and scarf contrast with a rhinestone-embellished jacket. On the eve of the Queensland Music Awards and two days before her new record is released, Katie Noonan took five to sip a soy chai and chat weekend essentials with The Weekend Edition. Songs of the Southern Skies is her latest creation, a joint album with friend and classical guitarist Karin Schaupp, which is a tribute to Australian and New Zealand sounds. Blurring the lines between pop, jazz, classical and folk, the new album borrows from the Finn Brothers, Cold Chisel, Nick Cave and Gotye, rearranging the songs for classical guitar. Recorded in a little studio in Enoggera, Songs of the Southern Skies brings together an assortment of guest collaborations, with two songs on the album written specifically for the duo, while the closing track sprouted from a competition for young composers.
How do you like to start your weekend?
I’m usually on the road, but if I have the luxury of being at home, I would go to the Eumundi Markets with my kids, then go to the skate park at Peregian, then the beach. The boys are really into scootering at the moment.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
On my dream weekend, it would be going to a day spa to indulge in a massage, steam and sauna. Or I like to catch-up for breakfast with my girlfriends at The Gunshop Cafe or Anouk.
How do you like to unwind?
Hanging out with my husband, talking, drinking a good South Australian shiraz and listening to music we love.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
A good South Australian shiraz, a really good book, my family on one day and my girlfriends on the other, good food and good conversation.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
I have a beautiful group of women who I love hanging out with. Having two boys and being married to a man, you start to feel a little outnumbered. So I try to prioritise hanging out with my friends. It’s a return to youth for me as many don’t have children, so together we can be a little self-indulgent. We go for weekends away together a few times a year.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
If I have a Sunday spare, I’ll take the kids out into nature somewhere. But our new favourite spot is Bistro C in Noosa. Sitting overlooking the water as the sun sets, with a good glass of wine, good food and the kids playing on the sand – it’s a pretty nice way to end the weekend.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
Next weekend I’m going to be in Fiji doing absolutely nothing. I’ll be sitting in the pool with my kids. This is a long-time-coming family holiday. It’ll be some super relaxed island time.
What are you reading at the moment?
It’s so cliche, but I’m reading Fifty Shades of Grey. So many people were raving about it that I had to see what the fuss was all about. I was reading it in the bath last night. It’s lovely superficial escapism.
What inspires you?
My children, my husband and nature. And other great music – Father John Misty, Elbow, Husky … there’s a lot of great music around at the moment. But if I had to name one thing that inspires me, it would be solitude – something that’s incredibly rare for a mother.
What was your childhood dream?
Well I had a big crush on my year one teacher who was a nun. So I thought I wanted to be a nun, but thankfully that passed. I actually wanted to be an investigative journalist – I even did work experience in the ABC newsroom.
What has been your greatest achievement?
My children. I can’t imagine any parent answering any other way. Also, being able to be a full-time working musician.
What is success to you?
Being able to do what you love with people you love. That’s a privilege and success.
What are your words of wisdom?
Do what you love and try to do good in your endeavours.
Only a local would know … how good the food is at Pearl Cafe, and how good the Spring Hill Baths are.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Melbourne
Relax … Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island
Dine … The Spice Temple, Sydney
Indulge … Noosa Springs Day Spa
Shop ... Melbourne
Catch-up … Watt Restaurant + Bar, Brisbane Powerhouse
Be inspired … Arthur Boyd’s Bundanon artist’s retreat
