Kim Churchill will be coming in hot to the Miami Marketta, and bringing a magical line up with him.
Each show on Kim’s celebration tour for new single ‘Fighter’ features a line up of incredible, individually chosen artists to give each gig its own special flavour. Kim’s enthusiasm is palpable as we discussed the tour, the song and, where he’s at in life and music.
Kim is super excited to be writing, releasing and touring after a very challenging couple of years for the music industry; and he’s coming from a place of new perspective and insight. The single ‘Fighter’ is a testament to that growth, and a celebration of strength.
He says, “I tend to be very vulnerable and sensitive and I’ve learned to live with that and be proud of who I am. ‘Fighter’ is me reaffirming my own strength inside, my worth, determination and tenacity. It’s there in a gentle way. There’s a line in the song that says ‘I’m afraid and at peace’ which is a recognition that the ability to maintain vulnerability in the face of challenge and adversity is the ultimate strength.”
Keeping to the theme of inner strength, even the writing process for Kim has shifted to more self-reliance. The soon to be released album, just like the single, has a different feel because of the new process.
Kim says, “I started getting up really early and writing from 5-8am as the sun came up. It revolutionised my craft. All songs came from a soft dreamlike state. I would usually write in the afternoon, I used to surf in the morning, smoke a joint then write. I had to phase that out as it was a becoming a bit of a crutch. I found the intangible part of us is so available in the early mornings. You’re still so close to where dreams come from, you might still have that lingering and that can come straight out into the guitar or songs.”
He continues, “those songs are not yet ready for the stage but the unplugged part of the set is when the song (Fighter) comes out. I bring a lot of my own lighting so I usually just pick a spot at the venue, set up my light and try to recreate that early morning dream like state.”
The ‘Fighter Tour’ really is about giving the title song it’s moment, and the celebration covers much of the country in a wide variety of venues, from Bluesfest to breweries. We talked about the differences in big and small gigs. Kim says, “there’s something really powerful about treating each one as its own individual gig. I enjoy the big stuff a lot, it’s very loud, exciting and very yang. The small gigs are an opportunity to really connect in a one-on-one way, to look into the eyes of everyone there, see the faces and for them to interact, it’s what makes it [playing gigs] sustainable. I want the big gigs, but I need the small shows. You can’t take anything away from big shows but I need those interactions.’
Personal interactions and a dreamy state are just a snippet of the energy and ambience you can expect from the Marketta show. Kim Is bringing Maanyung, Steph Strings and Alivan Blu along for the ride. Maanyung is an artist with strong familial connections to Gumbayniggr and Yaegl nations who performs in his traditional dialect. Kim thinks, “he should be Prime Minister. It’s so important that people hear what he has to say and share.”
Steph Strings is a young artist, a virtuoso according to Kim, who’s talent has captivated a huge online following. If you haven’t yet heard Alivan Blu, the independent folk duo, you will be captivated by their dreamy melodic guitar riffs. The ‘Fighter’ tour show encapsulates the fighter spirit, the softness and strength, both dreamy and determined.
So in the heart of the bustle of the Gold Coast, take some time out on Thursday 29 April for the Kim Churchill Fighter experience. Buy your tickets here before they’re gone, don’t miss out.
