New album sparks return to the road

By SHIRLEY BROUN

WOMEN in Docs fans are already booking their seats with the news the indie folk-pop band is hitting the road next month for a string of tour dates, the first in two years since its founders Chanel Lucas and Roz Pappalardo decided to take a well-earned break.

Women in Docs' Roz Pappalardo and Chanel Lucas.

“We had been non-stop touring for over 13 years and needed a rest and to spend some time with our families,” said co-founder Chanel Lucas from her Brisbane home this week.

But, although they weren’t touring, the talented musicians couldn’t help but keep working on their song writing and effectively used the time to pen the material for a new album. “When we were touring we’d get home and being self-managed would still be working on the next tour … it was never ending. We never got time just to relax and give the brain and our bodies a bit of a rest. The break gave us the opportunity to write new songs without the pressure of touring. It was great.”.”

Missed touring

Chanel and Roz admit, however, they have missed the touring. “We built our following by travelling and playing to audiences around the country. I’m packed, guitar and all, and ready to hit the road for our first gig in north Queensland his weekend,” said Chanel, obviously overjoyed with the prospect.

“The reason we started Women in Docs in the first place was because we both wanted to travel and see Australia and it turned into a 15-year musical career.”

As a result of its constant touring, Women in Docs has built up a dedicated fan-base and not only in Australia’s metropolitan areas but also in some of the country’s most remote towns. “We are both from the country and performing in those areas is really important to both of us,” said Chanel. “We also love the energy you feel from the crowds when you perform at live performances and festivals around the country. People sing and dance and really get into the spirit of the music.”

People and places inspire songs

It is this spirit that Chanel and Roz try to capture in the songs they write. “We collect stories about places we have been and people we have met. Their stories inspire us. In fact, people have to be careful that they don’t become the subject of our songs … they could easily become our next verse,” Chanel said with a smile.

The band first came to prominence in the late 1990’s with their debut self-titled EP. They now have seven releases under their belt, and `Carousel’ will be their eighth. They’ve toured rigorously and their stirring and humorous live performances have been enjoyed by fans throughout North America, Europe, New Zealand and Canada.

Dubbed as festival favourites, Women in Docs have performed at the likes of SXSW, Shanghai Spring Music Festival, and the International Folk Festival in Germany to name a few. Back at home, they’ve been on the bill at the Port Fairy Folk Festival, Big Day Out, Woodford Folk Festival and Adelaide Fringe Festival.

On the road again

As they gear up for this weekend’s return to touring, Women in Docs is also releasing the first single off the forthcoming album, the title track Carousel.

Chanel says they chose this track as the first preview to the album as it was one they wrote together. “It’s about a common theme for Women in Docs – travel,” she says. “But it also explores the ideas of freedom, not being tied down and following your dreams. It also represents the freedom we have had with our music as an independent band. These are also themes within the album as a whole.

The title of the song – Carousel – references a baggage carousel at the airport, but also the fun of a show-ride carousel. Women in Docs are known for their energetic live shows, sense of humour and fun, as well as our songwriting and harmonies. We hope that this collection of songs encompasses all of that.”

If you are wondering how Women in Docs got its name, Chanel explained: “Actually it started as a bit of a joke. We were playing in a band in Townsville and were called simply `Chanel and Roz’ and someone said we should come up with a name. We were both wearing Doc Martin shoes at the time and it inspired the name. It was all about fashion really.”

Mention the upcoming tour and album and there is a true sense of excitement in Chanel’s words. “We can’t wait to get back on the road and to introduce our fans to our latest songs,” she said.
“The shows will be fun, high energy and reflective at the same time. We’ll be playing the songs from our new album Carousel, along with some of our tried and true favourites.”

The Women in Docs Tour officially kicks off on November 1 at Joe’s Waterhole, Eumundi and November 2 at Grottofest, Marburg. It will then head to Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Margate, Marrickville, Katoomba and the ACT’s City West.

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