Chloe Kay and The Crusade have been taking the blues world by storm since coming onto the scene in 2021. Next stop is Googfest at Rockley Oval, Googong NSW on Saturday 4 February. CW caught up with Kay to discuss music and authenticity.
How are you feeling about playing Googfest?
We’re incredibly excited to be playing Googfest; we have heard amazing things about it, and I know that it is a great event for the community.
We’re really excited to be playing alongside Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows, they’re an iconic band. I grew up listening to Joe Camilleri in all forms and I think The Black Sorrows are a soulful and powerful band.
What drew you to blues music?
For me, it was really the guitar. Even though I’m a singer, there is something about blues guitar that is touching to me on a soul level.
Blues was a way for me to express myself that was real and authentic; you don’t really get that with pop music.
You debuted in 2021 and then spent a chunk of last year touring. How has the journey been so far?
It has been a whirlwind; starting a band a few weeks before the pandemic was an interesting time. We started releasing music last year and we’ve been playing some incredible festivals that we dreamed of playing.
The guys I met in all different ways, I started the band when I was in my early 20s, it was more of an indie band. I just knew I wanted to have a blues band; I was really lucky to have met a lot of talented musicians.
If you do what is authentic to you, I believe it does come together in the end, if you work hard.
Is there anything on your to-do list in the Canberra region?
I’m not going to lie; I’m a kid at heart. I will definitely be going to Questacon, for the giant slide in particular, and I love the nature in Canberra.
What’s next?
This year is all about releasing new music. The aim is to get an EP out later in the year. We will definitely have a few singles out throughout the year.
Some of Kay’s answers have been condensed for publication.
Catch Chloe Kay and The Crusade at free music festival, Googfest, Rockley Oval, Googong, 4 February from 5pm; googong.net
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