Mia Dyson Captivates at the Basement

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Mia Dyson

Contributed by Sarah Stanbridge
Hotsource Correspondent

Don’t you love it when you have no plans to go out and at the last minute you venture into the night, unknowingly into one of the most memorable nights you will have in ages? The Basement is probably one of the best venues in Sydney for live music, smaller and more intimate you get a real sense of the exceptional musicians that grace its tiny stage. It’s only 8pm, but the room is packed, as we jostle for a spot on the outer rim, we settle into the perfect position, centre to the stage. Preparing to soak up the sensational sounds and atmosphere, my eyes roam the memorabilia - old pole posters remind me of the astounding history in this place.

I’d only heard of Mia Dyson since she played the Byron Blues and Roots Festival, her rasping soulful voice and amazing song writing ability has seen her touring the east coast from a tender age, but this was the first time I had seen her live. Having been raised in country Victoria, she herself says this isolation meant she was not “exposed to any trends or fashion or commercialism. It was straight-up country living”, this truth in her music is very real and sends soundwaves to your soul. With a voice that soars and sighs, she captivates her audience. Simple compositions are given texture as she switches from electric to acoustic to lap and slide guitar. Even the most accomplished musicians can only admire how beautifully she composes and delivers her set.

Liz Springer and her sidekick the dreadlocked drumming dynamo, were support, and were in no way playing second fiddle. Liz too has the same power and heartfelt delivery. She reminded me how much I missed my old Tracey Chapman albums for some reason, and I made a mental note to dig them out when I got home. Her husky voice and skill on the harmonica, guitar and banjo show how truly diverse and gifted she is as a musician. Perfectly comfortable onstage, giving us snippets of her thought process behind some of her songs - it was an awesomely intimate experience. I felt disappointed when I sensed her winding up. Thankfully she later joined forces with Mia onstage.

When it was all over, saturated in artistic appreciation, and a little bit of beer, I felt such a feeling of elation that lasted into the following day. Even on a week night there is sensational live music to be had at the Basement. A measly $20 cover charge could not be better spent that in support of artists like this. Yeah you pay for the experience but your life is so much richer for it.

Further tour dates for Mia Dyson and Liz Springer can be found at http://www.miadyson.com