It’s been a tough year for the live music scene, but Eurovision pop icon and singer-songwriter Dami Im is feeling grateful.
With national and international tours on hold due to COVID-19, Dami is set to embark on a statewide tour which will see her perform in Ipswich for the first time.
The Brisbane-based songstress, who rocketed to fame after winning The X Factor in 2013 and became internationally acclaimed when she came second in Eurovision in 2016, said she’s excited about touring closer to home for the release of her new single ‘Paper Dragon’.
“Live music has been almost non-existent this year, so I’m really thankful that I’ll be able to tour in Queensland,” Dami said.
“Usually with a national tour, I wouldn’t be able to get to so many different places, so getting to perform in Ipswich and other cities that I wouldn’t normally is a real silver lining.”
The award-winning pianist and singer, whose self-titled album debuted at number one on the ARIA charts, says she’s been doing her best to stay positive this year, despite the challenges of isolation.
“I have my ups and downs. Sometimes I’m really productive and other times I’m not motivated or have felt trapped in my house,” Dami said.
“But it’s been a good opportunity to find new ways to do things.
“I’ve been song-writing over Zoom, which is great because it means you can collaborate with people all over the world.”
With ‘Paper Dragon’ originally planned as her Eurovision entry for this year, Dami was forced to decide whether to hold off on its release after the competition was called off.
“I started working on it before Covid, but when Eurovision got cancelled and pushed back, I didn’t want to just leave it,” Dami said.
The track, which will be released through ABC Music, was produced by Konstantin Kersting (Tones and I, Mallrat and The Jungle Giants) and is a nod to Dami’s synth pop style heard on hits like ‘Super Love’ and ‘Gladiator’.
“I was lucky because Konstantin happened to be based in Brisbane, so it was an amazing coincidence that I got to work with him in studio,” she said.
While Eurovision remains a career highlight for Dami, she says she continues to be inspired by her legion of loyal fans.
“I would not be able to have this career without the Dami Army supporting me,” Dami said.
“They give me a reason to make music and pursue my goals. As musicians, we are nothing without our audience.”
Dami said her Ipswich fans can expect a mix of new music and fan favourites, from her Eurovision hit ‘Sound of Silence’ to a few classics from her X-Factor days.
“It’ll be a bit different because it’s a Covid-friendly set up, with groups sitting at tables. But it’ll be different in a nice way, and it’ll feel more intimate with a smaller audience,” she said.
“I’m really looking forward to it.”
Dami Im will perform at Ipswich Civic Centre on Saturday 26 September.
Limited tickets will be available, with cabaret-style tables for group bookings and a reduced capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Book here: https://www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au/event/dami-im-paper-dragon-tour/
Read more:
>>>Where you can see new street art murals in Ipswich
>>> Ipswich Nature Centre to broadcast to children around Australia
>>> Dancing away the COVID-19 blues with virtual competition
