Missy HigginsTake a national treasure like Missy Higgins and a lovely natural resource like Melbourne Botanic Gardens and you're sure to get a bloody blissful gig. Staged as part of a series to celebrate the venue and some awesome music-making, A Weekend In The Gardens, Higgins took time from prepping her new play to talk about the upcoming show. "It's such a beautiful place. I go there all the time to hang out," she says of the Gardens. "Actually we had my son's birthday picnic there - it's such a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. And you're literally right next to the city but you feel like you're in this lush jungle. There's something about that much greenery that just relaxes everyone. And it's just a very kind of romantic atmosphere."
Higgins confirms that playing to a crowd spread out in the garden, surrounded by nature rather than concrete, is as fun as it sounds. "These are the kind of festivals I like going to these days," she says. "I have a bit more space. I'm too old now to go to festivals like the old Big Day Out - drunk teenagers and mosh pits. Even though I still love the bands that play there, I just can't do crowds like that anymore", she laughs.
Having said that: don't think Melbourne Botanic Gardens' slower approach will make for a bill that's any less tight than before. Alongside Higgins are three other local artists: Dustin Tebbutt, All Our Exes Live In Texas and Harry Jakamarra - all chosen to complement her style as well as, shamelessly, her own inner-fangirl for great music. "I had a huge say in the line-up," she says with pride. "I chose Dustin [Tebbutt], because I've played with him before and his music is so hypnotic and beautiful, and I know my fans will really like him, too. And All Our Exes [Live In Texas] are just awesome and I love their harmonies, and I know they'll go down so well in that environment, and I selfishly really want to see their gig too!" she laughs. "And then Harry Jakamarra is someone I've known for quite a few years. I met him up in Broome and he just blew me away the first time I met him. He's kind of a genius. He's a bit of a multi-instrumentalist and can play the shit out of the guitar as well as having the amazing, gravelly, Bruce Springsteen-y kind of a voice. I think people are going to love him."
In addition to these acts, Higgins also promises to "try and play a few new songs" at this gig, previewing an album that's been in the works for a little while. "I always play a range of songs in my set, but it's always nice to chuck in a few new ones because they're the ones that are the freshest." Giving a little preview, she adds, "This album is definitely moving more into the programmed, slightly electronic world so it's going to be a challenge — a fun challenge — to play it live."
