Odette Mercy Talks WA’s Best Songs Before Historic Museum Gig

Putting together a shortlist of the best songs WA has produced can be a daunting task, but with RTRFM’s unique A Moment In Time gig within reach, Odette Mercy has managed to do just that.

Alongside David Craft, Rachael Dease, Timothy Nelson, Mei Saraswati, a 20-piece orchestra and all-star band, Mercy will rework some of the state’s best tunes at the Western Australian Museum this Friday, June 3.

With the group paying tribute to the likes of Abbe May, The Drones, Felicity Groom, The Stems, Tame Impala and more at the Hackett Hall Gallery, Mercy gave us a rundown of some of her favourite WA tunes.

Beaverloop - Nothing

Once upon a time, Perth had a thriving all ages scene. Bands played double the amount of shows because there were all age and underage shows all of the time, from in store performances to Saturday and Sunday afternoon gigs. Beaverloop were playing these gigs a lot. But the thing that stood out for me, is the conviction these guys would play with. Whether they were playing to five people or 100, they gave it 100% every time. 

Mathas ft. Abbe May – Nourishment

I've said for a long time now that Mathas is one of Australia's wordsmiths. The guy laces thoughts, feelings and bears witness to it in a genuine and humble way. He doesn't really talk about some idea of living the high life, he looks around and in deep and then spins verses with a musician's ear on his phrasing and flow. And pairing with Abbe on this track is pretty moving. Not only does Mathas take me to a place where I've had common reflections on treatment of our First Nation people, but his beats all have his own sound to it. 

Abbe May - Design Desire

Bloody hard to choose a fave from this woman. I mean at the forefront of some of the killer musicians, here is a woman who seduces EARHOLES and plays guitar like a god. I remember seeing her play guitar just after The Fuzz days, and it was a small gig in Kulcha... She melted my face and broke my heart and simultaneously made me fall in love. How's the riff on this track though?!?  

KUČKA - Unconditional

She produces it all, her live band is killer and her voice is ridiculous. The world is certainly this babe's oyster. Her eye on style and her ear with setting her sound apart is pretty inspiring. I'm looking forward to seeing where her journey takes her. 

Timothy Nelson & The Infidels - Mary Lou

Actually that whole album is a doozy. This guy is young, he plays everything, writes great songs and now has a falsetto range to add to that voice. That whole album - Terror Terror, Hide It Hide It... was ridiculous. There's not one song you think is a filler. And that band, easily filled with some of Perth's best musos. Their work together makes for one album anyone would be proud to have their catalogue. 

TA-KU - 50 Days For Dilla

From long days in his room to being an internationally recognised producer and artist, TA-KU made an album in ode to one of his inspirations: J Dilla. The guy made these tracks just as a personal project and now it's one that kind of sparked his peers (from around the world) to pay attention. Pick any day, and I dig it. His 2013 release was awesome, and his live project is apparently one we need to experience. He's got Sam Price AKA NAIK on visual projections. Looking forward to experiencing it at SOTA.

Jebediah - Fall Down

Another band I'm keen to catch at SOTA is Jebediah. Their song Fall Down was as catchy as every one of their songs was. But I dug its message. So much of my teen years is wrapped up in that sound. Their tones are unmistakeable. From Chris' guitar to Vanessa's bass, Kevin's voice and Brett's drumming, all remind me of going to gigs at UWA Refectory, can bongs.

Orchestra tickets have sold out, but there are still general admission passes available via the WA Museum’s website. For more details, check out theGuide.