Interview by Markus Hamence – Tuesday 21 November 2023
Wendy Matthews and Grace Knight are headed to Adelaide’s The Regal Theatre 1 & 2 December 2023 with their show ‘We’re Going To Graceland (The Songs Of Paul Simon)’. With rave reviews around the country, now it’s Adelaide’s turn to experience the iconic songbook by two of Australia’s finest voices. I interview Wendy Matthews ahead of the show and get the low-down…
Markus Hamence: You’ve both been in Adelaide at the beginning of the year for your solo shows, are you keen to get back here together with this show?
Wendy Matthews: This show is always a lot fun for us and although we love doing our own shows, we’re SO looking forward to being back in Adelaide TOGETHER!
Markus: What is it in each other that you admire and respect.
Wendy: Our friendship began because we recognised similar attitudes and lifestyle choices in each other. I appreciate Grace’s straightforwardness AND she’s an amazing clothes designer and seamstress.
Markus: You have been in the music game for a few decades now and seen a lot come and go, what do you need do you think in the industry for longevity?
Wendy: I think it’s important to keep a sense of who you are and what you love no matter what musical trends will come and go, a sense of integrity i suppose. This is so much more than a job. If you aspire to being an artist and a professional, it’s an all encompassing lifestyle.
Markus: It’s the first time performing ‘We’re Going To Graceland’ in Adelaide, what can we expect from the show?
Wendy: It’s a high energy and fun show with great songs that are familiar to us all. And there’s nothing like a song to transport us to specific moments in time. And of course, we’re two people who will be tickled pink to be there.
Markus: Paul Simon is obviously an iconic singer songwriter, is their a certain pressure to deliver his material with the quality that’s almost expected?
Wendy: There is no pressure as such, we bring our own slant to the whole thing.
Markus: Is their a song for each of you that really sums up ‘Paul Simon’ for you?
Wendy: Probably The Sound of Silence or The Boxer. I find Paul Simon’s songs are very visual for the imagination, like mini movies, and those 2 are a prime example.
Markus: Obviously his career spans many decades, but when ‘Graceland’ came out it was huge for him. Have a you a favourite track from the album?
Wendy: I loved The Boy in the Bubble. A great groove and a clever comment on a sign of those times.
Markus: Is there a chance we possibly see a album recorded with this material?
Wendy: We have no plans to record the show as of yet. But you never know 😉
Markus: What do you enjoy about the Adelaide audiences?
Wendy: Adelaide knows music, you’ve got some iconic festivals and are involved and appreciative.
Markus: With a vast array of songs yourselves, tell me a song from each others catalogue that you’d love to perform (if you haven’t already)
Wendy: We’ve never done each other’s songs. When the idea of doing something together came up, we wanted something different than doing some of our own, then some together. It made sense to add a 3rd person and stick to their catalogue. And so far, so good!
Markus: Finally, if you get in Adelaide early enough what is one thing you’re looking forward to experiencing, remembering it will be summer and stunning weather 🙂
Wendy: Besides seeing a couple of friends i haven’t seen for ages, in every city, i love to walk. You can really take in your favourite areas that way. Though i do tend to veer off into parks and greenery.
Wendy Matthew and Grace Knight – We’re Going To Graceland
Friday 1 December 2023, 8.00pm
Saturday 2 December 2023, 2.00pm & 8.00pm
The Regal Theatre, 275 Kensington Road, Kensington Park, SA.
Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/CIEUZ
