'ARETHA – A Love Letter To The Queen Of Soul' will feature 32 songs and spoken narration, travelling through time from Aretha’s early gospel roots and rise to fame, to her legendary hits, and lasting impact on music. She broke down barriers, and paved the way for generations to come.
Performing these songs is a stellar line-up of Australian voices – all either women or queer people of colour: Emma Donovan, Montaigne, Thandi Phoenix, Thndo, Ursula Yovich and Jada Alberts. This line-up is a testament to Aretha's lasting impact and influence on performers and musicians of all ages.
We speak to singer-songwriter and art pop musician Montaigne about their role in 'ARETHA' and what the production means to them, before it hits the stage.
First of all, how did your involvement in this show come about?
I was pretty much just asked to do it! The promoters thought I was good enough at singing to sing Aretha’s songs I guess, which is very flattering.
And what does it mean to you to be featured in this cast of performers?
It’s different from the norm and it’s good for that reason! I get to share stage time with mostly non-men which is a rare change. I’ve played with a full band of cis men since I began my career – I love them and they’ve stuck with me through a lot so I’m not going to discard them for their gender any time soon but it is a nice feeling to be surrounded in performance by people whose lived experiences are more sympathetic to mine. And it’s rare – and signals the way the world is changing, I hope.
What makes the cast of the show special?
I think largely for the above reasons! But also having met them all recently, it seems like a very loving, caring group who are very easy to cooperate with. There are no egos in the cast and everyone really appreciates and admires each other’s unique talent.
Montaigne
What has been the highlight of rehearsing and preparing so far?
We actually haven’t rehearsed as a group yet [at the time of writing]! I’ve been doing some personal prep with my vocal coach and the highlight so far has probably been her forcing me to practise improvisation, which is a weak point for me. I was never that fascinated with or interested in expressive runs for my own voice and a lot of the skill behind runs is the confidence to improvise. Which I don’t have, haha! Mostly because I’m unpractised. This has been a fun opportunity to force myself to practise.
What are you most looking forward to about bringing the show to life on stages?
I think it’s very cool that we get to play on big prestigious arts stages! I’m really excited about that.
Why do you think Aretha’s legacy has endured for the masses?
Because her voice was damn good! She has that thing that I was talking about in spades: confidence, practise, soul, emotion, connection to her voice and body. And her songs are amazing. Great music usually requires a combination of all those things.
How about for you – what impact has Aretha had on you as a performer?
Admittedly up until now Aretha wasn’t on my radar as a performer, but now that I have to perform her songs I’m realising all the skills she had that I don’t. . . And it’s cool that her existence has impelled me to now practise those skills.
What’s your favourite Aretha track to perform, and why?
The one I’ve been practising a bunch is 'It Ain’t Necessarily So', which I like for its lyrics. It’s cool that a person of faith might sing a song acknowledging how Christianity or the social status quo might not be right all the time. And that there are different ways of living and being. Which I’m pretty well acquainted with.
'ARETHA – A Love Letter To The Queen Of Soul' plays Sydney Opera House 17-18 June, Queensland Performing Arts Centre 20-21 June, and Arts Centre Melbourne 2 July.
This story originally appeared on our sister site, scenestr.
