This week we caught up with musician, Thandi Phoenix to talk about This Is Your Song, a song she wrote with Musicians Making A Difference for Mental Health Month.
The song aims to amplify a message of hope and is dedicated to young people who may be in need of support.
Talk us through what it was like working with Musicians Making A Difference and writing This Song Is For You and what it means to you?
Working with Musicians Making A Difference (MMAD) has been a really beautiful experience.
I think it’s a great charity/program, and I really commend the team for their passion and love in everything that they do.
Music is healing and I think it’s so important to teach people from a young age how to express themselves, to talk through and release whatever emotions or situations they are going through, and music is such a great tool for doing that.
The young people involved in the program are so lovely, talented and eager to learn more about the music industry.
It started off with a Q&A so we got to know one another a bit more and I shared my story with them. It was a real collaborative process, we listened through a few different beats but we all decided to use this one which Ninajirachi produced.
Like most sessions I’ll just hit record on my voice notes, play through the song and see what comes out. This melody just flowed out and we all really liked it so we then discussed what themes and what story we wanted to tell and ultimately we wanted to write a song that felt uplifting. That no matter what obstacles you have to face and overcome to “keep your head up”, remain resilient and know that you’re not alone in this.
What works best for you when it comes to self-care?
Self care to me comes in many different forms.
During the pandemic and this most recent lockdown we’ve been through in Sydney – there’s been an overwhelming feeling of fear and frustration flooding in constantly so I found the need to disconnect and limit my intake of news and social media.
Practicing meditation and gratitude helps me slow down.
Nature also plays an important role in my self care routine. I find the ocean incredibly cleansing so I’ll go to the beach, go for a walk, a swim or just sit and watch the waves crash. I will find a lovely leafy park, sit under a tree and read a book.
I’ll also use music and movement – blast some tunes and dance around like a fool.
I also drink lots of water, slow down, light a candle, take a bath, do a face mask, haha I could go on and on.
Ultimately it’s about tuning in and listening to what my body and soul is craving and honouring that.
Have you taken on any new hobbies in lockdown? Banana bread? Crochet? Crochet banana bread?
Not as many as I did last lockdown but this time I did get into baking Nutella cookies a lot mmmm.
What have you missed most about performing and how long until we can see you perform live again? (In a COVID-safe way of course!)
The feeling and the joy it brings! Performing is honestly my favourite part of my job and it’s been really difficult to lose that, so I cant wait to connect with people again in that way.
I haven’t released any tour dates just yet but you can follow my socials @thandiphoenix for updates.
After yet another tough year, what are you most looking forward to once restrictions are lifted?
Just being around people! Being able to see all my friends, family and people back at shows.
I think everyone has been craving that human connection. There’s an energy that exists when people are in each other’s presence that can’t be replicated through a phone so I’m so ready to squish my loved ones tight, travel and get back to living!
