October 2007
Linda Utting, 24 Hours Toronto (Canada)

“In Australia she’s already made a career on the folk festival and folk club circuit. Here in Canada, she says, it’s like starting fresh. ‘I can’t rely on my reputation – the music must stand on its own’.”

Aussie Folkie Discovers Canada

In August, Australian folksinger Chloe Hall and cellist James Hazelden flew into Seattle, picked up a touring van and headed to Vancouver — where they blew their entire accommodation budget on a cello. Since then, they’ve been staying with other musicians, at venues and camping their way from B.C. to Ontario.

This is Hall’s first touring venture (she’s staying three months) and she’s found it quite “humbling” — in a good way.

In Australia she’s already made a career on the folk festival and folk club circuit. Here in Canada, she says, it’s like starting fresh. “I can’t rely on my reputation — the music must stand on its own.”

Her love for Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Leonard Cohen is a big reason why she came to Canada — after hearing their music she said, ‘I’ve gotta go there!’

Hall, 34, started on the folk circuit at age 17 as a solo act still “writing straight from the heart.”

She signed her first recording contract with Shock Records seven years ago. “White Street,” released in 2005, is “about home, identity and being comfortable in your own skin,” says Hall.

Her new album, yet untitled, will be about “change and travelling.”

Inspired by Canada, she’s planning to return next year on the back of a U.S./European tour. Then she’s headed on a two-week road trip down the Mississippi river and then to Nashville to mix the new unplugged album.

Hall and Hazelden perform songs from “White Street” and her new album on Monday at Hugh’s Room as part of “Discoveries” — a showcase for up-and-coming musicians. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. and tickets are $13 advance, $15 at the door. Visit www.chloehall.com.au for more information.