Granite Island Discs: Chelsea Sinnott

What five songs would you take to a desert island?

Let’s assume some kind of fully stocked cruise ship has run ashore on said island and the tracks are going to soundtrack a party rather than a sad, lonely desert island.

1. Marlon Williams – ‘Aua Atu Rā’

From his incredible record in te reo Māori, this whole record gives island vibes, but this one is particularly cocktails at sunset.

2. Joy Crookes – ‘When You Were Mine’

Crooksie somehow manages to effortlessly blend nostalgia, festival energy and the feeling of being at a party having the best time, knowing it’s going to end, all at the same time – so you appreciate the sweetness of it all the more intently.

3. Miss Kaninna – ‘Dawg In Me’

If you have not seen Miss Kaninna live, then you should change that immediately. Actually, she just announced a tour sans Adelaide; we should change that immediately. She is one of the best performers anywhere, and her music is badass and awesome.

4. Everything Everything – ‘Enter the Mirror’

They’re just quite simply one of the best bands in the world and I don’t think I could survive in the music business, or a desert island, without their pure, unadulterated genius.

5. Dillon Francis – ‘Anywhere’

I freaking love Dillon Francis. He’s funny as hell and his music is just always a great time. Ibiza is an island and he fits in perfectly there.

If you could only pick one, what would it be?

There is no way I could only pick one song, but if I had to pick an artist, it would be Everything Everything. That band re-invent themselves with every new record and they are prolific. They are also thoughtful and clever and their social commentary is incredible. They are the Charlie Brooker of music and I am glad every day for their existence.

What’s your favourite album?

Like most people working in music, I cannot possibly commit to a favourite album. I love Marlon Williams’ last record, his journey on it; how he let people in and shared the experience with an accompanying feature film. You felt every step of the way and shared the adventure, and the resulting record is pure, unadulterated joyousness. I’m also exceptionally grateful to be working on Nathan Ball’s forthcoming album, it’s a really special one and it comes out later in the year.

What’s your favourite song by an SA artist or band?

Again, too many great SA bangers. Special mentions to some recent releases I have on high rotation: PASH with ‘East End Girls’ is unavoidable, Tonix’s ‘Stupid Thing I’ve Done’ is fantastic, ‘I Know’ by Swapmeet is an awesome tune, ‘Moving on’ by Bousta is pure energy and ‘Just say you love me’ by Piper Wallin is a pop banger. We have so much talent to celebrate in SA.

Favourite music-related memory?

I am just really grateful to see people achieve their goals in this industry, from selling out shows to buying houses and starting families, getting #1 records and touring the world. The music industry has given me the opportunity to meet incredible people and work with them to achieve success all over the world. I have so many favourite memories and am excited every day to make more!