Granite Island Discs: Jo Tonkin

Jo Tonkin, co-owner of The Gov, fills us in on her favourite songs, album and music moments.

What five songs would you take to a desert island?

1. Gang of Youths – ‘Magnolia’

2. Sly and the Family Stone – ‘Family Affair’

3. Bill Withers – ‘Lean On Me’

4. alt-J – ‘Breezeblocks’

5. Willie Nelson – ‘Blue Skies’

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

Gang of Youths’ ‘Magnolia’. I was recently at Blues Fest, four rows from the front watching Gang of Youths – great band, great show and nothing beats live music!

What’s your favourite album?

12 Golden Country Greats by Ween. It’s out there.

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

‘1955’ by Hilltop Hoods featuring Montaigne!

Favourite music-related memory?

That’s super-hard to pick. I’ve grown up surrounded by music, especially in the last 30 years of having owned The Gov. A personal favourite was meeting Joan As Police Woman (Joan Wasser), as her music helped me through a rough patch. I was quietly waiting in the audience and she invited me to meet her in the green room. It filled my heart and of course I got stage fright!

Check out who’s playing The Gov via thegov.com.au.