Review: Katy Steele @ Lion Arts Factory 30/04/26
Despite a small turnout, singer-songwriter Katy Steele put a spell on the crowd who attended her Adelaide show, demonstrating why she is one of the country’s great talents.
Words and Images Will Oakeshott
Katy Steele w/Sofia Menguita@ Lion Arts Factory 30/04/26
“Once something is memorable, it's living and you're using it.” – Yo-Yo Ma.
This quotation may broadcast an impression of being rather ambitious, but honestly, the statement’s authenticity revolves around interpretation. The Presidential Medal of Freedom winner Yo-Yo Ma has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the performance arts, especially music. Having recorded more than 92 albums and acquired a phenomenal 20 Grammy Awards, the prestigious cellist understands what makes art memorable.
One may ask, “How is memorable art or music living?” In response, another question could be asked: “What is a memory?” The Heinemann Australian Dictionary defines it as “the ability of the mind to recall things.” As well as “something that is remembered.” For the ability of the mind to recall things and generally remember, it essentially has to be alive. Therefore, if something is memorable, it is recalled and remembered in an “alive mind”, arguably, that memory is living.
It is perhaps profound in a sense, but it also speaks a wealth of truth. The beauty of art, namely music, is how it affects our very beings as humans. The sounds, textures, emotions, poetry – these elements have the potential to imprint onto our souls and live within our minds for years.
This is where Yo-Yo Ma’s ten pronounced words above stand the test of time, for this showcase, the focus was far separated from the “quantity”, it was celebrated by its virtue. Dozens of concertgoers attended this event, amounting to potentially the most intimate setting that the Lion Arts Factory and Katy Steel have experienced.
Undeniably, this exhibition was to be memorable.
Adelaide’s Sofia Menguita had the incredible honour of opening the demonstration, and her indie-pop-folk charming compositions breezed into the hearts and souls of the lucky few spectators in exquisite fashion. ‘Something I’ve Never Had Before’ was a wondrous lounge ballad of heartbreak that seemingly turned back time. ‘Puddle Jumping’ echoed earlier Emma Ruth Rundle, but with incredibly more tenderness.
“Have you ever been invalidated by an older adult? I’m 21 and I’m kind of tired of it. I think it is a very strange thing to happen,” Menguita expressed in a quirky revelation, where many in the audience experienced an eye-opening uncovering about their own lives.
‘I’ve’ was a bewitching indie folk open letter that would have fitted flawlessly on the Juno soundtrack. ‘If Anyone Asks’ magically blended the infectious attitude of Alanis Morrisette’s poetry, but with an acoustic Tigers Jaw motif.
“OK, the vibe is gonna dip for a little bit, well, one song, enjoy!” Menguita declared, then transported the enamoured attendees to a tantalising universe with ‘Everyone I’ve Ever Loved’. Hilary Woods would have certainly appreciated this scintillating single wholeheartedly.
A cover, more so a reimagination of Wheatus ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ was beyond delightful, then to conclude the presentation, ‘Still’, which had an awe-inspiring resemblance to earlier KT Tunstall. This compelling track brought Menguita’s production to a blissful closing that undoubtedly won her a number of new devotees on this night.
Menguita also discussed the difficulties of the Australian music industry and even dedicated a song to her friend who was moving to Japan to try and find a better pathway to recognition in this competitive universe. The message that she was essentially sharing is that local artists always need support. Unquestionably, Menguita’s performance was memorable, and it will live inside the minds and souls of those lucky enough to witness her artistry. However, the follow-up is the integral part - buy her music, see her next show, live her music – use her art to elevate everything about life.
“Elevate everything about life”.
Isn’t that what music does? That’s why we listen, watch, perform, adore and live the amazing art form. Katy Steele elevates everything about her devotees’ lives and gratefully uses her artistic integrity to create a memorable experience.
This showcase can best be described as exactly that.
Multi-instrumentalist Jesse James commenced the exhilarating exhibition, hammering away at his keyboard, establishing a Nick Cave-driven atmosphere but stirring up a majestic aura for Steele’s arrival. She strutted onto the platform and launched into ‘Diamonds’, at that moment, nothing else mattered. It was two musicians bedazzling those who want to experience a unique demonstration like no other – it was hypnotic.
“It’s a bit intimate, I guess Adelaide didn’t get the memo? Rock & Roll! Come close, we are gonna have an amazing night,” Steele professed, engaging everyone in the room to be absolutely present with her and her phenomenal songwriting.
The folk anthem ‘Signal To You’ was heart-rendering in its veracity and vulnerability – everyone present was magnetised to every word the songstress serenaded. This was enchantingly enhanced by the remarkably revised version of the extremely treasured Little Birdy single ‘Beautiful To Me’. The presentation perfectly provoked a subtle choir sing-along from the attendees, as well as some romantic dancing from numerous loving couples.
‘Rescue Boat’ was an exceptionally raw yet powerful undertaking that delved into Steele’s experience in New York. She did disclose that she was celebrating her 49th day of sobriety during this event, an amazingly memorable achievement, that she is living graciously.
‘Perfect Day’ showcased her ethereal angelic croon immaculately. The single ‘Broken’ gave rise to a synth-pop extravaganza that required a disco ball, realistically the glow radiated from Steel’s immaculate performance, which shimmered brilliantly. So much so that literally not one person present was fixated elsewhere, they were enthralled, and their undivided attention was only to Steele.
“I forget how emotional my songs get,” she admitted with a chuckle.
‘Big Star’ was an inspirational, spellbinding venture into ambient electronica; however, the stripped-down approach added a charisma that was tremendously transfixing.
After acknowledging how difficult the music industry in Australia is (but thanking The Note for their support), ‘Right Side Of The Road’ swayed the audience into an adoring oblivion. The cover of Patti Smith’s ‘Because The Night’ provoked a sing-along of empowerment – even the security guards ran to join in with the inspirational anthem.
‘Honest With Me’ rewound the clock to Steele’s USA adventure with a folk twist, where she also discussed the incredible imperfections on Neil Young’s Harvest LP, which made it “so cool”, and that’s what she was striving for with her new full-length Undressed Vol. 1.
The single ‘Feel So Bad’ (which is not present on Undressed Vol. 1, but maybe for Vol. 2) was delivered in a mesmerising naturalness. Then, in a perfect counteraction, ‘Come And See Me’ was an unforgettable disco party that the fortunate attendees were able to immerse themselves in with escalating positivity in every way.
Closer ‘Relapse’ symbolised this event magnificently, not the heartbreak essence of the poetry involved with the composition, but a different message that can be found within the lyrical journey: “I want to escape.”
These four words epitomised the exhibition. For a select few, this might be the most memorable event they have ever experienced; assuredly, they escaped to artistic splendour.
“Once something is memorable, it's living, and you're using it.”
Thank you, Katy Steele.
