Photography by Nicole Elizabeth Cleary
Celebrate International Women’s Day with Australia’s premier collective of soulful artists. Since 2010, Women of Soul has raised the roof off iconic venues across Melbourne, including Melbourne Recital Centre and the Malthouse Theatre.
Led by artistic director and vocalist Chelsea Wilson, and produced by Linda Catalano, Women of Soul brings together a powerhouse crop of female vocalists and musicians to perform a high-energy set of soul, disco and funk. Joining Chelsea on stage are singers-songwriters Carmen Hendricks, Candice Monique and JoysSoul Music, whose sounds traverse gospel, neo-soul and R’n’B.
The collective’s 2023 album was nominated for the Australian Music Prize, and is the first album in Australia to be entirely composed, produced and performed by an all-female team. Over the last decade, Women of Soul has presented over 50 artists, including Mo’Ju, Nkechi Anele (Saskwatch), Odette Mercy and many more.
Don’t miss out on hearing this fierce femme ensemble.
“Women of Soul… showcases the best of Melbourne’s soul music scene " — Beat Magazine
“Surprise packets included Women of Soul Collective… who gave an impassioned performance!” —The Sydney Morning Herald
This event is supported by Music Victoria's On The Road Again initiative.
Artists
Chelsea Wilson, Creative Director/ Vocalist/ Curator (House of Valerie Joan)
Chelsea Wilson is an independent Melbourne-based vocalist, songwriter, festival producer and DJ. Her debut release “I Hope You’ll Be Very Unhappy Without Me” was lauded ABC Radio National #2 Album of the Year and nominated for Best Soul Album at the Music Victoria Awards. She headlined the APRA Melbourne Arts Centre Stage at The Australasian World Music Expo and made her UK debut at Glastonbury Festival, subsequently selling out London Jazz Cafe.
Linda Catalano, Creative Producer (Quiet Riot)
Founded by award-winning Creative Producer Linda Catalano, Quiet RIOT is an independent production company built on the values of activism, diversity and representation. Quiet RIOT fosters risk-taking and ambition by creating strategic opportunities and touring pathways for projects that encompass radical empathy, collaboration and a sense of adventure.
Candice Monique - Vocalist/Songwriter
"It is said Candice Monique fuses Classic & Neo Soul, Jazz, RnB, Funk, Blues, Folk & Spoken Word - some statement, but when you listen .., you'll see the description is spot on” Paul Miller (Soul Show - BBC Radio)
Poet, lyricist and vocalist Candice Monique has an inimitable style that fuses neo-soul, hip-hop, spoken world and soul. A prolific writer, her extensive catalogue includes collaborations with Professor Griff of Public Enemy, Rich Medina, Metals and P-Phazes.
JoysSoulMusic - Vocalist
Kenyan Born singer Joys has roots stemming from Gospel singing as a child. Her career has seen her perform locally and Internationally for over 15 years and has her picked as a favourite in Soul and Blues genres. Joys has performed with many local bands including Women of Soul and Grand Wazoo.
Carmen Hendricks - Vocalist/Songwriter
An incredible soul singer, storyteller, this South African born and bred singer has rhythm in her veins and Rhythmic Soul is her musical tag. Carmen Hendricks performed her first professional show at the age of 5. Australia provided the opportunity for Hendricks to grow as an artist, and in time to perform and tour with numerous national and international acts including, Kanye West, Kelly Rowland, Rhianna and Tina Cousins.
Access
Kingston City Hall is wheelchair accessible and accessible toilets are available. For more information please visit: Venue Accessibility.