Bertie Blackman Featured On Female First "Ones To Watch"

Welcome to the world of Bertie Blackman: A 25 year old rising star born to royalty of the art world.

Described as ‘The Australian Florence’ (Timeout) and ‘Breathtaking’ (The Fly) Bertie Blackman is set to take the UK under her wing with the release of new single ‘Black Cats’. Having already picked up a series of prestigious accolades across Australia from an ARIA for best independent album release to Triple J awards, Bertie is set for similar success internationally.

A multi-instrumentalist singer songwriter, Bertie’s emergence on the music scene has been anything but ordinary. The daughter of iconic artist Charles Blackman, her first encounter with artistry came as a child on the floor of her mother and father’s paint strewn studio. She fell in love with music at 6, self-taught on guitar and keys by 14; discovered her gift for song-writing by 15, and rapidly emerged into the exquisite talent she is today.

Bertie Blackman’s unconventional initial steps in music are mirrored by her diverse musical style. Whilst obvious comparisons are drawn between contemporary artists such as Karen O and Bat For Lashes, her distinct style also draws on classic artists of the past (PJ Harvey, Annie Lennox, Kate Bush). Her bitter-sweet musings and haunting vocals are allied with a love of musical innovators such as Bjork.

Album ‘Secrets and Lies’ is a collection of beautifully crafted, eclectic songs. From the sexually charged ‘Thump’ to the deceptively dark ‘Shout Out’ it’s an album of many moods that at turns charms and intrigues. The album was produced and mixed by Lee Groves (Goldfrapp, Gwen Stefani) and Francois Tetaz (Architecture In Helsinki). Mixing on ‘Thump’ comes courtesy of Dave Bascombe (Tears for Fears/Royksopp).

Black Cats is a sexy summer dance-floor filler fuelled by grinding electronic synths and thunderous claps mixed by rising stars UK production duo The Slips of Phoenix, CSS and La Roux remix acclaim. Alt versions from Bang Gang 12” prodigy Shazam (Empire of The Sun, Sneaky Sound System) and Calling in Sick, complete the package in fine style.

From supporting Goldfrapp and La Roux to selling out her own tours and covering the major festival circuit, her live show has garnered critical acclaim and cemented her reputation as one of most exciting and relevant ‘must-see’ live acts. With all the makings of a female icon Bertie brings her compelling vocal and distinct style to the UK and is sure to carve herself a unique spot in contemporary pop.

Click here to see the feature on Female First

February 2010 – Black Cats Tour Dates (more dates tbc)
Tuesday 16th - The Water Rats, Kings Cross, London
Wednesday 17th - The Flowerpot, Kentish Town, London
Thursday 18th - Go West at Madame Jo Jo's, Soho, London
Friday 19th - Club NME at Koko, Camden, London
Monday 22nd - Curious Generation, Hoxton Bar & Grill, London
Saturday 27th - The Barfly, Camden, London

www.BertieBlackman.com

Black Cats LIVE - fan filmed video;