Women of Soul - Women of Soul (2015)

Melbourne’s soul scene has been thriving in recent years, and out front and proud are a bunch of ladies who definitely got soul. Big hair, big sequins, big heart, big voices – these ladies are leading the way and have come together for the Women of Soul project. The biggest collaborative project in the history of Melbourne soul, Women of Soul is a five-year strong collective that has seen local musicians and vocalists playing live together across the city. Sold out crowds and a thirst for more has culminated in this album, which is more than just a compilation album, as each artist has recorded her song from scratch and exclusively for your listening pleasure. But soul music ain’t just soul music – this album encapsulates a range of subgenres, including northern soul, neo-soul, garage-soul and funk. Need a modern-day soul education? You got it.

Backing up the babes, Women of Soul have brought together an all-star band made up of members of some of the finest soul bands in Australia - The Putbacks, Cookin on 3 Burners and The Bamboos. The fellas really bring the album together, gliding from one track to the next with groove and style.

In traditional soul style, these glamorous ladies dress to the nines but play classic dingy, rundown, authentic old venues. You can tell that from the cover art here, right? Shot in a warehouse in Carlton, the women had to use their break-and-enter skills when the hired space was accidentally bolted shut, clambering their way in to the warehouse via a broken window, heels and all.

Melbourne women got soul, and this album is just a taste of the veritable smorgasbord of talent in the Australian soul and roots scene. Enjoy, turn it up loud, and sing along with these soul sistas.