Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
This band has no press
Discography
LPs
Black
Headway
Eps
Blue Sky Pueblo
Singles
Hold Me Close
Television
You Kill Me
Favourite Jeans
Criminal of Desire
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
They say that some people are destined for great things, and this is especially true for Sydney artist Bertie Blackman. Born into an eccentric artistic family, Berties earlier creative expressions were visual, but she soon discovered that playing music would become her raison dêtre.
At age seven, Bertie began playing piano, and quickly moved onto guitar as a teenager. She spent her childhood years immersing herself in music ranging from Paul Simon to The Clash, Nirvana to Erykah Badu these diverse influences are reflected in her music today.
Bertie first slipped into our consciousness and onto the Australian airwaves with Favourite Jeans - the summertime 2004/2005 single from her debut album Headway. Favourite Jeans quickly became a radio favourite and an independent chart hit, placing in the Top 10 of the indie charts for 29 consecutive weeks.
In only a few years, Bertie has already forged her reputation as an individual artist with her own distinctive image and sound. With a special gift for brutally honest lyrics, Bertie delivers intense live performances. On stage is where she is most at home, so its no surprise that her live shows consistently sell out.
Bertie has also amassed impressive recognition for a young independent artist, having collaborated with Ben Lee and Alex Lloyd, written music for Australian films, shared bills with The Whitlams, Bob Evans, Jeff Martin (Tea Party), Jack Ladder and The Boat People, performed live on MTV, and has received widespread support from Triple J, Nova FM, FBi Radio and other community radio stations across the country.
Now at 23 years of age, Bertie is growing and developing both as a musician and as a young woman. Two years since the release of Headway, Bertie will release her highly anticipated second album Black in September, through Morph Music.
Walking in the footsteps of iconic female artists such as Bjork, Blondie, PJ Harvey, Patti Smith and Chrissie Amphlett, Black is a raw, soulful and seductive sophomore release from Bertie Blackman. Black was produced by ARIA award winner Paul McKercher (You Am I, Eskimo Joe, Augie March), and is the next taste in Berties evolution on electric guitar.
"Shes the most exciting and uniquely talented young singer/songwriter in Australia right now"
Zolton Zavos, Yen Magazine
"Australia has always had a love affair with powerful women performs and right now one of the most impressive is Bertie Blackman. Thanks to a solid touring schedule, a clutch of killer songs and a voice to die for, she has carved out a reputation as one of our finest talents"
Rolling Stone Australia April 06
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