Photo: Dave Cheng
Rosie Catalano is a Sydney-based chanteuse whose lyrics balance bittersweet nostalgia with playful humour to create vivid, cinematic songs. An avid film buff, she's a regular at Possible Worlds. In 2008, she even won our travel competition, embarking on an incredible holiday across Canada!
On Tuesday 3rd August she will be performing at the Sydney premiere of MIGHTY UKE, in the Seymour Centre's Sound Lounge.
This hip and snappy documentary travels the world to discover why so many musicians are turning to the ukulele to express themselves and connect with each other. From the Redwoods of California to the gritty streets of New York, from swinging London to Tokyo’s highrise canyons, this is the unlikely story of a mighty musical comeback. Here's the trailer:
We asked Rosie about her Uke.
Ukuleles are rather deceptive because they look so cute and fun, yet for me they were an absolute challenge to start playing because I'm so used to guitars - I had to rewire my brain in order to play the chords properly. They're great little things to whip out at parties though. They're so cheap and bright and portable that even if you're hopeless at playing it guarantees a fun singalong session with your friends.
Who are your ukulele hero?
I'd have to say that the ultimate ukulele God is Jake Shimabukuro. If you don't know of him I suggest you check out his cover of While My Guitar Gently Weeps. It will blow your mind!
I was inspired to play at Possible Worlds after seeing Amanda Palmer play her ukulele ninja gig on the steps of the opera house. There's something so much less pretentious about someone whipping out a uke as opposed to a guitar or piano, and it felt like a real bonding session. I think it's one of those instruments where you see someone having fun playing it and you think, "hey, I could do that!".
Are you excited about seeing Mighty Uke?
I've written a song on the uke especially for the Canadian Film Festival. It's incredibly silly and is based on a trip to Canada that I went on last year, and I'm really hoping any uke maestros in the audience don't judge me too harshly! I have never really been involved in any ukulele groups or communities so I'm looking forward to seeing the Mighty Uke and learning more about the whole subculture. I'm sure it'll be fascinating and intimidating.
Find out abour Rosie's quest to raise funds for her debut EP and listen to her music on MySpace.
Mighty Uke screens Tuesday 3rd August at 6:30pm in the Seymour Centre's Sound Lounge. Join us for free drinks, Rosie's performance and Ukulele displays from Gladesville Guitar Factory. To book tickets, click here.