Bertie Blackman www.bertieblackman.com.au
Bertie Blackman is a prolific critically acclaimed singer and songwriter of some of the most exciting and dynamic guitar driven music in Australia today. Born into an excentric artistic family, Bertie’s earlier expressions were visual, but she soon discovered that playing music would become her raison d’être. Bertie’s debonair yet passionate live performances are as thrilling and engrossing as her song-writing and strong cultivated voice. On stage in front of an audience is where she is most at home and it is no surprise that Bertie’s live shows consistently sell out.
For a young independent artist Bertie has already amassed impressive recognition for her talents. She has collaborated with major local recording artists, written music for Australian films, performed live on MTV, received heavy rotation on National Youth Radio network Triple J, on Nova FM and on FBi Radio. Recently, an entire set of Bertie’s music was recorded for a forthcoming live segment on Triple J’s showcase Australian music programme “Home and Hosed”.
‘Favourite Jeans’ the breakthrough single from her debut album ‘Headway’, entered the independent AIR Single Charts the week following its release in February 2004 where it remained for an astonishing run of 29 weeks rarely placing out of the Top 10.
Her interim release, a five track EP entitled ‘You Kill Me’ was inspired by the energy that always flows at her shows. It provides includes live versions of songs from Headway as well as a taste of Bertie’s evolution from acoustic to electric guitar. ‘You Kill Me’, the single, is currently following similar radio airplay trends as her previous releases. ‘You Kill Me’, is uninhibited yet eloquent, exposing the undeniable talent of this young artist as she continues to grow and develops both as a musician and as a woman.
“Bertie’s conversations are fearsomely honest-like the admission of overwhelming desire of the lead track-but come with some dash and jazzy angles in the music which maybe make her worthy of the fervent cult she seems to be building.” Ross Clelland Drum Media 7 June 2005
Her follow up, the current Single “Television” is inspired from her explorations in big cities & contains her trademark raw and honest elements and continues Bertie’s evolution from acoustic to electric rock guitar. Influenced by iconic female artists such as Patti Smith, PJ Harvey & Blondie this is her most assured & sincere work to date. With typical frankness Bertie faces the pain and explores the illusions of love in a pop saturated culture.
“She’s the most exciting and uniquely talented young singer/songwriter in Australia right now.” Zolton Zavos, Yen Magazine, April-May 2005