By Casey Neill
Ella Hooper is headed for Marysville’s Gaytimes Festival.
The Killing Heidi front woman told the Mail that attendees at the two-day queer extravaganza could expect a selection of her solo tracks.
“It’s time for Ella. I keep them separate,” she said when asked if any Killing Heidi tunes would make the set list.
“It’s a slightly different vibe.
“It’s still high-energy. It’s definitely something fans of Killing Heidi do like.”
She said crowds could expect “colourful retro rock” with Fleetwood Mac and Divinyls vibes.
“It’s a good show. I’ve got a smoking-hot band,” Ella said.
“We throw in a few covers as well.”
Gaytimes’ return to Lake Mountain from 15 to 17 February marks its fourth iteration.
“I’m stoked to be there. I’ve got some really good friends on the line-up,” Ella said.
“That demographic has always been really into my music.
“I’ve grown up in a really forward-thinking, liberal household and had many gay friends and neighbours.
“I see myself as an ally, even though I’m not gay myself.”
Gaytimes will also feature yoga, workshops, fun and games, camping, glamping, cocktail bars, speciality coffee, food trucks and more – and it’s BYO.
When Ella spoke to the Mail, she was on the Gold Coast and days away from finding out if she’d be headed for Israel to represent Australia at Eurovision.
The public vote was to take place on 9 February. Kate Miller-Heidke won the poll with her performance of her song Zero Gravity.
“It is very different for me,” Ella said of the experience.
“SBS tapped me on the shoulder and said ‘we have an amazing song, we want a rock chick, we want a powerful woman to get up and do her rocking thing’.”
She sang Data Dust, written by 24-year-old composer Alice Chance.
Ella said singing someone else’s song was definitely adjustment, but had an element of fun.
“You can play a role a bit more. It stretches you in a different way,” she said.
“It makes you more of a performer.
“I do really love the lyrics though. I wouldn’t have sung it if I didn’t back the song.”
