Speaking as she was honoured on the inaugural ARIA Hall of Fame walk at The Star in Sydney, Tina, now 48, implored fans to embrace “our beautiful artistic community”.
Although her new album Eleven is battling Elvis Presley for the number one spot on the charts, Tina believes Australia still doesn’t back local artists like it should.
“I am so tired of it, feeling that sense of ‘am I equal to the rest of the global artistic community? And you know what? Yes we are!”, says Tina, who will be inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame during the annual Australian music awards on November 26.
You only have to look at the ARIA charts this week to see that Tina has a point – there are only eight Australian singles in the top 50 and 13 local records on the top 50 album chart, including greatest hits compilations by INXS and Cold Chisel.
Tina is proud that Eleven is predominatley a homegrown album.
“I want to be celebrated because it deserves to be. I never forget where I came from.”
Tina says her new album is a direct reflection of her newfound outlook and new phase in her life.
“I just feel a greater sense of balance and a greater sense of control.”
Meanwhile, ARIA CEO Dan Rosen also revealed the performers for this year’s ARIA awards, with Conrad Sewell, Flight Facilities, Hermitude, Jarryd James, Jessica Mauboy, Nathaniel, Peking Duk, The Veronicas and Vance Joy securing the coveted spots on the Ten telecast.
The most nominated artist Courtney Barnett, can’t perform as she will be on a sold-out tour of Europe.
Speculation is growing that Ed Sheeran may play ahead of his tour on November 28.
Photo credit: Michael Theodoridis from Cyclone Imaging
