De Gaye’s ‘baddest show yet’

A fusion of R&B, reggae, rock, pop, and funk will be filling the Kimberley air at Divers Tavern on April 14.

Perth-basedmulti-instrumentalist Jacob De Gaye, formerly known as Phoenix King, is set to rock Broome once again with his “biggest, baddest show yet”.

In his third venture to Broome, De Gaye will be showcasing his unique style in the lead-up to his upcoming debut album.

De Gaye said he loved Broome and its people and is excited to return.

“It is always such a pleasure (to visit Broome) because I am a very outdoor-adventure kind of person when I am not playing music,” he said.

“My friends, the Flowers family and the Bennet family, have shown me some incredible places the last few times I have been there.

“Broome is a very peaceful place and always inspires me to write new music.”

De Gaye said he is also excited to be playing multiple instruments this time around, which was something he had always wanted to do.

“I have been putting a lot of work into myself as an artist, a lot of emphasis on doing what I want to do as an artist and not being afraid to put on a show that I have always wanted to put on,” he said.

“I will also be putting a lot more new original songs into the show so people can expect to be rocking all night.”

When it came to his former persona of Phoenix King, De Gaye said he decided to change to his real name due to going through a “huge change” in his life over the last year. “Spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally I have really centred myself and no longer feel connected to a stage name,” he said.

“I feel that I am coming from a genuine, authentic place in my music and performance now where I am the same person on and off the stage.

“The only difference on the stage is the side of myself that puts on a show comes out and I love it.”

De Gaye also said his debut album, expected to be released later this year, will be a showcase of his style of music, which will be on display at Divers.

“I have recently changed the way I describe my music to ‘non-genre based’ because I have completely stopped trying to fit into a mould and stopped judging the music that comes out of my spirit,” he said.

“Some songs are rock-sounding, with heavy emphasis on guitar solos and soaring vocals where other tracks are reggae with funky drums and tasty instrumentation and percussive vocals.”

“The most prominent theme of the album will be how I am feeling in my life right now and a commentary on the current world condition.”

“There may even be a ballad on the album, but I guess you will have to wait to find out.”