Little Whisky big on the spirit of folk

The three proud Albany girls that make up contemporary-folk band Little Whisky are bringing their soulful harmonies back to town next Thursday when they perform as part of the Harbourside Concert series.

With inspiration from the likes of Little May and First Aid Kit, the now Perth-based Molly Schmidt, Ella Vervest and Sophie Vasiliu are excited to share an entirely original set with their hometown.

The audience can expect an impressive range of musical instruments including mandolin, guitar, keys, violin and ukulele, but Vervest noted the strength of the vocal harmonies the friends shared.

“I really enjoy performing our vocal-driven songs,” she said. “It’s nice to let go of our instruments and just sing — focusing on the lyrics and harmonies.”

Vervest said she had seen the success of the concert series first-hand — her father Rod Vervest programs the series and she has performed in it once before.

“The headlining act on the 29th is Lucy Peach, the WAM Award winner for best folk artist in 2017 and we are honoured to be placed on a line-up with such a renowned artist,” she said.

Little Whisky performed at Fairbridge Festival earlier this year and although they have not recorded any tracks yet, it is on the cards with their university obligations drawing to an end.

Schmidt said the trio did not forget where they came from.

“I’d love to headline a festival one day, but I also really love the small, backyard gigs where you can connect with the whole audience, people on beanbags and picnic chairs drinking chai and smiling at us ... I’d always like to keep doing gigs like that, she said.

For now, you can catch Little Whisky at Albany Entertainment Centre on June 29.

The Harbourside Concert series runs every Thursday until July 27 with tickets available on the Albany Entertainment Centre website.