pakana artist DENNI talks new music and Tassie team-ups

With artists unable to tour or perform many are taking the down time as a chance to create new music, like DENNI, whose new tracks cover everything from racism to love and loss.

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WITH touring and performing off the cards for the foreseeable future, it’s a tough time to be in the music industry — but many artists are taking the opportunity to get creative.

Tasmanian musician and pakana woman Denni Proctor — aka DENNI — spent lockdown in Brisbane working on new music.

The result was her latest release, Runaways, which came out on August 28.

“It’s really about an artist finding love while chasing their passion,” she said.

Teaming up on the track was fellow Tasmanian MC Greeley, who will also feature on more tracks of her six-track EP set to be released in October.

“I’m really excited to share this body of work, it was definitely informed by the single

Runaways,” she said.

“It’s something I am really proud of because I wasn’t afraid to speak on topics that are really relevant for me, it’s definitely the most honest I’ve written yet.

“I speak on racial issues, love and loss, identity, domestic violence and strength in sharing your story.

“With such big themes in my writing big beats seemed like the right way to carry these complex emotions with a little hip swing.”

pakana artist DENNI, who just released her new single Runaways, with Tasmanian MC Greeley. Picture: Jesse Higgs

She said as a collaborative artist, joining forces with others was at the heart of what she does.

“We have such a thriving music scene in Tasmania and I love showcasing that in my work,” she said.

“Working with Greeley has been really inspiring. He has such a wide knowledge when it comes to hip hop and bringing people together.”

The EP will be released on new Tasmanian record label Vibestown Sounds.

DENNI said she had worked with Vibestown for more than five years as cultural liaison to the beloved Party in the Paddock Festival, and also as an artist.

“Creative director of the company Jesse Higgs and I have been childhood friends for over 20 years,” she said.

“He has been a big impact in my life and musical journey, so when they decided to finish Party in the Paddock and move into a new era for the company it made a lot of sense to continue on the journey with the team.

“I’m pretty humbled to be a part of this exciting chapter with them.”

She said the pandemic had made things difficult, but artists adapted with the times.

“It’s been difficult sure because live performance is at the heart of what I do, and I suppose more time to create and refine has been a blessing in disguise instead of worrying about what I’m going to wear on stage,” she said.

“It hasn’t stopped me making music you can move to though, it might just have to be in the bedroom or backyard for now.”

She said growing up as a Tasmanian Aboriginal woman in dual communities really shaped who she was, and the issues and themes she wrote about in her music.

“It’s getting easier — the more I write about my story, I am able to get deeper into the true inspiration and motivation behind why I do what I do as a woman and pakana artist and activist,” she said.

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