WHEN it comes to local talent at FOKI 2023, it doesn’t get more local than born and bred King Islander Diana de Rooy.
From performing at the local clubs as a teenager, Bi de Way features Diana singing front and centre, performing songs with, and written by, keyboardist Phil Smith. Diana’s musical journey began when singing with the local King Island band High Tide, in the 70s.
“I played with them for a couple of years and we didn’t have the luxury of electronic music. I had to write all the music down by hand and listen to tapes to get the words to sing,” she sad. Phil started songwriting when he moved to King Island, playing keyboard with the band 40 Degrees South.
But when their singer/ songwriter moved overseas a few years ago, Phil needed a singer for his own songs. A chance meeting at Parenna Place, King Island’s own recording studio, brought Diana and Phil together, and Flickin’ The Switch was formed. Since moving to Launceston, Diana and Phil have picked up drummer Duncan, and bass player Oliver and their influences have helped evolve the music.
The new name, Bi de Way, reflects the new location and new band members. When Phil started playing keyboard again, he went into a song writing frenzy, describing his style as electronic/folk. The keyboard provides smooth, moody undertones and Diana’s deep, silky voice is a perfect match. He uses personal experiences as inspiration for his songs, while Covid gave him a lot of time to reflect.
“It’s just music that goes with the mood,” he said. Listening to their single Whale out of Water, you’ll hear a variety of instrumentation from guitar to pan pipes. Diana has performed at previous FOKIs, as has Phil.
“The last time I played at FOKI, I had Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes) jump on board,” he said. “ I think we did a fantastic job at that festival. Hopefully we’ll be able to produce the same quality at FOKI 2023.”