Broad 2005 was the first Broad and firsts are always special. I had no real idea what it could be until the 5 of us hit the stage for our debut performance at The Ath. The intensity of the work leading up to that opening show, which revolved largely around production details, didn’t allow me the space to project what the beast might look like once we had tamed it onto the stage - it was unexpectedly (and thankfully) magical.

Clare, what a glorious songwriter you are and did I mention intensely charismatic performer. Your songs were lodged in my head from the first listen and they’re still there. I hadn’t worked with or met Clare before Broad, but she’s such a warm person that our being strangers lasted a mere beat.

Ruby you gave weight to the name Broad. Your voice, experiences, background and struggle to become the leading female exponent of black Australia’s musical heritage was an inspiration not just to the auditorium but to all of us on stage as well.

Katie you are a musician’s musician, the glue that held us all together with an effortless sense of harmony and unerring good taste of where to put it. It was a joy to hear your exquisite voice every night, soaring to notes that never failed to make the hairs on my arms stand on end.

Sara you’re a gorgeous surprise package, quiet and unassuming offstage; onstage, you had us pissing ourselves every night. I love that simple yet deceptive guitar playing and those haunting songs, which have such a piercing truth to them.

Thanks again Broadies for taking the plunge with me on our maiden voyage- long may we all sail away into the sunset.

Cheers

Deborah Conway