Feeling Good
Calling in from Cairns, a world away from the relative winter chill of Brisbane, Chocolate Strings vocalist/ guitarist Ofa Fanaika has settled into a bright patch of sun - a great way to spend a morning.

“We've come up to Cairns to play Kuranda Roots and it's lovely up here,” Ofa says. The Brisbane collective - Ofa, Alex Skinner (guitar/vocals), Kasper Skou (drums), Dave Gofton (bass), Matty C (percussion), Nikkie McJungles (backing vocals), Nia Falekakale (backing vocals) and Josh Appleby (saxophone) - will be heading back to Brisbane soon, just in time to headline a gig at the Globe Theatre.

Along for the ride on the night will be friends of the band, hip hoppers Omni Anti, Melbourne's Sol Nation and trip-hop stylists The Ark Room.

“There will be a lot of different music on show,” Ofa says. “We decided to have the show and ask our friends to get on and have a show that was different - a real variety show with music for all tastes.”

The group released their debut album, 'Carnival', late last year, and while it has only been a few months since it came out into the world, writing and recording has begun on a follow-up.

One track that is already getting a spin on radio is 'Blood On The Drum', featuring fellow Brisbane artist Sunny Dread on vocals, with production by Paulie B, of The Beautiful Girls fame.

While not all of the new tracks have been completed in the studio, Ofa says people who go to the show can expect quite a few new songs on the bill.

“For this set we will play a lot of songs from 'Carnival', but we have written a lot of new songs,” she says. “We have an EP coming out in a few months. We have a lot of new songs in the pipeline, so we will be playing a few new tracks as well as the old favourites.”

While they are similar to many bands in that playing live is the highlight, Ofa reveals that they are quite unique for the simple fact that there is usually no set list taken on to the stage.   

“We love playing; we are better live - different to the records. We get there to the show and then decide what we are going to play. We go off the crowd and what's feeling good.”

Chocolate Strings play the Globe Theatre on July 25 with Omni Anti, Sol Nation and the Ark Room. Their album 'Carnival' is available through MusicPlug.