Tripping through the 70s

A CAREER put on hold for motherhood has become a second life resurgence for Lennox Head-based singer and one-half of the vocal duo fronting Alive in the 70s, Cathy Levins-Byers (Mama Cath).

The band’s show, A Trip Through the 70s, brings rock, pop, disco, and seventies grooves to the Byron Theatre in an immersive showcase of the best music of the era on January 17.

“I was a professional singer until my late 20s, and then I magically had babies,” the singer said.

“It wasn’t the plan, I was heading off to New York, to Broadway, but I had my beautiful twin girls and changed my direction because, well, it was the adulting thing to do.

“I always said I’d be in a band again when I’m in my 50s, and I had no idea how.

“As it happened, I helped someone out with some BVs for an album launch, and the bass player tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘Hey, we’re looking for a female vocalist,’ and that’s how it started, the second time round.”

The 70s show was joyous, the artist said, and flares, platforms, and sequins were de rigeur.

Classics from ABBA and Fleetwood Mac to Sherbet, The Bee Gees, Gloria Gaynor and more are all delivered with authenticity and energy from the seasoned six-piece.

“Besides the look and the costumes, we just try and be as authentic as we can, including the guitar sounds and the pedals,” Levins-Byers said.

“So rather than just covering the songs, we are trying to simulate that sound completely.

“The minute I walk on stage in costumes, and women from 45 up see me up there, absolutely owning it and having a ball, and you just see all their inhibitions drop away.

“For a lot of the songs of that era, they were dancing or singing to them at their school formals or clubs, when we were vibrant and young, and it all comes back to them, and they dance all night.”

In a live music market rich with tribute acts, Levins-Byers said her approach in finding authenticity was to seek out live versions of performances rather than studio recordings.

“With artists like Gloria Gaynor or Donna Summer, I’ll find a live performance version on YouTube,” she said.

“I’m not trying to copy them, but I am trying to get the essence of the song, and I want to see it outside the controlled studio environment.

“Earth, Wind and Fire just blow me away when they’re live. The 1970s had some fantastic bands, and that’s why they cut through.

“Coming out of the revolution of the 60s, the 70s were interesting because of the number of different music expressions that came from that, as well as sparkly costumes. I mean, even Jagger picked up on sequins.”

The artist’s daughters are also creatives, and one occasionally joins her onstage.

“We have an interesting blend of audience because we have those that were ‘alive in the 70s’ like us, and I see 24-year-olds just losing it on the dance floor, knowing every word,” she said.

“It’s more than just a concert; it’s a time machine. We want people just to let loose, and relive the joy of the 70s, or discover it for the first time.”

For tickets, visit byron.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/156408