This month’s Independent Play features Sydney’s own soul poet par excellence imbi the girl. Flanked by their saxophonist Teleah Riordan, imbi delivers an uplifting rendition of latest single ‘i used to’ before sitting down with us for a chinwag.

Since taking out Independent Artist of the Week last year on the strength of breakthrough single ‘swell’, imbi the girl has been out there building a rep as a powerful and inclusive performer. Their resume boasts sets at St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, BIGSOUND, Groovin the Moo, as well as supports for Sampa The Great, Odette, FKJ and Horrorshow. And they brought the full weight of this fresh experience to bear on ‘i used to’ live at the FBi Radio studio.

‘i used to’ recognises the confusion that inevitably afflicts modern life, the acceptance of this inevitability and the recommitment to clarity and receptivity in the face of it. imbi’s vocal is soulful and affecting, and it’s clear that generosity of performance is a big part of their ethic. The song is built up from a foundation of heavy kicks and snares and a round slow-moving bassline, coloured by erratic percussion and spectral guitars swirling right to left. In place of SUPEREGO’s guest verse is Riordan’s sax, and it’s the perfect complement to the song’s air of ambivalence and contemplation.

Independent Play is presented by Young Henrys.

Cameras: Ivan Lentell, Steven Lattuca and Chris Brun
Edit: Ivan Lentell
Audio recording: Harvey O’Sullivan

Check back every month for the latest instalment of Independent Play, thanks to Young Henrys.