Kate Ceberano | Long Play Series

Kate Ceberano is one of Australia’s most iconic and beloved artists. Bursting onto the scene as a teenager in the 1980s funk/pop fusion band, I’m Talking, Ceberano led the band to prominence with hits like ‘Trust Me’, ‘Holy Word’ and ‘Do You Wanna Be’.
Her debut album, Brave (1990), further heralded her vocal versatility and star power, spawning four Top 40 hits including ‘Young Boys Are My Weakness’ and ‘Bedroom Eyes’ and eventually going on to be certified triple platinum.
With a more than 20 albums to her name, Ceberano has been free to explore a range of musical influences and experiment with various styles including jazz, soul, pop and cabaret. Winner of four ARIA awards and multiple nominations and accolades, she has also appeared on film, television and stage, most notably as Mary Magdalene in the 1992 stage musical Jesus Christ Superstar alongside John Farnham and Jon Stevens.
In 2014, Ceberano became the first woman to be inducted into the Australian Songwriters Association Hall of Fame, and in 2016 she was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her services to the performing arts.
Ceberano’s artistic and cultural contribution extends beyond her music using her platform to advocate for important social issues and charitable causes including the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
In this interview with Jane Gazzo, Kate reminisces about the music scene in the 1980s, performing at the World Music Awards alongside Prince, Sting and Grace Jones, and evaluates her place in the ever-changing musical landscape.
Interviewer: Jane Gazzo
Location: Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, 2023