Fast Five Questions with Keira Daley about Slapdash Song Night!

The next Slapdash Song Night! - motto “Singy-sing, talky-talk, drinky-drink!” - is on Friday June 5, at Ginger’s, upstairs at The Oxford Hotel, 1/132 Oxford St, Darlinghurst.

Guests on June 5 include Shondelle Pratt, ukulele-wielding comedian Jim Fishwick, singer-songwriter Courtney Powell, and the cast of Squabbalogic's upcoming Australian premiere of Triassic Parq.

Host and producer Keira Daley answers out questions about this Sydney-based musical comedy variety show and podcast.

What is Slapdash Song Night! and why does it have an exclamation mark?

It’s a monthly show and podcast that’s a mix of songs, chat, guest acts and recurring segments, and each show has its own theme. So far we’ve had musical theatre and cabaret, singer-songwriters from at least a dozen genres, comedians, acapela acts, a choir doing a 90s classic, an assortment of Slapdash incarnations of “famous” characters... And you’ll hear a swag of instruments from keys to kazoo via tuba and accordion. Oh and in Perth we had some liquid nitrogen explosions set to a tune. We’re presenting music in as many contexts as possible because music is awesome and it makes everything better – hence the exclamation mark.

Why should I come to Slapdash?

1)     It’s always fun

2)     It’s always different

3)     It’s cheaper than a movie, but still in 3D

4)     It’s easy to get to

5)     You’re indecisive – eliminate the burden of choice with Slapdash, which is (at least) four shows in one

6)     You just got Netflix and REALLY need to leave the house

7)     You’re a spy and need a cover – Slapdash is espionage free (sans you, of course)

Why shouldn’t I come to Slapdash?

1)     You hate music

2)     You hate fun

3)     You live far away. Good news! You can subscribe to the podcast on an internet near you.

4)     You’re a spy and need a cover (sorry I blew it)

Why are you doing this ridiculous show?

The truth is, I wanted something to push me to create new work at a faster rate. The key thing is having deadlines – and not just ones you set for yourself and, in a pure and saint-like manner, adhere to. No. Public humiliation has to be a real and terrifying possibility, as does public praise, and all else in between. What better way than to say “Hey world, I’m putting together an entirely new show every month”? It’s not just forcing me to create new work, either – I’ve managed to share the love (or pain) with many other artists, forcing them to write new songs that they may or may not finish the afternoon of the show. It’s also giving us all a place to try out new stuff and promote our established stuff, while doing our damnedest to entertain. It’s one big creative party and I hope you’ll join us. Even if you are a spy.

Who’s your dream guest?

Obviously, it would be Amy Poehler doing a rap song. C’mon.

Bookings: Eventbrite

Info: www.slapdashsongnight.com