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Writer's pictureNoel Mifsud

Tash Sultana: A Musical Journey from Melbourne’s Streets to Global Stardom

Tash Sultana, born on June 15, 1995, in Melbourne, Australia, has become a distinctive and powerful voice in the global music scene. As a gender-fluid, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and music producer, Sultana is often described as a "one-person band," a fitting label for an artist who creates, performs, and produces all of their music single-handedly. With roots stretching back to Malta through their father's side, Sultana’s journey from busking on the streets of Melbourne to international acclaim is a story of relentless passion, raw talent, and a refusal to conform.


Early Life and Maltese Heritage


An Australian of Maltese ancestry on their father's side, Sultana was born and raised in Melbourne, where their musical journey began early. At the age of three, they received a guitar from their grandfather—a gift that would become a cornerstone in their life and career. This early introduction to music set the stage for Sultana’s deep and lifelong connection to the guitar, which has remained central to their artistry.


By the age of 13, Sultana was already performing at open mic nights across Victoria, sometimes as many as six times a week. Their early exposure to Melbourne's vibrant live music scene, combined with their innate musical talent, helped Sultana hone their craft at a young age. Despite these early successes, Sultana struggled to find regular work due to their refusal to conform to social norms, leading them to busking on the streets of Melbourne—a decision that would prove pivotal in their career.


The Breakthrough: "Jungle" and Notion


In 2016, Sultana’s career took a meteoric turn with the release of their single "Jungle." A video of the track shared on social media quickly went viral, amassing over one million views within five days and catapulting Sultana into the spotlight. The song’s raw energy and Sultana’s unique, layered performance style resonated deeply with listeners, and "Jungle" was voted into third place in Triple J's Hottest 100 countdown of 2016. This success was a precursor to the release of their EP Notion, which showcased Sultana’s remarkable range as a multi-instrumentalist and their ability to weave complex sonic tapestries.


Notion was released in September 2016 through Sultana’s own independent label, Lonely Lands Records. The EP’s success was immediate, reaching number 8 on the ARIA Album Chart and leading to a sold-out world tour in early 2017. During this period, Sultana continued to perform at major festivals, including the Woodford Folk Festival and St Jerome's Laneway Festival, further cementing their status as a rising star in the global music scene.


North American tour 2024 poster

A True One-Person Band


Sultana's reputation as a "one-person band" is not just a moniker; it is a testament to their incredible skill set. Sultana plays a wide array of instruments, including guitar, keyboard, bass, percussion, trumpet, saxophone, flute, mandolin, oud, harmonica, and more. Their performances often involve live looping, where they layer these instruments to create rich, multi-faceted soundscapes in real-time. Their guitar playing, characterized by percussive finger-tapping and intricate melodies, has become a signature element of their music.


Sultana’s vocal abilities are equally impressive, with a reported range stretching across five octaves. This versatility allows them to experiment with different vocal styles, from delicate falsettos to powerful, soulful expressions, adding another layer of depth to their already complex compositions.


International Acclaim and Flow State


The release of Sultana's debut album Flow State in 2018 marked another significant milestone in their career. The album quickly became Gold certified, with singles like "Mystik" and "Murder to the Mind" achieving Platinum and Gold status. Flow State showcased Sultana’s ability to blend genres seamlessly, drawing from rock, reggae, blues, and electronic influences to create a sound that is uniquely their own. The album’s success propelled Sultana onto the international stage, with performances at major festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo.


In 2019 alone, Sultana sold over 500,000 concert tickets worldwide, further solidifying their status as a global phenomenon. Their live performances, characterized by their incredible musicianship and dynamic stage presence, have garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.


Terra Firma and Continued Evolution


Sultana’s second album, Terra Firma, released in 2021, continued to build on the success of Flow State. The album was written and recorded over nearly two years, with Sultana leading the entire process—recording, engineering, performing, arranging, and producing every track. For the first time, however, Sultana brought in collaborators like Matt Corby, Dann Hume, Jerome Farah, and Josh Cashman to co-write some of the tracks. Terra Firma was praised for its raw and reflective songwriting, as well as its ambitious musical arrangements, showcasing Sultana’s continued growth as an artist.


A New Era in 2023


As 2023 unfolds, Sultana continues to push the boundaries of their music. With the release of new singles like "James Dean" and "Bitter Lovers," Sultana has ushered in a new era of creativity, one that promises to further expand their already extensive catalog. Their ability to continuously evolve while staying true to their unique artistic vision is a testament to their enduring appeal and immense talent.


Legacy and Impact


Since breaking into the Australian music scene more than a decade ago, Tash Sultana has been nothing short of a musical force. Their journey from busking on Melbourne’s Bourke Street to selling out arenas around the world is a story of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to their craft. With billions of streams, numerous awards, and countless sold-out shows, Sultana has established themselves as one of the most innovative and influential artists of their generation.


Tash Sultana’s story is not just one of musical success; it is a testament to the power of staying true to oneself and the impact that can have on the world. From their Maltese roots to the global stage, Sultana continues to inspire and connect with audiences around the world, one note at a time.

 

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