Australian singer-songwriter Azure Ryder has released her version of Nina Simone’s 1965 hit Feeling Good in partnership with Destination NSW, to coincide with the launch of its Sydney tourism campaign, Feel New. Northern Beaches raised singer-songwriter Azure Ryder burst onto the music scene in early 2020 with the release of her debut EP Running with the Wolves. Her debut single Dizzy and single Some Kind of Love both peaked as the most played track on Australia’s triple j.
Sydney has such a multicultural food scene, where are your favourite places to eat?
There is a little place in the CBD called Bodhi and it is such amazingly delicious food. Its pan-Asian cuisine and the setting is stunning, it’s surrounded by ancient fig trees and fairy lights and it’s so beautiful.
What is your favourite beach to escape to?
There’s a beach between Mona Vale and Newport called Bungan Beach. It’s a bit hidden and that’s what I like about it most – there’s almost no one there and it’s beautiful and secluded. The Northern Beaches has the most spectacular beaches.
Where’s your favourite getaway destination in NSW to relax, reconnect and re-energise you?
Before COVID I loved going to the Blue Mountains. Mountains are my absolute favourite, they are such a reflection of life and the rises and falls we go through and that we have within ourselves. To be able to have that environment so close to Sydney is very mystical and I love it.
There’s one Airbnb in the Blue Mountains set in a cave and it’s absolutely stunning. I was supposed to do some filming there but didn’t get to it, so I would love to go back.
Where’s the best place to stop and take in the view in NSW?
Narrabeen Lagoon Trail is a beautiful walk it takes about a two-hour leisurely walk. You can do parts of the walk and stop along the way, it’s really for everyone. Any time of the day, no matter which you walk it, you’ll see something different. i
What are you looking forward to doing most in Sydney this summer? Soaking in some sun! Everything is opening up so I’m looking forward to catching up with people face-to-face which really inspires my writing.
We are so lucky in Sydney to have our natural landscapes, the energy of the city and the culture it brings.
I really loved this Feel New campaign because it connects nature, which for me was my best friend growing up, and which is where I have learnt to be and to feel. This campaign is about encouraging people to feel every aspect of themselves in all types of situations and experiences and it has been really super special to be a part of it.
Listen to Azure Ryder’s Feeling Good soundtrack on Spotify and see the teaser video on Instagram.
