About
Penny
Ikinger
Penny Ikinger is a renowned rock ace hailing from Australia. Rarely seen without her iconic guitar, the Pennycaster, and with an impressive career spanning several decades, Penny has been a formidable force in the music industry. Penny has had a truly captivating effect amongst her fans and contemporaries alike, and she returns more entrancing than ever with her new album ‘Travels and Travails’.
introducing
Penny Ikinger’s raw talent has taken her on a global journey, winning over audiences in Japan, the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Her international tours have garnered a legion of devoted fans, and even the toughest of critics have been won over by her undeniable talent. Penny’s passion for music and electrifying performances have allowed her to captivate audiences around the world, making her a truly remarkable artist. She is also a Director on the Board of Music Victoria, the peak body for contemporary music.
“All woman and all business – the Australian singer-guitarist – a graduate of the Radio Birdman school of axe warfare – unveils a fetching line of balladry here: black-hearted folk song draped in fuzz, topped with a dark baby-doll whisper…imagine Nico channelling Sandy Denny in front of Blue Oyster Cult – and you’re close.” -David Fricke, Senior Editor, Rolling Stone (USA)
Penny was a pioneering female electric guitarist in Australia. She began her musical journey as a guitarist in Wet Taxis, alongside Louis Tillett. Since then, she has collaborated with an eclectic range of musicians in Australia, including the likes of Deniz Tek (Radio Birdman), Kim Salmon, Sacred Cowboys, Charlie Owen, Dave Graney, Clare Moore, and overseas with Dimi Dero (France), Vinz Guilluy (France), Masami Kawaguchi (Japan) and Donovan’s Brain (USA). She was also handpicked for two Australian tours with American guitar legend Adrian Belew.
Penny Ikinger’s latest album, ‘Travels and Travails’, was released as part of Record Store Day 2023 by Off The Hip Records. Penny’s experiences, as well as the obstacles and tribulations of being an artist, inspired this mesmerising new body of work covering 20 years of her enthralling career.
The new album is an explorative and raw documentation, and celebration, of Penny’s collaborations with artists from France, Australia, Japan, and the United States. It includes both live and studio recordings, some of which are previously unheard, deep-cut tracks, whilst others are reworkings of songs from her earlier works.
“Toe-nail polish and noise guitar. Sexy silvery sandals and breathy, twisting and turning vocals. I bet they stare at her guitar and worship at her feet back in her native Australia…”
Sally Green, Mohair Sweets (USA)
History
In 2003, Penny bravely decided to embark on her solo career, taking a leap of faith into the music industry. Her debut album, ‘Electra’, received widespread critical acclaim and made its way onto top ten lists all around the globe. Released by Career Records in the USA and Bang!
Records in Spain, the album truly made its mark. Penny’s music was also the subject of a documentary, entitled ‘Electra: The Music of Penny Ikinger‘ (Burlesque Productions). The film featured an interview with Penny, conducted by none other than Chrissy Amphlett of Divinyls. The documentary went on to become a finalist in the 2007 St Kilda Film Festival, held in Melbourne, Australia
‘Penelope’, Penny’s second album, released under Citadel Records in Australia, showcased her continuously evolving style that combines post-punk aggressiveness with experimental 70s guitar riffs. Notably, the album boasts collaborations with some of Australia’s most beloved rock musicians, including famed Radio Birdman guitarist Deniz Tek, Ron Peno, Charlie Owen, Mark Ferrie, Dave Graney and Clare Moore, further attesting to Penny’s musical prowess.
Recorded in its namesake city, ‘Tokyo’ was Penny’s highly anticipated 2018 album, featuring a returning collaboration with Deniz Tek, as songwriter and guitarist. The album was produced by Penny Ikinger with renowned Tokyo based producer, musician, and music journalist, Gaku Torii. The album flawlessly blended Penny’s distinct style with the talents of three Tokyo psychedelic rock luminaries – musicians Masami Kawaguchi, Louis Inage, and Keiichi Sakai. This unique artistic collaboration, made possible with the generous support of the Australia-Japan Foundation, brought together diverse music scenes and was released through both Kerosene Records (Japan) and Off The Hip Records (Australia). The album represents a rare and exciting fusion of Penny’s unique sound and the innovative musicianship of Tokyo’s psychedelic rock icons.
“Ikinger is possessed of far-reaching songwriting talents. …with white-noise cacophonies of guitar counterpointed by the compelling coo of her voice, each song comes on like a…siren’s call from the depths” Sophie Best, The Age, (Australia)
Penny’s remarkable ability as a guitarist and singer-songwriter takes centre stage once again with ’Travels and Travails’, as she dazzles listeners and bewitches fans with her inherent command of the alternative sonic realm. Penny’s new album is guaranteed to resonate with her fans with its captivating melodies and impassioned lyrics, confirming her place as a true rock star.