This week on Breaking Waves, Shai and Geoff welcome acclaimed Australian vocalist Dale Caldwell for a wide-ranging conversation about music, creativity and the lifelong journey of becoming an artist.

As one of the founding members of Close to Forever, Dale reflects on growing up in a musical family, discovering her own voice and how artists such as Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan and Nina Simone helped shape her musical identity. She also shares how joining the acclaimed vocal ensemble Voices from the Vacant Lot transformed her confidence and led to performances across Australia and Indonesia.

The discussion explores the power of music to connect communities, build confidence and create meaningful shared experiences. Dale speaks about performing with Close to Forever, the joy of vocal harmony and why making music is ultimately a gift that musicians offer to other people.

Along the way, Shai brings his own unique perspective to the conversation, asking thoughtful questions about music, mental health and the legacy of artists such as Amy Winehouse. The discussion highlights how music can help people navigate difficult experiences while inspiring audiences across generations.

The episode also ventures into visual art, with conversations about the Archibald Prize, creativity in the disability community and the value of artistic expression. Shai reflects on his own artwork, recent exhibitions and his dream of one day having a portrait selected for Australia’s most competition.

Listeners are also treated to Geoff’s trademark humour, stories about performance poetry, and a preview of Close to Forever’s performance at Camelot Lounge in Marrickville, where Geoff performs under his long-running poetic alter ego, Tug Dumbly.