THERE was a time when Thandi Phoenix struggled to hold a note because nerves would literally cripple her voice.
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For anyone who's watched her commanding rendition of Portishead's classic Glory Box for Triple J's Like A Version or her collaboration with US pop band OneRepublic before 80,000 people at the NRL Grand Final, it's difficult to believe.
"I couldn't hold one note, my voice used to shake so much," Phoenix said.
That was back in year 12 when the 26-year-old attended Newtown High School of the Performing Arts where she played clarinet and sung in the choir.
But deep down she wanted the buzz of being at the front of the stage.
"I could be in the background and blend in, that was comfortable," she said.
"But it wasn't until my last performance in year 12 for the HSC that I kind of realised there was something I had to tackle.
"There were the nerves. I had a chat to myself and said, 'This can't continue'."
And over time, the nerves ceased.
Phoenix, who has Zulu ancestry on her South African father's side, has evolved into a confident and glamorous pop star.
"Self belief is a process. It's not gonna happen overnight," she said. "I started going to jams and being kinder to myself and saying, 'I might be nervous, but it's all about having a go'.
"When I left high school that's when that transition happened. I'd see people at shows and I wanted to do that. I threw myself in the deep end and worked through the nerves."
Eight years on Phoenix's confidence is at an all-time high.
In July she played a triumphant set at Byron Bay's Splendour In The Grass and in October she released her long-awaited debut self-titled EP, which was recorded between Sydney, Melbourne, London and Sweden.
The six tracks blend Phoenix's traditional love of early 2000s R'n'B, soul and Eurodance, particularly on the singles Say It and Cleopatra.
"Just before the new year you set your goals and intentions, and looking back, I'm happy because I've ticked off those big things I wanted to do like do a headline tour, release the EP and play Splendour In The Grass," she said.
"Now that we're going into 2020 we've got to take it to the next level."
One of Phoenix's last acts of 2019 will be to perform at the Cambridge Hotel's Boxing Day Block Party on Thursday.
Phoenix is yet to play in the Hunter, but did visit the University of Newcastle last year to participate in the Ricochet Songs Master Class with Katie Noonan, KLP and Woodes.
Phoenix said the Boxing Day gig wouldn't prevent her from indulging at Christmas.
"Live to the fullest, I say," she said. "It'll be good to burn off those extra calories consumed over Christmas Day.
"Nothing better than a good dance."
Catch Thandi Phoenix with British India, Bakers Eddy, Grace Turner, BOI, The Buoys, Lili Crane, Eagle Eye Jones and more at the Cambridge Hotel Boxing Day Block Party on Thursday.