Who is Toni Janke?
I am a proud First Nations singer/songwriter, mentor and leader. I run my own consultancy business in Magandjin, Brisbane. My family connections are to Cape York and the Torres Strait (Wuthathi, Yadighana and Meriam peoples). I grew up in Cairns, North Queensland and has been singing and playing the guitar since I was 8 years old. I am a prolific songwriter who loves sharing songs about life. I am a mother, a writer, a poet and a lover of many things. I am a kind soul who is also a creative and inspirational over-thinker.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Worry less about chasing recognition or material success. It’s a bottomless trap. Life is more about fulfilment and living out our life purpose, connecting and sharing with others than chasing external validation, praise or rewards. I’d buy a little farmhouse in the middle of nowhere, grow my own fruit and vegetables and spend my time volunteering to help others.
Who inspires you and why?
So many musicians have inspired me over the years, but my biggest inspiration comes from people in my own family and community – my mother, my sister, mostly older women or Elders, matriarchs who have inspired me and give of themselves tirelessly to fight for the freedom and rights of others. I don’t really get inspired by the work of other people. I am more inspired and impressed by who they are than what they think or have to say.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I hope I inspire others through my music to use their own talents and skills to make a difference in the world. If I can do what I love, others can too. Speaking out about injustice, spreading love, light and energy that will heal the world and not harm it, is really important to me. Being present and sharing our gifts with others (for me, through music, writing and performing as well as coaching and mentoring others).
We all have a light within us that deserves to shine in its own right. I like to think that my music is a light for others especially in times of darkness or confusion; that might bring hope and inspiration to those who have walked a similar journey to me. It’s a reminder that we are not alone, there is always hope.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Anywhere quiet, away from the busy world. I like to spend time with my family in north Queensland. Otherwise, I like to get away to coastal retreats in Southeast Queensland or Northern New South Wales that are near to where I live. This gives me time to clear my head and write more songs, which always fills my soul.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I like to go to my favourite restaurants in the city. We often go to local markets or places where we can relax and hang out with each other with no particular agenda, watching people go by, meeting new people, having a laugh about the little things, talking to each other about life, our challenges and all of the things for which we are grateful. It sounds boring, but I’d rather do this than go to any over-priced, over-crowded public attraction.
What are you currently reading?
I don’t read much (…ok, I am boring!) I tend to listen to audio books or podcasts. I do read daily inspirational reflections. I have lots of beautiful spiritual books. At the moment, I am listening to Richard Rohr about Franciscan spirituality called The Art of Letting Go. My other favourite book that I read frequently is Shakti Gawain’s Living in the Light.
What are you currently listening to?
I listen to a lot of music, mostly ‘old skool’ classic tracks. I love 1970s-1990s rock and soul music. My favourites are my own created playlists featuring Paul McCartney, ELO. I like the Goo Goo Dolls, Cold Play, Foo Fighters. I love listening to female artists – Donna Summer, Carole King, Janis Ian, Joan Armatrading, and Stevie Nicks. I also listen to a lot of beautiful frequency and nature music which calms my soul in this frantic and chaotic world. Recently I’ve been listening to Shane Howard, Goanna and Colin Hay – I like Australian acoustic stuff.
Happiness is?
Finding time to sit by myself in a quiet café with my journal, sleeping in on weekends and the smell of fresh linen, going to the gym late at night when no-one is around, eating fresh healthy foods from the markets (roasted chickpeas, Medjool dates and long black double or triple shot decafs (which sounds crazy but tastes really good and no caffeine rush or after-effect), writing love songs, full body massages – blowing bubbles on the foreshore while I looking out across the bay with nowhere in particular to be and nothing to do. Time stops. I feel like I could be anywhere – there is no past, present or future.
What does the future hold for you?
More time with family but also writing more music, doing more shows – touring. I really want to perform for new audiences and share my music with others. I’d love to perform overseas as well do some regional and remote touring to communities. Life is pretty good. I hope the future is more balanced – my current mantra is ‘less is more’ even though ironically to do more shows and more music requires doing more, not less. I guess it’s more about streamlining, being selective and discerning with my time and energy.
Toni will present the bold and deeply moving theatrical experience, Inheritance – which will play the Cremorne Theatre – QPAC, Brisbane, on Thursday 2 April 2026. For more information, visit: www.qpac.com.au for details.
Image: Toni Janke – photo by Ange Costes Photography