I interviewed singer-songwriter, Adam Brand on Valentine’s Day and we talked about all things romance. And although this won’t be included in the final edit, I wanted to share it here before the article goes live. Enjoy the interview, lovers – full article will be up soon x
I spoke to Australian singer-songwriter, Casey Barnes back in October following the release of his ARIA top 10 album, Live As One. We recently caught up again to discuss the new single Just Like Magic, dancing and all things Christmas.
You’ve been labelled a country singer in the industry, but the new single Just Like Magic has received a lot of commercial radio play. When you were recording it, or even when considering releasing it, did you consciously think it had potential to crossover to a more main stream audience?
Yes, I did! I was keen to team up with the guys from MSquared, in Melbourne, Michael Paynter and another writer, Michael Delorenzis. These guys, majority of the time, they write commercial music for the artists that are signed to the major labels like Sony, Universal and some of the guys that are on The Voice, so they’re used to writing that mainstream commercial sort-of pop sound. They were keen to work with me to see if we could come up with something that was a crossover song that would get played on country radio, community radio and mainstream radio.
Somebody said to me the other day, which I thought was spot on, the song’s like Keith Urban meets Bryan Adams with a modern pop twist to it – which is a pretty good description. It’s time country music in Australia caught up with the times and embraced a more diverse sound. There’s that traditional old school country sound, which is still great, but I think it’s time to embrace a more modern country sound as well. There’s a time and place for all different types of country music.
Irish all-girl group, B*Witched started the worldwide craze of bubble gum pop, dance moves and double denim in the mid 90s. Coming off the success of the television series, The Big Reunion, which saw the band reunite after twelve years apart; B*Witched are set to return Australia, for the first time in 18 years, in February for a national tour, alongside Atomic Kitten, S Club 3, East 17 and Liberty X.
Last time B*Witched were here was in the late 90s on a promotional tour, but you never officially toured Australia. What are you most looking forward to seeing while you’re here?
I’m probably going to disappoint you with my answer because it’s a typical answer; I can’t wait to see Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, see a kangaroo [and] I want to hopefully hold a koala bear. We did do a lot of that last time we were here and had such an amazing time – but I didn’t know that I wouldn’t be back for almost 20 years, so I’m not sure I took it in like I want to take it in this time. I really want to be much more engaged with my trip all around this time. We’re absolutely delighted to finally come back and tour for you guys, so we’re very excited about doing the show!
Drew McAlister, formally one-half of the country duo, McAlister Kemp, released his second solo album, Black Sky, last year. And personally speaking, he’s one of the nicest (and tallest) guys in the Australian country music industry. I recently spoke to Drew, fresh off Cruisin’ Country No.6 to talk all things cruisin’, the importance of songwriting and that most wonderful time of the year.
What was your personal highlight from Cruisin’ Country No.6?
[I’d played in the theatre] before as McAlister Kemp [but] getting to play in the theatre on my own and to 800 people for two sittings – that was a big thing for me! [Also] getting to hang out with my [wife and two daughters] and meeting lots of cool people [too].
Continue reading “The Cruisin’ Country Files – An Interview with Drew McAlister”
I spoke to multi-ARIA-nominated Australian singer and songwriter, Jasmine Rae fresh off the cruise to talk all things cruisin’, videos, acting and upcoming plans.
You recently performed on board the Legend of the Seas as part of Cruisin’ Country No.6, which you confessed was your first time on a boat and a cruise. How would you sum up your experience?
I didn’t know what to expect because I’d never been, obviously. I didn’t know if I had to pack my floaties or kickboard, which is what I normally pack when I’m near water, but I loved it! I was really relaxed. I didn’t get sick. When I came back on to dry land, I was still bopping around; it felt like I [still] wanted to be on the water for a few days. I am still so much heavier – my body got used to the bacon and all I want to do is eat bacon (laughs). [But] I want to be a part of it more and more. I’m hooked now.
Continue reading “The Cruisin’ Country Files – An Interview with Jasmine Rae”
A favourite amongst the crowd, this was The Sunny Cowgirls eighth appearance and fourth consecutive year at the Deni Ute Muster. They’re hoping too they will be asked back next year. “They’re a good crowd,” Celeste says. “We always feel very welcomed at Deni so we love coming here every year.”
Continue reading “The Deni Ute Muster Files – An Interview with The Sunny Cowgirls”
The Deni Ute Muster marked the end of an era, the last gig in the books, the swan song for Adam Brand and The Outlaws. Originally started as a one off project, having had the idea brewing for almost ten years, Adam teamed up with fellow musicians, Mike Carr, Travis Collins, Matt Cornell and Drew McAlister and thus, a band was born. They realised their self-titled covers album in January earlier this year, as well as the two singles, Good Year for the Outlaw and I Fought the Law.
Continue reading “The Deni Ute Muster Files – An Interview with Adam Brand”
Making their Deni Ute Muster debut, Tom and Jeremy had literally just arrived and been thrust into doing a series of interviews when they spoke to me, but mentioned that they were keen to have a look around.
“We’ve got gumboots now, so we’re free to roam,” Tom joked.
Continue reading “The Deni Ute Muster Files – An Interview with Busby Marou”
Continuing with my Deni Ute Muster interviews, we have Troy Cassar-Daley …
It’s such an honour to be speaking to you. Your album Almost Home was the first country music album that I ever bought – so I thought I would start by asking you what the first country music album you ever bought was?
My first little single was this really obscure thing, but when it came time to buy an album I think it was Slim Dusty’s Live at Wagga Wagga. What I really enjoyed was thinking that it was written about me. I said to my Mum, because I heard it on the radio, “I want to buy this Slim Dusty record because it sounds like he’s written it about our home, our place and where we live in the bush.” That was the reason for that.
Continue reading “The Deni Ute Muster Files – An Interview with Troy Cassar-Daley”
TINSEL and TAP SHOES 