interview – Page 9 – TINSEL and TAP SHOES

The Deni Ute Muster Files – An Interview with Shannon Noll

While I’m currently sailing in the South Pacific on Cruisin’ Country #6, I bring you all my scheduled posts from my time at the Deni Ute Muster 2016.

Congratulations on the new single, “Who I Am”. I heard it on the radio this morning and it’s so upbeat, catchy and a real stick-it-to-the-man song.

It’s just a bit of a fun song. The message is you don’t have to live by anyone else’s code – be happy with yourself and take it or leave it sort of thing. You can just be yourself – that’s all you can ever really be. All signs look good. I couldn’t have been happier with it. So, fingers crossed.

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An Interview with Brian Cadd

cad07 Australian singer-songwriter legend Brian Cadd has reunited The Bootleg Family Band after 40 years for a new album, Bulletproof. Marking 50 years in the industry and the 70 years on this Earth; I spoke to Brian about birthday plans, longevity and those moments he’ll never forget.

It’s your 70^th birthday on November 29^th. Are you doing anything to celebrate?

I’m not planning anything, but my family is planning all sorts of death and destruction. But they only get this chance every major birthday. Apparently, rumour has it, there’s a bit of a thing going on but I am not allowed to know. I’m not being circumstant; I’m just being ignorant, actually. It’s the not knowing that makes it a bit nerve-racking (laughs). Last time they did anything, I was 60.

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An Interview with Jody Direen

Jody Direen is making big waves in Australia. The New Zealand country music singer/songwriter, who just recently toured with the Wolfe Brothers, moved to Australia and released her third studio album; sat down to talk about touring, lyrics and the importance of fashion.

You were born and raised in New Zealand but recently made the move over to Australia. Welcome to our amazing country. Why the move?

Basically, career opportunities … also the weather (laughs). It’s obviously the next step for me. I’ve been based in New Zealand for the last ten years of my career and I feel like I’ve achieved most of what I’ve wanted to achieve there. The next step was to come over here; and things started happening over here, doors started being opened, I started getting some festival spots and then, obviously, when I signed with ABC, it was kind of a no-brainer.

I feel very at home here now. I’m based in Brisbane at the moment [but] I’m thinking of moving to New South Wales next year. But I’m loving Australia; everyone’s so friendly and helps each other out from what I’ve seen so far anyway.

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An Interview with The Settlement

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The Settlement, a Victorian alternative/folk band from the rural town of Hamilton, are anything but settled these days. A rising star of the music scene, The Settlement are about to embark on the second leg of a nationwide tour, off the back of the release of their new single She’s Alright, and in anticipation of their forthcoming album.

Before they hit the road again, the guys from The Settlement – Calvano (vocals, guitar), Baker (bass), Matty (violin), Jase (guitar) and Harry (drums) – kindly sat down with me to discuss their new single She’s Alright, their soon-to-be-released album and what the future holds.

Hi guys – Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions today, I’ll start by asking how you all came together and how long you’ve been together for now?

Cheers, thanks for taking the time to ask a few questions. The band started a long time ago in Hamilton, Vic. It’s only a small town so there wasn’t many young peeps playing tunes, so I suppose we just gravitated towards each other. Along the way we’ve met other musicians and if they on the same vibe they slotted in. The Settlement has been going for about 2 years, but we’ve been jamming and gigging with each other for about 6 years.

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An Interview with Casey Barnes

Image by Ashley Roach/fullframe.com.au Casey Barnes is one of Australia’s most prominent country music artists. The father of two had had an impressive career already, having played alongside Mariah Carey, Bryan Adams and just recently, Lady Antebellum. He recently released his third album, Live as One, along with the single of the same name – an important song about global acceptance, unity and understanding.

It’s been four years since your last release. Why did Live As One take so long to make?

It’s been a fairly long time coming, but I’m excited that I’ve finally got it out. It was a combination of getting the right tracks together and I made a lot of trips across to Nashville. That’s why it was a drawn out process, just to make sure we had the strongest tracks. I’m now signed with Social Family Records, so that’s made a massive difference to the success of this album and it’s the first time we charted at #9 on the ARIA album charts on the first week of it’s release, which I’ve never done that before – so that was really exciting!

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An Interview with Damien Leith

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In 2006, Damien Leith won over our hearts, becoming the fourth winner of Australia Idol. Now, ten years on, he’s hitting the road sharing untold stories, singing rare songs and meeting the fans on his intimate and acoustic, The Winner’s Journey – 10^th Anniversary Tour.

Last time we spoke, you were about to hit the road for the Roy – a tribute to Roy Orbison tour. How did it go?

It was brilliant! If anything, we probably did too short of a run, because we only did the 6 shows. It’s something that I’m going to have to revisit again at a later date because it was very popular. Because, with the show itself, we don’t impersonate or do anything to emulate him at all – I think people really liked that because you’re hearing the familiar songs but you’re hearing them done in a newer way.

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Interview: Lisa Mitchell

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Lisa Mitchell wowed us on Australian Idol at the tender age of 16. Now ten years later, she’s about to release her third album Warriors – a inspired and a reflection on her younger years.

Why did you decide to make The Boys the first single?

The Boys, it’s a light beginning and one of my favourite songs. I think it’s also got a similar theme in being a bunch of friends. One of my boyfriend’s mates Dad passed away, so they all wanted to hang out with him. I unexpectedly got stuck out on the beaches, where they were hanging out, and a bit of a public transport dead zone and I was like, “oh shit. I’m totally going to have to crash this gathering.”

They were just driving around listening to good music. I loved getting reminded of how gentle and passionate guys can be towards each other in their own way. Of course, they didn’t talk about anything, they were just playing footy and drinking beers but it was really nice. Their energy were so great.

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Interview: Tom Wolfe from The Wolfe Brothers

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It’s been a whirlwind of couple of years for the Wolfe Brothers! Since their second place finish on Australia’s Got Talent in 2012, the band has taken home two Country Music Channel Awards (New Oz Artist of the Year in 2014 and Group or Duo of the Year in 2016 respectfully), recorded with Brad Paisley, and their third album release has been newly ARIA-nominated for Best Country Album. They’re about to hit the road on the This Crazy Life tour – being branded as a mini country festival alongside Canadian, Gord Bamford; New Zealand’s Jody Direen; and Australia’s own Troy Kemp, Craig Heath, Caitlyn Shadbolt – it’s a unique tour not to be missed!

Firstly, congratulations on your ARIA nomination for Best Country Album!

Thank you very much. It’s pretty damn cool. To be nominated, we must be doings something right. I’m really happy about that. There’s a lot of stuff going on so we haven’t had time to [celebrate]. I’m hoping once this weekends done, Saturday night, I might celebrate a bit. That’s the plan anyway.

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Interview: Country Rock Singer Troy Kemp

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Originally one half of the award-winning duo, McAlister Kemp – Troy Kemp is making a name for himself with his recently released first solo album, Against The Grain. About to hit the road on the This Crazy Life tour – we spoke about the tour, what defines modern country music and the comradery between Australian country music artists.

You’re soon to hit the road on the This Crazy Life tour, headlined by the Wolfe Brothers with artists Gord Bamford, Caitlyn Shadbolt, Christie Lamb, Craig Heath, Jody Direen and yourself. What can you tell me about this unique tour?

It’s seven acts from 3 different countries all touring together as a mini festival, on the road, kind of thing. I think in Australia there’s a real stigma around what country music is. A lot of people will think it’s all dinky and traditional – but there’s a modern wave of country music that’s coming through that’s really rocky and poppy and [country music is] becoming really diverse. If a lot of younger people heard what country music sounds like now, they’d go, “that’s actually pretty cool!” So, that’s what the whole emphasis of the show is. It’s trying to bring that awareness and sound out, and hopefully win some new country music fans [as well].

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