interview – Page 9 – TINSEL and TAP SHOES

The Cruisin’ Country Files – An Interview with Drew McAlister

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].

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The Cruisin’ Country Files – An Interview with Jasmine Rae

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.

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The Deni Ute Muster Files – An Interview with The Sunny Cowgirls

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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.”

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The Deni Ute Muster Files – An Interview with Adam Brand

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.

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The Deni Ute Muster Files – An Interview with Busby Marou

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.

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The Deni Ute Muster Files – An Interview with Troy Cassar-Daley

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.

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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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