Paul Grierson and Chris Rieger form the duo, Simply Bushed. Their songs are powerful and emotive, and their dance nights are as famous as their epic performances themselves. Having released Raise Your Glass on Remembrance Day last year; the single, as well as their EP Military Issues, is a tribute to those who serve and the emotive significance of ANZAC Day. Having played for Australian and allied troops in the Sinai and Solomon Islands, and both with military ties in their families – it’s an issue that remains close to their hearts and inspired the release.
Raise Your Glass has been gaining in notoriety and accolades, with two award wins in the bag (ANZAC Song of the Year at the Tamworth Songwriters’ Association Awards and Ballad – Song of the Year in the Songs Alive! Australia – Song Comp) and a nomination for CMC Video of the Year; what can you tell me about the song?
Chris: It is definitely a tribute. All the songs we do as Simply Bushed are originals we write together, and this one was brought to the table by Pauly. You could hear, from the concept inception, that it was going to be one of those real, emotive songs. It’s about the colloquial Australian “Raise Your Glass” – that sign of respect that we have. It doesn’t matter what sort of glass you’re holding or what you’re drinking; it means, when you raise that glass, it’s almost like a handshake, a curtsy or a bow. It’s a way of showing respect and that’s what’s so strong about the song.
Paul: Both Chris and I have fairly strong opinions and connections to the military, so we wanted to make it an ANZAC tribute. Because of our experiences going to the Middle East and the Solomons, the message is to make sure we remember we’ve still got soldiers deployed around various parts of the world. Sometimes we don’t even know where they are, yet they’re still away from their families and coming back with that same battle for themselves. We’ve tried to keep that focus as well.
Continue reading “Interview: Paul Grierson and Chris Rieger from ‘Simply Bushed’”
