Hanging Rock, Macedon

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Written by Jacqui James

ON FRIDAY A WHOLE group of us travelled to Lancefield to see “Rockin’ Rod” and the weekend was a fun experience. (In other words the weekend was a good excuse to let our hair down!)

Saturday was a perfect summer’s day; not too hot and as the sun set the shadows from the lighting provided a magnificent backdrop in the distance.

Paris Wells (previously featured on Gigs ‘n Interviews) kicked off the Day On The Green including her chart-topper Let’s Get It Started. She said when she was a little girl she was a huge Whitney fan (what little girl wasn’t!) and then sung Amy Winehouse’s Back To Black.

Diesel came on around 6:30 dressed in his fine black vest and pants with his blue shirt, ready to rock for an hour. Over the years I’ve seen Diesel progress from an extremely shy human being to performing in front of thousands at Hanging Rock. At one point he joked with the thousands of people about fixing his tie. He delivered an amazing set as always including his some of his back catalogue from the past twenty-six years, but from his latest release Under The Influence he, Richie (bass) and Lee (drums) they did Hendrix’s Wind Cries Mary and I bet Diesel would have wondered if that was a little taste like Hendrix had at Woodstock.

Here’s Diesel’s set list:

One More Time

All Come Together

Man Alive

Don’t Need Love

Everybody’s Talkin’ At Me

Love Junk

15 Feet Of Snow

Wind Cries Mary

Tip Of My Tongue

Don’t Need Love

Cryin’ Shame

Rockin’ Rod came out at 8:30pm with his impressive band and backup singers. I have to admit my attention was taken by his pale yellow (almost pixy-like shoes). Then I looked up to see a burnt orange jacket. My thoughts included “and you’ve fathered seven kids!”

The atmosphere basically was like one like big sing-along all night! Rod sang songs which he released in 1971 (Maggie May) to 2009 (Love Train) and two hours worth in between.

Even Rod was overcome by how many people were there with the statement, “There’s lots of people here tonight!”

Many songs became a huge sing-along and even everyone out-sung Rod! One occasion was Tonight’s The Night from 1976. You know when some particular songs are gender favourites (and most times you can hear the women more)? Not with The First Cut Is The Deepest! There are obviously a lot of hurt men out there who totally relate to this song.

Rod made a point of bringing his guitarist down with him because before getting to Australia he severely injured his hand and has twenty-five stitches in it, but still was here.

A beautiful moment of the night was when Rod (the proud father and grandfather) showed photos of his family. His one year-old son celebrated his birthday in Sydney on Thursday. He was so proud of his seventeen year-old son playing for Britain in ice hockey. Then he showed his family all in Celtic United ice hockey jumpers.

He definitely had many suit changes throughout the night! The next one would be pink! For the start of Downtown Train Rod, the 67 year-old, got onto one knee and serenade the ladies! If that wasn’t enough, he sung Have You Told You Lately after that.

Other favourites were You Wear It Well, Rhythm Of My Heart, Hot Legs, Someone like you, Stay With Me (especially requested by Michael Gudinski and Rod said he and the band didn’t rehearse it so it “could be a complete fuck up! ), Do You Think I’m Sexy and Sailing.

Unbelievably Rod’s voice is same; it was only towards the end of the night it disappeared a little due to the night’s air.

Here’s Rod’s set list from Saturday night:

Love Train
Tonight’s The Night
Having A Party
The First Cut Is The Deepest
Baby Jane
Forever Young
Downtown Train

Unplugged set:
Have I Told You Lately

You Wear It Well

I Don’t Want To Talk About It
Ooh La La
Tom Trauberts Blues

Sweet Little Rock and Roller

Proud Mary
Rhythm Of My Heart
Twisting The Night Away
You’re In My Heart
Hot Legs
Maggie May
Do You Think I’m Sexy

Encore:
Sailing

IT’S VERY HARD TO BELIEVE that Ronan Keating is entering his eighteenth year in the music industry and he’sabout to turn only 35. Boyzone had an incredible sixteen top five hits, but it was when Ronan released When You Say Nothing At All which appeared on the Notting Hill soundtrack, Ronan’s solo career rocketed.

His debut album Ronan sold 4.4 million copies and since he hasn’t looked back. He has released seven solo albums which have always landed at the top of the charts, including his latest When Ronan Met Burt. This album was amazingly recorded by working on each track for only an hour and half! In fact, Burt Bacharach (one of the greatest songwriters ever) called Ronan “a pure genius”.

For the past four year Ronan has spent a great deal of time in Australia! Unbeknown to us, his Day On The Green concerts in early 2010 were his teaser for being able to seeing him every week on X Factor Australia. And of course he mentored the 2010 winner Altiyan Childs which to this very day he’s still very proud of.

In 2011 there was no slowing Ronan down. As well as continuing with X Factor Australia, he filmed his debut acting role in the Australian movie Goddess, which will be released later this year.

You could never imagine how extremely privileged, honoured and excited I am to bring you an interview with a SUPERSTAR like Ronan, but at the same time it’s inconceivable because after four years I have had success! A huge thankyou to Fiona from Michael Coppel for sending my questions onto Ronan’s management; you’ve made the persistence worth it. Also to Ronan himself, thankyou from the bottom of my heart for answering my questions.

So without further adieu, here’s my interview with Ronan.

You chose the winner of the Australia X Factor 2010, when everyone else couldn’t see the potential. Was that just following your gut? Do you have any regrets about your choice now?

I just thought Atiyan was totally different to the acts you’ve seen before on X Factor. I totally believed in him and still do. He may have had a few knocks along the way but I believe he’ll get to where he wants to go.

It’s safe to say you’ve become an honorary Aussie! Are we really like your Irish counterparts?

I feel very at home here in Australia and for that I’m truly grateful. Yes, there are a lot of similarities between the Irish and Aussies. There’s a very positive outlook down here which I love.

The work of the Marie Keating foundation has been truly remarkable from its inception to now. You must feel very proud to have created an organization that helps women and men deal with their cancer and ongoing treatment. What can people do to support the foundation?

It’s {been} fourteen years since my mother passed. At the time we knew very little about cancer and I truly believe that if she had been checked earlier she could have been treated and she’d still be here today. If cancer is caught early enough it can be beaten. That’s the message that we try and get our through the foundation and it’s partnership with cancer research UK.

Over the past three years you’ve been one busy man releasing two albums (one Australian exclusive duet) and when Ronan met Burt. Your wife must call you a work-aholic. What do you do when you’re chilling out?

I’m not the best at chilling out but really just spending time with the family is how I love to spend any down time. I travel lots so it’s just great to get time at home back in Dublin when I can.

Do you wish the media would focus more on artists’ achievements (like the Marie Keating foundation) rather than stories that involve your private lives? I didn’t know about the Marie Keating foundation until it appeared in a web search. This seemed crazy to me that such an important cause is going under the radar. Is it frustrating?

I guess the whole celebrity culture is a little mad at times but I’m lucky to do what I do so I’m happy to accept that some people may be interested in the music and others maybe not so much.

Mentoring hopeful artists must be a real privilege for you. Do you ever have sympathy for the winner though because they’ll then be scrutinized by the media as you and many have been in the past? How do you prepare someone for that?

The music business can be very tough but also the rewards and opportunities can be amazing. You can’t really have one without the other. It’s hard to prepare someone for the madness as everyone reacts differently to various situations. I guess the trick is to try and keep some normality in your life as a focus.

Who’s your all-time favourite artist?

I guess it’s a toss-up between Elvis and Sinatra.

Mel B took over Kyle’s seat on X Factor Australia 2011 very nicely! Who’s the more passionate (or in other words vicious)?

They’re both very different characters but equally vocal with their opinions I guess. I get on great with both but if it came to a fight – my money would be on Mel!

How excited are you about finding next Australia’s x factor winner?

Nothing is confirmed as yet for this coming year but hopefully thing will work out and I’m sure there’s more talent for us to find out there.

You recently toured Australia and New Zealand. Did you love it especially with Sharon Corr supporting you?

I love being on tour so to get the chance to play here in Australia again is great. Sharon is lovely so that makes it all the better to have her on the road with us.

With special guest Sharon Corr

Regent Theatre, Melbourne

Monday, February 6, 2012

Written By Jacqui James

ANYONE WHO KNOWS ME, knew how excited I was about this gig, so it’s the perfect first “gig” review to appear on Gigs ‘n Interviews for 2012.

Two Irish singers/songwriters on the same night was a treat. Sharon Corr (who was of course part of the 90′s/really early 00′s majorly successful band The Corrs) looked stunning in a red, one shoulder dress. Not only doing songs (including instrumentals) from The Corrs days such as Ears Painted On, Radio, So Young and Dreams (Fleetwood Mac Cover, she treated us with a taste of tracks from her upcoming new album; one called Edge Of Nowhere.

Sharon recalled touring Australia and how much “They {The Corrs} loved it!” She said “{She’d} be back soon!”

Now onto the cheeky and charming Ronan Keating! There’s no point in arguing he’s definitely become an honouree Aussie over the past four years so he’s obviously feeling right at home. He said he love Sydney and Melbourne especially riding down Chapel Street and the Yarra.

Ronan came out dressed in a black suit and white shirt, with a nine piece band including a string section from the Sydney Symphony. The collaboration sounded and looked amazing.

Believe Again was his first song of the night from his Australian/New Zealand only release. He was full of energy and enjoyed himself all night.

Doing ballads, his smooth voice and believability goes up a notch. How You Make Me Feel, If Tomorrow Never Comes and Boyzone’s Separate Cars, a touching tribute to Stephen Gateley clearly moved the crow.

The honouree even done lead role in an Australian movie called Goddess which will be released this year. Last night the audience got a sneak peak of the movie and the song from it. One of the popular scenes received a huge reaction from his female fans. This was of course when he (his character) was bare chested laying in bed. A cheeky grin came over Ronan’s face.

As well as the movie, Ronan has a new single and album coming out. Also he’s excited about finding the next X Factor Australia winner this year! He joked about Reece Mastin and “that other bloke who won,” but went on saying he still believes in him.

After a rocking encore with everyone standing up which included Elvis Costello’s Pump It Up and Rollercoaster he thanked the crowd. When the nine piece band formed a line, they did a little Irish jig while laughing before leaving the stage.

The Setlist from last night was:

Believe Again
If You Love Me
The Way You Make Me Feel
If Tomorrow Never Comes
Last Thing On My Mind
When The World Was Mine
It’s Alright
Summer Outside
Walk On By
Arthur’s Theme
When You Say Nothing At All
Will You Ever Be Mine
Love It When We Do
Separate Cars
Turn It On Again
Friends in Time
Loving Each Day

Encore

Pump It Up
One More Song
Rollercoaster

Day

I’M SO PLEASED TO be kicking off in 2012 with a talented artist who has been featured on Gigs ‘n Interviews last year.

How many people are lucky enough to drive pass one of their idols inner-city Melbourne? The native South Australian Jacob Butler found himself in that position.

Noel Gallagher was the person in the car next to Jacob. So grasping the opportunity, Jacob wind down the window and Noel graciously accepted his debut album Reason.

Jacob’s new single Come My Way is on iTunes and here’s the video which Jacob also directed and filmed with Sean Dennis and Paula Lucarelli.

THE 2011 AUSTRALIAN X Factor winner Reece Mastin quickly became a worldwide headline for all the right reasons. His first performance on the show set the standard and then he was only 16! Here’s his first performance to refresh your memory:

On December 9^th his first single Good Night became available on iTunes which averaged one sale every 2.7 second for THE ENTIRE DAY on the Wednesday after its release it went Platinum. Then his debut self-titled album was released going Gold.

His debut album includes his take on chart-toppers including She Will Be Loved, Joker And The Thief, Paradise City and I Kissed A Girl, Breakeven and his first single, Good Night

But don’t think this teen will be Australia’s answer to Justin Bieber! Reece told Gigs ‘n Interviews that he has been writing since he was twelve. Viewers of X Factor would know that he likes to shake songs of his favourite artists/bands up and put his own thing to them.

So enjoy my chat with Reece which will be my last interview in 2011! Thanks Reece for your time and thankyou Nadia from Sony for your ongoing assistance.

When Luke read your name out from his card, do you remember what were your first thoughts? (it’s ok, you can swear.)

It was all a blur!

I bet hearing your new single Good Night on the radio the next day flipped you out?

Yes I never expected to hear myself on the radio.

How have you found recording your self-titled debut album?

I love {recording in the studio}!

You performed with Kylie for Petesakes looking so comfortable and you owned the stage! Happy birthday for the 24^th of last month! You’re only young to most people. Has your loving Mum gave you the “stay grounded, remember your family” lecture yet?

Of course! {What Mum wouldn’t, Jacqui says}

Do you know where does your easiness and confidence come from?

I would have no idea but probably my love for music.

From your first performance everyone could see how you had that “X Factor”, but how young when you when you first started singing?

Around eight years old

What’s you’re all-time favourite Aerosmith and Gun ‘n Roses songs?

Areosmith – Crying and Love In An Elevator

GnR – Night Train and Paradise City

Not many people would know you nearly went deaf when you were younger. Does your X Factor Winner 2011 crown make you and your family more proud of this achievement?

I feel honoured and very lucky. {smiles}

Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Do you have any regrets about anything that happened during X Factor?

No, no regrets.

Are you looking forward to starting to be a songwriter in the future?

I’ve been writing since I was 12, so there’s more to come.

Reece Mastin Tour Dates:

(Click on a date for more info)

12th Jan 12

Twin Towns
Gold Coast, Queensland

13th Jan 12

Twin Towns
Gold Coast, Queensland

14th Jan 12

QPac Concert Hall
Brisbane, QLD

15th Jan 12

Caloundra RSL
Caloundra, QLD

19th Jan 12

The Palms At Crown (Evening)
Melbourne, VIC

20th Jan 12

The Palms At Crown (Matinee)
Melbourne, VIC

20th Jan 12

The Palms At Crown (Evening)
Melbourne, VIC

21st Jan 12

The Palms At Crown (Matinee)
Melbourne, VIC

21st Jan 12

The Palms At Crown (Evening)
Melbourne, VIC

22nd Jan 12

Wrestpoint Entertainment Centre
Hobart

26th Jan 12

Burswood Theatre
Perth , WA

27th Jan 12

Burswood Theatre
Perth , WA

28th Jan 12

Thebarton Theatre
Adelaide, SA

29th Jan 12

Thebarton Theatre
Adelaide, SA

31st Jan 12

Thebarton Theatre
Adelaide, SA

3rd Feb 12

Enmore Theatre
Sydney, NSW

4th Feb 12

Newcastle Civic Theatre
Newcastle, NSW

5th Feb 12

Canberra Southern Cross Club
Canberra

THIS MORNING I WAS horrified to read that an amateur blogger had reported that Jon Bon Jovi had died. I was more disgusted to hear that it had turned into a rumor which quickly spread around the world. I would like to reassure readers of Gigs ‘n Interviews real journalists who are qualified (like myself) always strive to report on facts and rely on reliable sources.

On a much happier note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the record companies, management, PR’s and artists/bands who have allowed me to do interviews and reviews on Gigs ‘n Interviews. It has been so much of a joy to deal with you all! I’m most grateful as I feel like a tiny fish in a large pond. So thankyou to you all from the bottom of my heart.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a safe, exciting and rockin’ 2012!

Best wishes & peace,
Jacqui

Written by Jacqui James

The members of Juke Kartel: Tommy Kende, AJ Oliveira, Dale Winters, Jay Pinfold and Toby Rand

Last year on Gigs ‘n Interviews I was very lucky (and very nervous) to be able to catch up with Toby Rand at the stage where an American record company had just signed Juke Kartel which Toby’s been the frontman of since the band’s conception!

Since then JK have gone from strength to strength. America has fallen in love with Juke Kartel and Juke Kartel have fallen in love with America. But don’t think all of this is going to Toby’s head. He’s just as grounded as before! With a little daughter living in Australia, his family means everything to him! Unlike many rockstars, his family musical career is a means to being able to support his family in the future.

Juke Kartel have a new keyboard/guitar player (who’s a Brazilian) and are now looking forward to 2012 when they’re going to tour Melbourne and its outer areas on their Freeway Tour in January and later in the year will be  recording a new album!

I contacted Toby a couple of months ago and like our previous interview, he was charming as ever, and it was lovely to be able to have a laugh or two with each other! Enjoy folks! 

Juke Kartel have had a rockin’ year in America! Can you tell people about Juke Kartel’s new keyboard player and management?

Hey J…we have had a great, defining year in the US. We had just taken onboard to new managers Larry Abramson and Ryan Young. Both have flourishing careers in the music and movie business. Immediately they have aligned us with great songwriters and producers for our upcoming album. Our keyboard/guitar player is Antonio Oliveira, a Brazilian. He has injected such amazing new energy and creativity. He has really added to JK and our new direction is thriving.

Personally I’ve been following your video blog and sometimes I crack up because having been to America myself, I’ve found most Americans don’t have a sense of humour. Have you found this a lot too?

I describe it this way. They aren’t used to the Aussie, sarcastic way of life. At a show in Texas, I was reeling off one-liners, but the crowd just didn’t understand, so I had to resort to my interpretation of the American accent. I’ll do anything to win over the Yanks!!

Do you suffer from homesickness, especially now having a little daughter back here in Oz?

I miss the people so much. My daughter is growing up on Skype and it’s really hard not being able to hold her. I am putting so much effort into building this band in the US so that I can give her a life, most people dream about. Next year when I get my own place, her room is priority. I miss the rest of my family…it’s funny, in my absence, we’ve all grown closer. I miss my ‘lil niece, Morgan. We have been best friends for most of her life.

Hollywood is my home now. It’s where I achieve, pay bills, tour and am looking to really create a life for my family. Melbourne will always be where I’m from and what I love the most, but I’m here as part of my life’s journey.

I’ve read on your ages ago on your Facebook (cos I’m really stalking you… NOT! {Jacqui laughs}) that you sat next to the Glee cast at the American Horror Story premiere. Did you think to yourself WTF?

You stalker!! {laughs}. Yes, Hollywood can be a surreal place. I actually don’t watch Glee so had no idea who they were, but they were awesome. Once you’ve lived in this place, alot of the glitz becomes the normal…I kinda miss that excitement.

You’re so passionate about raising awareness and finding a cure for breast cancer. Can you tell readers of Gigs ‘n Interviews how can they get more involved in the cause?

Yes, this is very close to our hearts. Our drummer, Jaybro Pinfold’s mother is a survivor and we almost lost her twice. So we wrote a song for her called Brightest
Star. It has been released through iTunes and proceeds go to the Komen Race for a Cure. We are proud and honoured to be ambassadors for the cause. If you go to iTunes and type “Juke Kartel – Brightest Star”, you can help raise money for the campaign.

I’ve recently reviewed your brother Simon Rand’s self-titled album. You two couldn’t be more different musically! Were your parents the types who listened to all kinds of music?

I’m so proud of Simon, and he is of me. Yes, we have different tastes. I think it stems from his move to London when he really became a writer. His influences changed a lot whilst I followed a more US rock route. And then once I moved to the US, well my head has exploded.

You have very exciting news for Juke Kartel fans! You guys are working on a NEW album! Do Tell! Do you know when it will be released?

I’m actually sitting here in the studio right now as Tommy lays down bass on a highly intense track called “Backing Away”. The new album is gong be very different. A lot more high energy and even dancey in parts…but always true to our rock element. We are kinda merging rock, dance and emotion….whilst including some real heart-tearers. I’m so excited. Working with amazing people and the first single should be out by February…the album most likely April-May. There’s a strong buzz around town about it all.

Something even more exciting you and the guys are heading back to Australia in January for your Freeway Tour. You must be so excited to be coming home?

Can’t wait to hit the Freeway Tour. It was only supposed to be a family visit, then we realised we hadn’t done a pub tour since January 2010. Our tour with Slash in August 2010 ware our last Oz shows…so now it’s time to see all our friends and fans. We’ll be playing 5 to 6 fresh tracks and just be so happy to be around our Aussies!!

What else is happening for Juke Kartel in 2012?

2012 is our year…with the release of the album, we’ll be touring the US extensively and working on movie soundtracks, cutting music videos and collaborating with many influential writers. JK12 is it!!

You can catch Juke Kartel on The Freeway Tour at these following venues:

Thankyou Toby again for being so open and honest in our interview. I always enjoy our chats.

Cold Chisel

Rod Laver Arena

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Written by Jacqui James

LAST NIGHT CHISEL DID what they do best – ROCKED! Once a pub band Cold Chisel performed to thousands last night at Rod Laver Arena.

The introduction was a radio changing stations to different decades. As soon as iconic frontman Jimmy Barnes came onstage he controlled the crowd urging the crowd to stand up and clap.

Unlike their pub days, last night I spotted a few youngens (under 12) who were brought along with dad! Hopefully they’ll continue the tradition with their future children because after all the drugs and alcohol consumed by the band, Cold Chisel will be around for another thirty years!

They began the set with Standing On The Outside and then Shipping Steel. The arena turned into the one giant karaoke bar. Choirgirl and You Got Nothing I Want were other big sing along.

Like Jimmy’s typical occkaism he asked the crowd “How the fuck are ya?” and introduced their new drummer Charlie who replaced the empty seat from their beloved bandmate Steve Prestwich who passed away from cancer in January. Later in the night they did an acoustic set with When The War Is Over which was dedicated to Steve. Jimmy said every set will be dedicated to Steve.

Mossy’s voice is still as good as ever! When he sang My
Baby it sounded so smooth even more with a sax added to it and if you mix that with the fact he’s one of Australia’s epic guitarists, it’s magic!

Jimmy told us a funny story about the iconic headband Jane (his then girlfriend, now wife) gave him which he wore on the band’s huge East album. Ten years later guy told Jimmy he wore it upsidedown. Rising Sun was about Jane leaving him.

I was surprised how many Chisel songs have blues elements in them! Then when they leapt into Breakfast At Sweethearts they added a regae feeling to it.

During the night they did tracks during from their upcoming new album (including All For You dedicated to Steve) which is due out in April.

Jimmy and Mossy’s bond is very evident still after thirty years as a band. They may have had private (or not so private) disagreements but they’re still best buds who stood shoulder and shoulder last night.

It was a real privilege to hear Flame Trees live by its original band. Once again, Rod Laver Arena became one huge karaoke bar. Continuing with the karaoke theme, the next song was the song what would have to be the most popular Aussie song to sing with mates. Like it was an anthem, everyone stood for Khe San. Chisel were on a roll and did their rockin’ Bow River.

In the encore the band did Saturday Night which captured Mossy’s soulful voice. It had a beautiful moment where Jimmy and Ian were singing arm in arm, both pouring with sweat. Jimmy ended up the night with saying, “Thank you very much Melbourne. It won’t be another thirty fucking years til we see you again!” For the encore the new drummer Charlie wore a white t-shirt which said PRESTWICH on it and he gave a clap to the sky when he was leaving the stage.

Here’s the set list from last night:

On The Outside

Shipping Steel

HQ 454 Monroe

Choirgirl

Forever Now

Cheap Wine

Painted Doll

My Baby

Rising Sun

Star Hotel

Houndog

When The War Is Over

Yakuza Girls

Breakfast At Sweethearts

All For You

You Got Nothing I Want

Merry Go Round

Flame Trees

Khe Sanh

Bow River

Encore:

Saturday Night

Letter To Alan

Four Walls

Goodbye (Astrid Goodbye)

DAVID CAMPBELL WAS BORN to be a singer and entertainer. Not only he’s Jimmy Barnes’ Son, but he has covered music from the 1930′s to his recent era of choice, the 80′s!

David’s recently released Let’s Go which is this week’s number 25^th album on the Aria Chart. The album contains hits from the shoulder pad and the big hair era like Shout To The Top, a cabaret version of Tainted Love, I’m Your Man, Come On Elleen, I Can Dream About You and You Make My Dreams Come True. However, all have different arrangements and little surprises along the way which makes David’s adaptable voice stand out.

To me, David’s one of the charismatic, funniest, versatile and believable performers Australia has to offer. His Good Lovin’ LIVE DVD is one of my favourite music DVD’s because David’s never shy of poking fun of himself and his Dad’s infamous scream! On his Twitter page he says he’s “Singer/Producer/BigMouth … Husband to Lisa… Father to Leo. Son of Daryl Braithwaite”.

For about two years trying to get the timing right with David, I’m very honoured and excited to be able to give you this interview. A very huge thanks to Nadia from Sony for sending my questions through to David.

You’ve covered songs from eras from the 30′s to now the 80′s. Do you find you have to do anything differently in preparation to sing a particular era?

Not really, it is all about the songs. You have to find a way in to tell the story or communicate the emotion. There are varying styles of storytelling from both eras really.

Who came up with the arrangements of the tracks on Let’s Go and how?

The arrangements for some of them came very quickly. What keeps a lot of these songs in a certain “period” is the use of keyboards and drum machines. Once you replace this with real instruments, then part of the work is done. I {could} go on about it, however, the songs are the key. Then with other songs the band and I just started having fun with them. Like I’m Your Man is something I have been playing with in my head for years.

What’s your favourite track on Let’s Go?

I am a fan of all the songs obviously. I would have to say at the moment, it is Only You. I have a personal connection with that song, because my wife and I bonded over the English version of The Office. The song is used so beautifully there. Dorian and I came up with the idea that there is a simple Pachabel’s Canon feel that really suits the song…. luckily it did.

You’re With Tainted Love I hear a cabaret influence. Was that intentional?

I think most of my style has come from my early years of cabaret and Musical Theatre. I believe it is what makes me a stronger performer. There are plenty of blokes who are better singers, prettier, younger {David exclaimed}. I feel this form of communicating through song is something that makes me stand out more.

Is there a healthy competition in your talented family?

Yes and no. We are all very supportive. I tend to just focus on what I do and admire my Dad and my sisters talents. Everyone in my family is a performer. My father, when I perform with him, tends to push us and himself to do better. I don’t think one could call that competitive though.

Is there any artist or song you will never cover? I bet your Dad’s music is off limits! {Jacqui laughs}

I have done a swing version of Cheap Wine. So nothing is off limits. He {Jimmy Barnes if you’re not from planet Earth!} was kinda narky with me that I didn’t cover his stuff for this album. But as I said to him, “You still tour!”

I love how you don’t take yourself seriously and love to poke fun at yourself and your family. Do you think this is why the Australian public generally love you?

I have no idea. I think when you have a ridiculous story like mine, you need to be the first to point out the screaming Scottish elephant in the room. It takes the pressure off. I have not made it my intention to be funny about it. A lot of what I talk about on stage and off is true! Life is just too crazy. You cannot write this stuff.

Since being a Dad, how’s life changed? Does your little son have your and your Dad’s scream? {Jacqui laughs}

Leo has lungs alright! I have changed a lot. I don’t go out much, even for work. I find it very hard thinking “Oh should I do a few red carpets and get photographed or should I just stay at home and play with my amazing son!?” It is an easy answer. Also now I try to focus my tours to mainly just the weekends so then I can have my own mini weekend with Leo from Sunday to Wednesday.

You have a lot of upcoming gigs around the country, but it seems to always be us Melbournians don’t get as many shows as much as say… Queensland! Any reason why? {Jacqui smiles}

I am focusing on Melbourne so much more now. Before that, I was working with a touring company, who I still have a close relationship with in Queensland. I think you will find the attention is turning to you Victorians… so watch out!

If you could perform with anyone dead or alive, who would be in your top five?

Sammy Davis Jnr, Bobby Darin, Peter Allen, George Michael and KD Lang.

David’s a huge Twitterer! You can follow him at @DavidCampbell73. His site is http://www.davidcampbell.com and Let’s Go is available instore or online.

David’s national tour (which includes a big band) will be as following:

February 16    Belmont 16ft Sailing Club

February 17    State Theatre Sydney

February 25    Festival Theatre, Adelaide

March 10    QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane

March 16 & 17Palms @ Crown, Melbourne

April 12 & 13    Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre

April 14    Civic Theatre, Orange

April 19    Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree

April 20    Glasshouse Theatre, Port Macquarie

April 21    Civic Theatre, Newcastle

April 27    Llewellyn Theatre, Canberra

April 28    Regional Entertainment Centre, Bathurst

May 3 & 4    Performing Arts Centre, Wangarratta

May 5        Entertainment Centre, Albury

May 10 & 11    Regional Theatre & Convention Centre, Dubbo

May 12    West Tamworth Leagues Club

May 16    Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah

May 17    Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton

May 18    Perth Concert Hall

May 19    Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury

May 31    Performing Arts Centre, Colac Victoria

June 1        Warnambook Entertainment Centre, Victoria

June 2        Sir Robet Helpmann Theatre, Mt Gambier, Victoria

June 7 & 8    Capital Theatre, Bendigo, Victoria

June 9        Eastbank Centre, Shepparton, Victoria

June 14    Performing Arts Centre, Frankston, Victoria

June 15    Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat, Victoria

June 16    GPAC Playhouse Theatre, Geelong, Victoria

June 27    Brothers Leagues – Cairns, QLD

June 28    Civic Theatre, Townsville, QLD

June 29    Convention and Entertainment Centre, Mackay¸QLD

June 30    The Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton, QLD

July 1        Brolga Theatre, Maryborough, QLD

July 3        Moncrieff Theatre, Bundaberg, QLD

July 5        Nambour Civic Centre, Sunshine Coast, QLD

July 6        Norths Leagues Club, Brisbane North, QLD

July 7        Twin Towns Services Club, Gold Coast, QLD

July 8        Ipswich Civic Centre, Ipswich, QLD

Written by Jacqui James

THE RED PAINTINGS AREN’T your usual rock band. In fact I’m sure you wouldn’t have heard the concept that The Red Paintings use at their gigs. Each gig sees a different artist painting on a human canvas onstage. Often songs are created from the paintings the artists paint on human canvases that are done onstage each night.

Outstandingly their latest album The Revolution Is Never Coming took a massive five years to make as it included a twenty piece choir and a forty-five piece orchestra as well as sounds from a theremin (an early electric instrument.

Singer/songwriter and proud creator Trash McSweeney is excited to be touring Australia in January after putting it out on Facebook if 1,000 people “like” them. So in January The Red Paintings are keeping their word and touring downunder.

Trash (what a cool rockstar name) kindly agreed to do an interview with me in preparation for The Red Paintings tour.

Your music is a mixture of heavy rock and orchestra. Can you explain how you got the idea for it?

I was obsessed with orchestral music from a young age and studied many orchestral pieces and used the different structures or compositions to create guidelines in my own songs or at least experiment with them. I’ve never really wanted to sound like everyone else around me, always been trying to think and create sound outside what was happening around me. I’ve also always found orchestral music to be so colourful and full of life, endless possibilities you might say. I grew up in the 90′s so of course a big sound like The Smashing Pumpkins was in my blood. Oh and I should mention my other loves like Atari Teenage Riot, The Posies, Mogwai and The Dirty Three, passionate bands like these added to a pretty colourful spectrum of sound to work with in my opinion but also painters or artists like Mark Ryden, Brett Whitley have been huge influences on my compositions. I’ve never really been fond of a typical three piece rock band with five minutes solos, I would much rather break out a solo on a violin or cello, it sounds so much more emotional and raw to my ears.

As classed as “a progressive rock / theatrical performance group”. How do you describe yourself as a band?

Many people have said from day one we are a mixture of sounds and ideas labelled ”Orchestral Art Rock”. Certainly was what I was trying to achieve. A sound and an experience that combines so much from Opera singers to glockenspiels to stage painters to body art. The ideas are endless and forever changing.

Last month on your Facebook page, you posted if 1000 people “like” the one post, you’d return to Australia for the first headline tour in three years. You received a thousand “likes” and so during the summer you’re touring the capital cities. You must be so chuffed to get such a response?

Yes it was a nice surprise. Yeah we had not headlined toured Australia in three years and I’ve spent pretty much all that time in the USA touring the act and making the record so it was really about testing the waters, seeing what love was still floating around and I guess pushing ourselves if it happened to take the plane back to OZ and once again bring Australia another fresh stage show and sound to fall into and it worked. Not an easy talk touring Australia but we are locked in now, no turning back.

Your live shows must be a spectacle. Do you want to reveal any surprises about your upcoming gigs to your fans?

There are so many surprises on this black paintings tour even I can’t keep up with what is happening next. Let’s just say it will be close to the feeling of being sucked into a black hole and a set up like we have never toured before. {It’s will be a} very exciting for all of us in TRP camp.

Where do you get inspiration to make such beautiful music like We Belong in the Sea and Portrait of a Dead Soul?

Well, there kinda oxymorons cause they are dark as hell but yet so soft and gentle. We belong in the sea is a good example of how I can only write a fair song when I’m at my worst. Three weeks before I wrote it I had a seizure on tour in an airport, breaking my jaw in two bits. I was out for three months and was at the lowest point in my life but it lead my hands to a grand piano and some realisations I was having at the time channelled through me to say such words from feelings. You could say my songs are created from epiphanies.

(To hear some of The Red Paintings’ music, go to www.theredpaintings.com / www.facebook.com/theredpaintings / www.twitter.com/theredpaintings / www.myspace.com/theredpaintings )

Your debut album The Revolution Is Never Coming took five years to produce. Is the title a bit of tongue-in-cheek?

A contradiction you mean? Yeah I guess it is.  I’m not one to go into it as I believe the album and itsthirteen songs speak for the title and all it means to me but I will say this bloody album title feels like it has jinxed me somewhat. I don’t think I will ever create an album this grand again in my lifetime. It’s my entire life thoughts and feelings in one whole album. Just like Rome it couldn’t be created in one year.

Besides touring, what are you looking forward to while you’re travelling around?

Well for me the most exciting part for TRP is the actual stage painters we work with each night. I just never know how a show is going to be perceived not only by the audience but the artist or human canvases also. To be singing and playing on stage and watching these people at work in real time, inside my songs and to see the finish product is just so inspiring for me. I’ve created many songs just by looking at our artists’ paintings and finding the right musical notes.

These are the tour dates for The Red Paintings:

Thursday January 5 Elsewhere Bar, Gold Coast Qld www.moshtix.com.au

Friday January 6 Australian Hotel, Ballina NSW (free show)

Saturday January 7 HI-FI Bar, Brisbane QLD www.moshtix.com.au

Sunday January 8 The Entrance Leagues, Bateau Bay NSW www.moshtix.com.au

Wednesday January 11 Factory Theatre, Sydney NSW www.factorytheatre.com.au

Thursday January 12 Tuggeranong Alliance, Canberra ACT www.moshtix.com.au

Friday January 13 HI-FI Bar, Melbourne VIC www.moshtix.com.au

Saturday January 14 Fowlers Live, Adelaide SA www.moshtix.com.au

Thursday January 19 The Bakery, Perth WA www.nowbaking.com.au

Friday January 20 Railway Express, Darwin NT www.moshtix.com.au