We hear that yourself and the Widowbirds toured across Europe in early 2013.
Yeah – We were lucky enough to hook up 30 shows in around 36 days starting in Spain, up into Scandinavia and back in Germany, France, Austria – everywhere. It was a tour to promote not only our debut record which is getting some love over there but the live show too as we’ve all grown up with the stories of AC/DC smashing it in Europe and the Europeans love for rock n roll. The European tour helped shape the sound we have now ahead of the next record. We are a lot louder than the first record with more riffery and power.
Any particular highlights you care to mention?
Some of the wildest times can be had in sometimes the most unassuming places. Cuco’s Taberna in Aldea De San Miguel (mid-Spain) was by far, a highlight – as well as Ravensburg (Germany); Barcelona and Madrid were up there too!
You were touring in support of Shenandoah. How has the record been received since its release?
The record has been welcomed with some devoted fans, great reviews, and the ability for the band to tour not only in Australia but overseas. I supposed the innocence that we went into the recording of the album must be an appealing quality of the record. It was a home-made and hand-rolled journey for us and seems like people have made themselves at home in our record.
How would you sell the album for those unfamiliar with your music?
Shenandoah was a record that was crafted on the side of a mountain, where I was living at the time. It’s 11 songs of truth, lives – lived and the learning and yearning for love all in an organic, acoustic woven rock n roll album. I mean rock n roll in spirit and in that 1968, raw, unschooled flavour. A balance of influence from say The Faces, Frankie Miller, right down to early Led Zeppelin.
Have you been working on new music with the Widowbirds?
Absolutely! We had a great opportunity at soundchecks whilst in Europe to try new ideas out and sure enough we’ve come back with a collection of new songs that will no doubt make a good part of the new record. I’m really excited about these songs, I love the recording process, we get our elbows deep in rock n roll grease and get to push the envelope as we will be putting a few more cylinders under the hood and exploring a few hidden desired in sounds and experimenting with that.
You’re one of the few musicians to have come away from reality TV unscathed. Why do you think you got something from The Voice when many others just seemingly disappear?
It was a tv show and the subject matter was music and I just simply saw it as an opportunity to extend the longevity of a genre and musical approach that I love, that I represent and share with many peers in similar shoes out there, who are making their own music – making their own career. I wanted to put working class music back in the picture and believing in it wholeheartedly perhaps gave my persona a shield from the fiery depths of what could be a hard plank to walk. In the back of my mind though was that (no matter when I depart the show) The Widowbirds will be there ready to go and there’s no time to lose, getting back in the van and back in the studio was a bigger goal for me than potentially winning the voice.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod at the moment?
I’ve got a big mix of things that I’m digging right now… Rivals Sons’ album Head Down from L.A are smoking. I’ve always got time for Freddie King (The Texas Flyer). Sundays makes a good day for Beach House or Empire of The Sun too. (Note: Powerage by AC/DC is never ever out of reach though)
If you could collaborate with any living Australian artist who would it be?
Having a real soft spot for 1960’s soul music, I’d like to see myself having a good soulful yell with The Bamboos. Bringing the White Dude/Blue Eyed Soul to the jam.
What are your plans for the rest of 2013?
Heading back into the studio to track the new material for the next record, aim to get a single out by Summer and album out by the end of the year, as we’re also gearing up to get back to Europe in April 2014. Of course, we’ve got festivals, tours and sideshows that will keep us swinging.
Where we can see you play next, what releases do you have available and where can we get them?
Simon Meli & The Widowbirds starts touring July 18 in Sydney and does the hole East Coast on this first run.
Music will never let you down. Simon x
Simon Meli and The Windowbirds Tour Dates
Thursday 18th July @ THE VANGUARD SOLD OUT, NSW
Friday 19th July @ ROOTY HILL RSL, NSW
Saturday 20th July @ PIGSTY IN JULY FESTIVAL, NSW
Sunday 21st July @ BEACHES HOTEL, NSW
Friday 26th July @ JIVE BAR, Adelaide
Sunday 28th July @ NORTHCOTE SOCIAL CLUB, Melbourne
Friday 2nd August @ SOLBAR, QLD
Saturday 3rd August @ BALLINA RSL CLUB, NSW
Sunday 4th August @ X AND Y BAR, QLD
Thursday 8th August @ THE BRASS MONKEY, NSW
Friday 9th August @ CAMBRIDGE HOTEL, NSW
Saturday 10th August @ COAST HOTEL, NSW
Thursday 22nd July @ THE VANGUARD, Sydney – 2nd show
