After more than 5 years of regular performances, independent releases, and high rotation airplay on Triple J my music has recently found its way onto the big screen with what is becoming a popular Australian cult movie – The Sunset Six. “It’s All My Fault” is the feature track of this movie. The song also caught the attention of other film producers and is featured in the films The Reverse Runner and Surviving Georgia. “It’s All My Fault” has featured on iTunes as one of the most outstanding selected tracks on the indie charts.
I’m preparing to take my music live in 2013, July 18th at Northcote Social Club, Melbourne and July 19th at the Factory Theatre, Sydney to coincide with the release of my new single “Ghost”.
You appeared on this year’s season of The Voice. How was that experience? Are the judges as hands on as they appear on the show?
The experience was really fun. I met a heap of crazy talented people and it’s become a really tangible network of people from all over the country. The Judges are as hands on as they are allowed to be. I believe they really care about what they are doing, its just that until it gets down to four or so people, there just isn’t the time to spend with everyone that they would possibly like.
What made you take the plunge and join the show, and how has it impacted your career so far?
I was approached by the voice to submit an audition tape. At first I was hesitant, but the more I thought about it, the more I was convinced that it wasn’t such a bad idea. It’s a great platform to reach a wider audience. It was a pity there wasn’t more freedom to choose my own material, but that’s just how it goes.
Some viewers might not have known about your string of past indie releases which have been spinning on Triple J for years now, including the freshly released single ‘Ghost’. How’s the reaction been to the new track?
The track isn’t officially released yet, so I’m still in that stage of not exactly knowing how it will be received, but I’ve played it at some smaller shows this year and the reaction has been really positive!
What’s the concept behind the song?
Ostensibly it’s about falling in love with a ghost! But beneath that there’s the idea of completely making someone up in your own mind. You know when you’re besotted by someone and then suddenly realise that you don’t actually know them at all, and you’ve attributed all these characteristics to them that are straight out of your imagination!
Recently your sounds made it to the big screen on the Australian film, The Sunset Six, with your song ‘It’s All My Fault’ being made feature track of the movie. How did this opportunity come about?
The director of the film, Jeremy Stanford was looking for a song that one of the characters ‘write’ in the script. It had to be a song that sounded good on an acoustic guitar but also fully produced. He heard “Its All My Fault” on Triple J and just contacted me out of the blue about having it in the film.
You’ve been performing live for more than five years now. What’s your earliest memory of performing and who inspired you to start?
My earliest memory of performing is of making up songs with my dad and performing them to the rest of the family. My folks were always so supportive and encouraging.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
Really liking Half Moon Run at the moment. I just downloaded Billy Joel’s first album Cold Spring Harbor which is getting a good thrashing too.
If you could curate your own festival, where would it be, who would be on the bill, how many people would you let in and what features would it have?
I really like the way Harvest have been doing it – smaller crowds, and a real variety of artists. Beck and Ben Folds Five were awesome last year so I’d try to get them on my bill. Ideally somewhere warmer so there’s no mud, and free bean bags. Actually what would be cool is yum-cha style carts going around with dumplings and drinks so you didn’t have to queue up!
Because it’s better to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with?
Oh there are so many! I’d love to work with Nick Cave. I think Bernard Fanning would be great to work with too. Also Sia Furler.
You’re playing two upcoming shows to celebrate the release of the new single ‘Ghost’, which will be supported by your fellow The Voice contestants Jac Stone and Imogen Brough. What can we expect from these special live shows?
Jac and Imogen are fabulous songwriters, so you can expect some great original music. There may even be a surprise collaboration!
Finally, what’s next in store for the 2013 and 2014?
I have more music to release, and some more touring to do! I am also working on another project with producer Jaime Jimenez, which you’ll hopefully hear a lot more about soon!
Nicholas Roy Tour Dates
July 18th at Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
July 19th at the Factory Theatre, Sydney
Watch the video Nicholas made with Jac Stone from Melbourne and Sydney!
