A new world of music has opened for a former grunge artist, resulting in an EP launch, JAMES BRADY writes.
INSPIRATION seeded from a love of Launceston music has landed former grunge guitarist-vocalist Brad Gillies into the world of blues.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Gillies, alongside drummer Dan Hughes, has kicked off the band’s first Tasmanian tour and will tomorrow get stomping at The Royal Oak Hotel — opening for Queensland’s Cleveland Blues.
‘‘It’s a funny thing,’’ Gillies said.
‘‘I grew up listening to a lot of the Seattle scene in the ’90s and 2000 and stuck with that until I branched out into the local scene and realised there were a lot of good blues players here and around Australia.
‘‘Some of my favourite Launceston bands are blues bands, I sort of went along that path and it took me in that direction. I’m happy playing that music now, I guess.’’
He said he approached Hughes to join the project, which has since resulted in the duo’s first EP launch.
‘‘He’s got a very vast knowledge of music, he’s always talking about different bands I’ve never heard of, always throwing different ideas into the mix, which is really helpful and good for the creative process,’’ Gillies said.
‘‘This is the first EP we’ve released and we do have plans to release more EPs or an album in a few years’ time.
‘‘Depends on how sales go with this, if we can raise a bit to get into Red Planet recordings in Hobart, that will give us a platform to go on to the album.’’
He said the tour, which started at Devonport’s Tapas Bar, would finish in Hobart at The Homestead Tasmania on Friday, October 17.
‘‘After the tour, we’ll try and get our name out there a bit more, try and sell a few more CDs, do recording and live shows and branch out on to the mainland,’’ Gillies said.
‘‘More so Brisbane, I’ve got a few contacts up there, that could work out for us.
‘‘It’ll take a bit more work but definitely an option and something to look into – we’re pretty seriously keen to go ahead.’’
GIG FACTS
WHAT: Brad Gillies and Dan Hughes EP launch with Cleveland Blues.
WHERE: The Royal Oak Hotel, Launceston.
WHEN: Tomorrow.