There’s much more to Bill Chambers than just being Kasey’s dad. The patriarch of the Chambers Clan is considered by some to be Australia’s premier alt-country guitarist. He can be a master of delicate picking on Dobro or Lap Steel and a demon on Slide. Along with producing albums for the likes of Catherine Britt, Audrey Auld, Bec Willis (co-produced with Kasey) and the Dead Ringer Band, Bill has still found time to write most of the songs on his albums – the ARIA nominated ‘Sleeping With The Blues’ , ʻFrozen Groundʼ and his most recent, ‘Drifting South’. Between touring with his daughter and Catherine Britt, planning his 2015 Country Highway Tours and preparing for his next solo studio album, Bill sat down with us to pass on his savvy seven tips for emerging musicians.
1. The best live music venues in my area are…
The best live music venue in my area (NSW Central Coast) is Quattro, a licensed Coffee bar at Erina, Central Coast NSW. Every two weeks we run a songwriters night around a condenser mic, totally unplugged. It’s one of the few places where people sit and listen.
2. The music scene in my hometown is…
… tough for songwriters. Venues are pretty much interested in covers artists or tribute shows. Original artists need to grow some balls, write great songs and show the world they have something to offer.
3. My top tip for artists who self-manage is…
…to keep self-managing unless you have money to throw away and a career that’s too big to handle.
4. In my opinion, the most important issue facing the music industry is… (and what do you think would be a good solution?)
….the lack of originality. Almost all artists follow trends they hear and see all around them. The artists who make it big are the ones who come up with a new sound and image of their own.
5. When on the road, my favourite pit stops are…
….Irish pubs who serve Bangers and Mash.
6. My biggest career mistake has been…
…. not writing songs when I was young!
7. My best advice for emerging artists is…
Open your ears and note the vast difference between the great classic albums of all time and most of the mediocre music that’s being produced today! Write great songs and record a great album.
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