Questions & Photos– Geoff Jenke
In the Chair is a regular feature on Eventalaide, highlighting artists from across Australia and occasionally overseas. 21 Questions and everyone gets the same questions. It is just meant to be a bit of fun so please treat it as such.
Despite all that is happening around the world, Brett Gray has had a busy year. He has just released his debut album, Eleven Days and Then Some with a couple of recent sold-out gigs. He also filmed the shows with full band, which hopefully will see the light of day soon, but he also filmed the songs on the album with just him playing acoustic. At the moment these songs are being slowly released on Youtube (via his Facebook page).
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Name: Brett Gray
Alias: Ha – nothing that cool – just plain old Brett Gray!
Band: Brett Gray Music band (and front man for the Eleven Days band too!)
In less than 50 words describe your music, and yourself.
Acoustic based rock with a bit of country influence. I’m a singer/songwriter/guitarist that tries to write memorable songs that are hopefully enjoyed and listened to for many years to come.
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What was the first record you bought with your own money and where from?
I think it was “Into the fire” by Bryan Adams from the old record store in Parabanks shopping centre in Salisbury! I can see it in my mind but can’t remember what it was called!
60’s
or 70’s Music:
60’s.
What music are currently listening to?
My own as we just launched the album. I needed to know how to play it again!!
The Best live artist/band you’ve seen:
My first Bryan Adams concert. But also, and this may sound crazy, I saw Sonia DaDa (hit single with You Don’t Treat Me No Good) at Heaven nightclub I think it was, some 30 years ago and they were insanely brilliant – blew me away. Didn’t expect much but was pleasantly amazed!
Your “In the mood for love” song:
I’m married. I’m not allowed to have one!
Your favourite Saturday night party record?
Cold Chisel Gold I think would be a go-to.
Your favourite Sunday morning chill out record?
Any number of laid-back country tunes. Something by Rascal Flatts, Troy Cassar-Daley, or even older school like Randy Travis or the legend, Kenny Rogers!
Which song do you wish you had written?
Many – Missing You by John Waite is a particular favourite but I’m sure I could rattle off plenty more.
Roger Daltry once said “Rock N Roll has no future”. Do you agree with him?
No. As long as the rocking generations are around, we should be good to go…but after that, it might be lights out – in both ways!!
Vinyl, CD or Streaming?
Vinyl definitely has a feel and warmth that can’t be beaten…and it takes me back to my childhood memories of when you’d sit and listen to a whole side or whole album in one go and pour over the cover and liner notes/lyrics in awe.
If you could record or play live with any artist (dead or alive), who would it be?
It would have to be my biggest influence, Bryan Adams. I actually got to sing with him live once – an insane experience – but that story is for another time – but gee it’s a great story!!
What is the most useless talent you have?
Trivial knowledge. I know so much about useless information it’s ridiculous. Now, if I knew something about anything worthwhile, that would be quite helpful, but it would also shock people so, better to keep things as is!
Your finest recorded moment?
Would have to be the new album, Brett Gray – Eleven Days and Then Some…. although a friend of mine and I recorded a version of my tune “Fly away” (which is actually on the album) about 20 years ago using a 4-track recorder, 1 microphone, 1 guitar and a tin of milo as a shaker, and plenty of reverb and it was surprisingly great! I’ve got a copy of it somewhere – would make a great B-side…..if they still existed!
If you could open a show for any artist/band, who would it be?
Again, would have to be Bryan Adams by default…. although it would be funny to open for someone from a completely different genre just to see the look of confusion on the faces of the audience before they started throwing things!
Stuck on a desert island for a year and can only take three albums. What would they be?
Cuts like a Knife – Bryan Adams,
Barnestorming – Jimmy Barnes
and one of my Spanish learning discs (I could be fluent by the time someone rescues me!).
Favourite all time movie:
Dances with Wolves.
Who would you rather be for a day, Mick Jagger or Keith Richard?
Either – so I could know I was going to be rocking at age 200!
Best show you have ever played in your career:
I remember playing the Norwood for the first time some years ago – it was fantastic – it was high energy, hot and sweaty, the crowd was pumping and we fed off of it like never before. I actually remember turning to our bass player at the end and said, “I think that was the best gig we’ve ever played!” so I’d have to say that one. I also played at a friends’ wedding once at the Bridgewater Mill where you play on a stage on top of the bar (!). There are 2 levels of seating elevated also, and these guys just wanted to party and forget the formalities….it was insane – there were people dancing in the stairwells, on all 3 levels and screamed for more after each tune – it was a memorable night that I never thought would be so nuts – at a wedding!
Paul McCartney or Neil Young?
Paul McCartney for me.
Who is the nicest person in Rock n Roll at the moment?
I’d like to say it’s me. but I can’t pull that off!!
What do you hope the next 12 months holds for you?
I’ve finally taken the plunge and stepped off the ledge as a solo artist. I hope to build a base of solid connections, get my foot in some doors for some potential festival bills (if and when they come back), perhaps have an opportunity to play some support slots for some accomplished artists and get my music out to as many people who’ll have me – so to speak!!
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You can listen to Brett’s album via Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3u8N1l7p7OzgNV3oy0MMaP
Or iTunes:
http://www.itunes/brettgraymusic
Check out Brett’s Facebook page at Brett Gray Music:
https://www.facebook.com/brettgraymusic
If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the CD, leave a message on Facebook.
All clips available so far are on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1rMlfxfoBv6kRjAlkRWrpg
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