By REBECCA BILLS
FROM grunge to love, usual rocker Sarah McLeod is exposing a softer, gentler offering, revealing a classic side to her musicality.
Becoming famous as the lead singer of The Superjesus, Ms McLeod is raising eyebrows with her new EP ‘96% Love Song Book Part 1’ and is stepping out on tour to support her first solo release in five years.
Ms MeLeod said this album is a “tip of the hat” to the 1950s and 1960s favourites that she grew up with in an era that is close to her heart.
“This style of music has always been my foundation, however in the ’90s I pushed it very firmly aside in order to focus on my ‘grunge’ phase,” she said.
“I never confessed to anyone that my tastes were living in the past, but now I feel I have come full circle and it’s OK for me to just write what comes naturally.
“Writing and performing it is the only thing that keeps me sane.”
As a long-time collaborator, this body of work is the first release that Ms MeLeod has written entirely on her own and she said as a songwriter she feels that she has left no stone unturned.
“I find excitement in all kinds of styles, acoustic and rock, they all have their place and they are all fun to write and perform,” she said.
“This classic style of writing though comes the most naturally to me, not only to write, but also to listen to.
“I have enjoyed this writing and recording process more than any musical experience to date – this album is complete simplicity, it’s also really raw and genuine.”
Accompanying Ms McLeod on this tour is Thirsty Merc bassist Phil Stack on stand-up double bass who adds a truly unique and special element to her show.
“I normally tour by myself and I would like to work up to touring with a whole band, so this is just the natural progression, I guess,” she said.
“Whether this direction is relevant is not something I am concerning myself with, I love it and it makes me happy.”
Taking a big step away from her rock roots, this truly special tour will be on show at the Ferntree Gully Hotel on Friday 25 October.
Tickets are $20 or $25 at the door and are available from www.ticketmaster.com.au or call Ferntree Gully Hotel on 9758 6544.
Ticket giveaway
THE Mail is giving one lucky reader a chance to win a double pass to Sarah McLeod’s national tour at the Ferntree Gully Hotel on Friday 25 October.
To go into the draw to win two tickets to the events, visit the Mail Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MailNewspaperGroup and like, comment on and share the related post.
Winners will be announced on Friday 18 October on our Facebook page.
