Pete Murray is a Australian Singer-Songwriter notable for achieving number 1 hits on the Australian music charts. Interview November 14, 2013.
Pete Murray Interview
What’s new in the life of Pete Murray?
Apart form putting out my first release in Canada, I just got back from a ten day surfing tour in Indonesia about a month ago. It’s the first time that I have surfed over there. The waves were incredible. I spent the first three days craping myself from the size and the power of the waves but in the end I survived and surfed the best waves of my life!
How does it feel to release your self-titled EP to Canada?
It’s taken me ten years to get a release in North America, due to record label politics, so I’ve got to tell you that I am very excited. It has been very frustrating that my music has never been allowed to be heard in Canada. I have been very successful in Australia and in parts of Europe, but all I have really wanted to do is come over to North America and play. I’m now looking forward to having the chance to do this.
November 15th you are playing in Halifax. Must be a great feeling to be doing a Canadian tour?
I came over to Canada years ago on a backpacking trip and fell in love with the place. I also toured with Ron Sexsmith about 18 months ago and that was fantastic too. Canadian crowds are some of the best crowds that I have played to so I’m very happy to be back, especially this time, as I’m supporting Paul Langlois from the The Tragically Hip.
What equipment are you currently endorsing, etc.
I play Maton guitars (Australian guitar company) and I use D’Addario strings.
What would be some of the craziest stuff you’ve seen on tour?
The things that I find crazy on tour are the way some guys don’t get on. I’m lucky that I’m a solo artist and that makes me the boss when I hire any band members. Sometimes it is a real juggle keeping people happy with each other; it doesn’t matter what you do they are still going to clash and hate each other. I remember coming off stage one time and the crowd was going crazy waiting for us to come back on for an encore. While the crowd waited, my keyboard player, guitarist and drummer got in a massive fight and they were seriously punching the crap out of each other. The bass player and I were sick of trying to stop all the arguing so we just sat there and let these guys go for it. It was hilarious. The crowd was still cheering and it was like they knew the fight was going on. Once these guys got tired and stopped fighting, I said “well I guess we better go on now.” The boys dusted themselves off and said “Yep, we’re ready now.” We all just cracked up, then went on and did a killer encore.
What were your earliest influences in life?
My parents. They are the biggest influence in my life. I have learned so much from them. I hope that I can do the same for my boys.
What would be some of your main influences today?
In Life: I’m determined to enjoy my life and make sure that my two young boys have the best life possible.
In Music: I’m starting to get influenced by beats and drum loops.
What could we find interesting in your music collection at home?
Interesting or weird, you tell me: Huey Lewis and The News records plus I do like some Katy Perry. Yes, I know I’m not a teenage girl but I do like some of Katy’s songs.
Could you describe what goes on in a day in your life as a musician on tour?
Wake up in the morning then hurry up and wait for breakfast. Go back to the hotel room or tour bus, jam a little then hurry up and wait for lunch. Get back to the hotel or on the tour bus, jam a little then hurry up and wait for sound check. Go back to the hotel or tour bus, or stay at the venue and hurry up and wait for dinner, then, hurry up and wait for the gig. After the gig, go back to hotel or tour bus then hurry up and wait for the next day!
Where do you see music going 100 years from now?
Music has changed so much in the last few years, it’s hard to say where it will be in 100 years. Maybe hip-hop artists will have stopped making tits and ass video clips.
Extra questions with Pete Murray
Life without music would be: Dull
Favorite movie: Saving Private Ryan
Favorite sport: Rugby
Favorite food: Thai
Favorite drink: Dark rum
Favorite saying: Anyone keen for a feed?
Favorite car: Porsche
Favorite book: Alchemist
Favorite band: The Doors
CD or Vinyl: CD
Star Wars or Star Trek: Star Wars
PC or Mac: Mac
Check out Pete Murray online https://www.facebook.com/petemurray