Tell us about your new single/ album/ tour?
Our new single is called Space Cadet. It’s an intergalactic anthem about outer space. The song features two huge whammy screaming guitar solos and a bass solo. It’s a fusion of psych, pop and kraut rock. we’ve been touring the single for two months across Australia; Melbourne, Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle, Goldcoast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Perth and Albury. We’ve worn our costume made Space Suits and our fans have also come dressed in their own space themed costumes. It’s been far out!
How long have you been playing guitar?
I’ve been playing for three years. I started out as a drummer and then taught myself guitar as a songwriting tool which developed into a live performance tool.
Why did you first start playing?
I started playing drums in primary school mostly to rebel, to be the cool, tom boy. I was always a dancer. I had blonde hair and blue eyes, I was the school captain and it was expected that I should be lady like, so choosing the most un-lady like instrument was so naughty. I started playing guitar because I was songwriting in another band and playing drums. this meant I was always dependant on other musicians to created the chords and instrumental compositions to my vocal melodies. I learnt the guitar because i wanted to be more independent.
Which guitarist most influenced your playing?
Probably Joan Jet, she made it look easy with basic power chords.
Describe your favourite guitar.
I love flying v guitars because they just look so damn awesome but they are uncomfortable. I’m yet to play my ‘favourite’ guitar because i don’t think i’ve played it yet. I’m looking for something super small and light weight, short neck, tiny body that sounds like a chainsaw.
How do you prepare for a show?
Vocal warm-ups and guitar warm-ups. I try to keep to myself prior to shows to reserve my energy and voice, drink lots of water and sound check.
Tell us a quick, on the road or studio, anecdote.
Sleep, eat healthy, drink water and maximise every single interaction with bands and venue staff.
What, or who, inspires you?
I’m inspired by my end goal. My end goal is to raise humanity. When I feel overwhelmed with little challenges and when I feel hard done by and exhausted I think of the starving children throughout the world that have it harder then me.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
Landslide by Fleetwood Mac.
How would you describe your sound in food form and why?
Probably one of the wizz fizz packets that explode in your mouth.
What’s next for you?
We’re recording new music in between our appearance at The Melbourne Guitar Show/Cherry Bar Afterparty Show, then King Street Crawl in Sydney, some local Sydney shows and then launching the new music with some single launches across the country in October and some all ages shows in November.
Catch Rackett at the AON WHAMMY BAR
Presented by Australian Musician and Triple M FM Level 2 Escalator West
3.45 pm – RACKETT – Rackett make loud and experimental punk-pop. Based in Sydney, Australia, the band have moved from virtual anonymity to playing in major theatres and festivals throughout Australia, receiving regular airplay on community and commercial radio.
MELBOURNE GUITAR SHOW DETAILS
SATURDAY AUG 4 | CAULFIELD RACECOURSE |10.00am – 6.00pm | TICKETS
SUNDAY AUG 5 | CAULFIELD RACECOURSE | 10.00am – 4.00pm | TICKETS
Australian Music Association announced the 2018 return of the Melbourne Guitar Show, set to rock Caulfield Racecourse on August 4 and 5 – and this year, it’ll be bigger than ever.
Proudly presented by Triple M and Australian Musician, the lineup boasts an impressive haul of both local and international artists, and featuring amongst the bunch is none other than UK guitar legend Albert Lee.
In addition to some killer performances from the artists on this massive lineup, #MGS2018 will also hold a monster exhibition that will feature a gigantic variety of electric and acoustic guitars, effects pedals, amps and more state-of-the-art guitar technology, both home-grown and from around the world. It will continue to be Australia’s biggest guitar pop-up shop, and that’s not all. The Melbourne Guitar Show will host information seminars, demonstrations, and live performances from Australia’s most talented guitarists.
This year will be extra special as the Melbourne Guitar Show welcomes UK guitar legend Albert Lee. Lee’s work with The Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris and The Crickets is renowned within the music world and cemented his place as one of the most respected and renowned guitarists in history. Speaking on Lee’s talent, Eric Clapton enthuses, “(He is) the ultimate virtuoso. His skill is extraordinary and he’s gifted on just about every level,” while Emmylou Harris says, “(Albert Lee) is a brilliant guitar player…his sound is unmistakable, never qualled.” The British-born country-rock artist started his long and illustrious career during the emerging rock ‘n’ roll scene of ‘60s London, when he played in bands with the likes of Jimmy Page and Chris Farlowe. He has received countless accolades for his work, and has been named Guitar Player Magazine’s Best Country Guitarist five times in a row.
The first lineup announcement for #MGS2018 is a big one. Joining Albert Lee is Daniel Champagne, a prolific young guitar virtuoso with the world at his feet, and Jeff Lang, who has been described by Rolling Stone as “Australia’s best roots music artisan.” Melbourne Guitar Show favourites Nick Charles and Shannon Bourne will also be returning this year, alongside some seriously talented women Fiona Boyes, Alison Ferrier, Cat Canteri, Nat Allison and upcoming punk rockers Rackett. Not to mention a whole host of additional artists are set to be announced over the coming weeks.
Drawing over 5,500 guitar lovers and enthusiasts to last year’s exhibit, the Melbourne Guitar Show is growing year on year and is gearing up for the biggest event yet. The voice of the Australian music products industry, the Australian Music Association (AMA) will be teaming up with australianmusician.com.au and presenting sponsors Triple M, 3PBS and Aon to present this year’s guitar-centric weekend. At last year’s MGS, punters not only enjoyed scheduled performances and demos from the awesome artists on the lineup, but also witnessed surprise on-stand appearances from some of Australia’s finest artists, including Ian Moss, Darren Middleton (Powderfinger), Paul Dempsey, Oscar Dawson and Ali Barter. Both the promoters of the show and the exhibitors are constantly wrangling acts right up until the very last minute – and who will be joining the all-star jam this year? Come on down and find out!
Thrilled to present #MGS2018 once again, AMA executive officer and MGS organiser, Rob Walker says, “After an awesome show last year, we’re looking forward to continuing the tradition the show is creating. We’re very pleased to present Albert Lee on his 75th birthday tour, as well as the usual host of wonderful players we present.”
Not only will the 2018 MGS provide a hands-on chance to see, hear and play a broad range of the world’s favourite brands, it will also see exhibitors offering great show deals, plus an opportunity to get close to some hand-crafted, locally made instruments and epic guitar and gear collections. Describing the exciting developments, Rob continues, “Our exhibition welcomes back some big names this year and the learning opportunities are plentiful. If you’re in the market for guitars and gear, great live music from some of the best players. the Melbourne Guitar Show is the place to be.”
The first artist line up announcement includes: Albert Lee, Daniel Champagne, Jeff Lang, Nick Charles, Shannon Bourne, Fiona Boyes, James Ryan, Phil Manning, Nat Allison, Brett Kingman, Alison Ferrier, Cat Canteri, Scott Darlow, Rackett, Van Larkins, Justin Bernasconi, Rohan Stevenson, and more to be announced over the coming weeks.
The Melbourne Guitar Show will be held at Caulfield Racecourse on August 4 and 5.
Tickets are on sale NOW!
Online ticket prices when pre-ordered:: Adult day pass $20, adult weekend pass $30, family day pass $35, concession day pass $10, concession weekend pass $15, premium ticket** $40
MELBOURNE GUITAR SHOW DETAILS
SATURDAY AUG 4 | CAULFIELD RACECOURSE |10.00am – 6.00pm | TICKETS
SUNDAY AUG 5 | CAULFIELD RACECOURSE | 10.00am – 4.00pm | TICKETS