Q&A Scene: Guitarists’ Special ~ Zenith Moon

Tell us about your new single/ album/ tour?

Our debut single ‘Inhibition’ is a song written as a reflection of my high school experience, which was rather negative, as I experienced bullying which further lead to anxiety and depression. I became very self-conscious and self- aware, with the anxiety taking control of my life. However after I finished high school, I realised that I was losing myself and my passion for music. This song is about the journey I went through in high school to becoming a confident woman and not being swayed by other people’s opinions.

How would you describe your sound in food form and why?

I like to think of us as a chocolate chip cookie you eat straight out of the oven. It’s hot, sweet, has big chunks of chocolate (represents our big chunks of high energy), and then you swallow and you’re left wanting more.

Which of your songs resonate most strongly and why?

One song that is the most special to me is ‘Sunny’. It’s a song I wrote as a tribute to my uncle Sunny. He too was a musician and he gave me the confidence to chase my passion and dreams. When he passed away very suddenly, it felt as though my whole world fell apart, because the person I looked up to just disappeared out of nowhere. Whenever I perform this song, I feel as though it’s a way for me to continue his legacy.

Tell us a quick, on the road, anecdote.

We’ll have to post-pone this question till we’ve actually toured nationally, we’ve yet to pass that milestone!

Where do you draw inspiration from?  

Songs I write are typically drawn from personal experiences, however sometimes I write song that aren’t necessarily about me, instead it would be about what a close family member or friend of mine is going through. I try to step into their shoes and envision what they’re experience would be like. Everyone has a story to tell, but not everyone has the ability or vehicle to express it.

Which song do you wish you wrote?

I wish I wrote many songs however at the moment, I really wish I wrote ‘Gimme Shelter’ by the Rolling Stones. It’s such a beautiful yet haunting song, and the backing vocalist sings with such emotion and intensity I can’t help but get shivers every time. (It’s also my favourite part in the song).

What’s next for you?

We’ll be playing a lot of shows in Melbourne and regional Victoria. Later in the year we aim to be releasing another single and then we’ll be touring off the back of that. We’re also planning to hit the streets of Melbourne as street performers.

What’s your scene?

We hang around the Brunswick music scene a lot, hanging out at venues like the Penny Black. We used to haunt around the Brunswick Hotel awhile as well before it got closed down due to flood damage. If we’re not working, we’re generally hanging out and talking about the band or rehearsing/writing. As for hobbies, I love to cook and bake – it’s a great way to unwind.

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

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

WEBSITE                 FACEBOOK              #MGS2018            TWITTER                 INSTAGRAM

About Mary Boukouvalas 1643 Articles
Mary is a photographer and a writer, specialising in music. She runs Rocklust.com where she endeavours to capture the passion of music in her photos whether it's live music photography, promotional band photos or portraits. She has photographed The Rolling Stones, KISS, Iggy Pop, AC/DC, Patti Smith, Joe Strummer, PULP, The Cult, The Damned, The Cure, Ian Brown, Interpol, MUDHONEY, The MELVINS, The Living End, Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, Rage Against The Machine, The Stone Roses –just to name a few - in Australia, USA, Europe and the Middle East. Her work has been published in Beat magazine, Rolling Stone magazine, Triple J magazine, The Age Newspaper, The Herald Sun, The Australian, Neos Kosmos, blistering.com, theaureview.com, noise11.com, music-news.com. She has a permanent photographic exhibition at The Corner Hotel in Richmond, Victoria Australia.