Q&A Scene: Lazy Eye

Tell us about your new single/ album/ tour?

Pocket The Black. Ten songs recorded live in front of a studio audience. Think B.B. King sharing a scotch with Booker T at the crossroads after midnight. We’re all pumped about hitting the road October thru November in support of the album. The material just feels so good to play!

What’s your favourite work at this point in time?

This new album is definitely our favourite. Recording in front of an audience really captured the live Lazy Eye sound, but doing so in the studio created a beautiful sounding album. It’s certainly our best work yet.

Tell us a quick, on the road or studio, anecdote.

We had 2 nominations at the 2015 Australian Blues Music Awards, known as the “Chain” awards. We thought we may have a chance of actually winning the “Song Of The Year” award, but realistically we had no chance at the “Group Of The Year” given the talent and achievements of the other finalists. The awards take place at TheAustralian Blues Music Festival every year in Goulburn. Given the fact that we weren’t scheduled to play until 11pm that night Erica and I decided to take the van into Sydney that morning. Unfortunately it was while pulled over on the side of the road waiting for the RAA about 50km’s out that we got the phone call to say we’d actually won “Group Of The Year”. It was a surreal feeling. I just wish I could have seen Mario’s face when they called out our name, from what I hear his speech was short and not the most eloquent he’s given!

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

It’s definitely like mamma’s home cooking, but then, not withstanding the grits & gravy, we’ve had some songs described as Latin Boogaloo. What can I say, we like it spicy!

What, or who, inspires you?

We draw a lot form the greats of the art form, specifically artists like the three Kings, Albert, Freddie and B.B. All of the great Chicago Blues artists. I personally draw a lot of inspiration from my family. Lyrically, while keeping within the blues vernacular, the songs are about life as we experience it. While it may be easy to thrill a crowd with songs like “Sweet Home Chicago”, our view is that to really keep true to the tradition you need to write about life from your own perspective.

Which song do you wish you wrote?

“Little By Little” by Mel London who wrote the tune for Junior Wells. The best version still is from Wells’ “Hoodoo Man Blues” album featuring Buddy Guy.

What’s next for you?

We’re exited about the tour.. 25 shows across three states and a territory, 11500kms all up. Coming (hopefully) to a venue near you. Brain to full to think much past that, but definitely looking forward to playing in the U.S. again.

What’s your scene?

A beautiful mess. Writing, recording & playing the music we love. We’re among the fortunate few who spend our lives chasing our dreams…and every now and then we catch one.

 “Guitar licks, picked over tremulous Hammond organ chords and shuffling blues beats are the core of this retro blues collection, which manages to emit authenticity despite the obvious legacy of its influences.”

The Sydney Morning Herald 

About Lazy Eye

Having clocked up a multitude of miles in their tour van, the 2015 Group Of The Year (Australian Blues Music Awards) has not only developed a reputation as one of the hardest working bands in the country but has also picked up a swag of accolades along the way including Best Blues Album for their debut release Move Me (2013 SA Blues & Roots), Best Blues Artist (2014 South Australian Music Awards) and nominations for Song Of The Year (Hole In My Pocket, 2015 Australian Blues Music Awards) and Most Popular Blues/Roots Artist (2016 SAM Awards). [pullquote]“It’s easy to see why Lazy Eye have been getting the plaudits they easily deserve. It’s the blues done well with soul and passion.” Music SA [/pullquote] Now on the brink of release, their brand new offering Pocket The Black has been judged the 2016 Blues Album Of The Year (Adelaide Roots & Blues Association). Showcasing the respective talents of Evan Whetter (vocal, organ & harmonica), Erica Graf (guitar) & Mario Marino (drums), Pocket The Black will be released on September 16th and Lazy Eye will be touring throughout October and November.

“It’s easy to see why Lazy Eye have been getting the plaudits they easily deserve. It’s the blues done well with soul and passion.” Music SA

LAZY EYE TOUR DATES

www.lazyeyeband.com

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