It’s the raw energy of playing an intimate live gig that Marty Simpson digs most.
Recollecting the best moments from two Aussie East Coast tours, this 23 year-old from Forresters Beach, NSW says the buzz of being on the road is where it’s at.
“Four hundred people, crammed into a venue, with the front rows singing your songs… that’s when I feel I grow the most,” says Marty.
His first tour, titled “Walking Out The Door” included more than 40 East Coast venues and the support of two surfie mates, Cooper Penny (bass and vocals) and Johnny Lake (percussion).
As a three-piece, they belted out over 25 original tracks, mostly passionate acoustic rock offerings with the occasional hit of reggae, all written by Marty and inspired by real-life moments.
“For me, travelling and music go hand in hand,” says Marty. “It provides me with the inspiration to write.”
Marty’s tracks are honest and engaging; qualities synonymous with his ‘salt of the Earth’ Aussie heritage. His dad, Stan is a brickie. His mum, Karen is a housekeeper and his brother’s a garbo. It’s the typical no-bullshit, Aussie coastal existence that resonates with the populace.
“Art, the environment, relationships, the past, present and future … they’re all topics for inspiration,” says Marty.
His latest single, I See Things Different Now (Shock Records, February 2010) was recorded in Melbourne and co-produced by Cam Mackenzie and Ian Pritchard (Beautiful Girls, Cog, Angus and Julia Stone) and embodies these virtues.
“It touches on the hardships of relationships,” explains Marty. “Something we may have considered innocent that turns out to be something else. A lot of people will be able relate to it.”
Victoria’s world-renowned Great Ocean Road served as the rugged backdrop for the film clip that was shot over four days. A subtle visual link to Marty’s coastal upbringing.
In April, an album release will follow which will include a collaboration with iconic Australian musician, James Reyne; the track She Lies.
“As a passionate songwriter, to work alongside guys who are established, great artists was something I’m grateful for and look forward to doing again,” says Marty.
“I realised James and I share a similar approach to writing, which was reassuring.”
It would be remiss to exclude Marty’s success on the hit national talent quest Australian Idol in any historical reference to his music career.
An immediate favourite of the show’s judges, it was the whims of the Australian public that carried him all the way to the final four and sudden, certain infamy.
“It gave me so many opportunities and unforgettable experiences,” Marty says of his time on the show. “It was one of the best learning experiences throughout my career.”
Two year’s on it might seem like old news, but his dad, Stan, fondly recalls his son’s succes as “the best thing to happen in our family since we got five numbers in Lotto”.
True dat.
Marty’s approach has always been based in a rootsy, organic style and his passion for writing and playing music has never waned.
He was hooked on playing from age nine, started writing original tracks aged 15, and now at 23 is staring down the barrel of a national tour.
On his left arm, a tattoo: the distinctive album art as featured on the Police’s Synchronicity album. It’s a symbolic reference to what Marty refers to as his ‘musical awakening’, immortalised forever.
Recalls Marty: “It reminds me of when I first connected with music. My dad had a cool vinyl collection and he would play Synchronicity. I’ll never forget it. That was my awakening.”
“My original music is my passion, it’s my life, it’s my work, it means everything to me. If I didn’t have my lyrics, or my guitar, then I wouldn’t be me.”
