Best of Brisbane

NIGEL McTRUSTRY:
ALBUMS TO DATE: Excursions

Nigel: I am a singer/songwriter based in Brisbane and perform live with percussionist, guitarist and vocalist Caroline Hammond. Our organic mix of acoustic guitar, cigar box guitars, djembe, Kahun, stomp, harmonica and diddley bow blend folk/rock and blues and roots with organic Cuban and African rhythms. Since the release of my CD and discovering the cigar box guitar, my sound has steadily evolved to include the traditional sounds of the deep south. The blend of our instruments is unique and our sound is different to anything else out there. I am on the crest of the wave that is building to bring awareness of the cigar box guitar home to the shore of the masses. My aim is to be an independent and productive musician at the forefront of this emerging sound. Viva la revolucion!

Q1. When and Why did you start your career as a solo artist?
I really started my career as a solo artist with the release of my cd. I have played in bands since I was a teenager and travelled the world with my guitar for many years. But it wasn't until I recorded my CD in Brisbane and released it that my career as a solo artist took off. I didn't have a band so in the studio i played bass and all the guitars (except some lead added by Kent Steedman of the Celibate Rifles). It was the only way to go. I have been gigging as a solo artist, as a duo and with a backing band ever since.

Q2. How would you describe your music?
Folk/Rock/Cigar Box Blues Groove/trance. Fun. The lyrics are original, the groove is fun, and the mix of the instruments makes my sound unique.

Q3. Explain the Cigar Box Guitar Revolution?
The Cigar Box Guitar Revolution is a growing movement of self expression. Music is turning full circle and this primal instrument is being recognised as being influential in the birth of music as we know it today. Its real origins are in Africa with the sounds of call-and-response singing, traditional African instruments and the rhythms inherent there. Cigar box guitars were taken up by those in the deep south of the US using broom handles for the neck, wire for strings, found objects, anything that would made a noise. So the blues (Rock'n'Roll etc) was born out of these homemade, gutsy, rootsy and powerful instruments. Making, playing and listening to CBGs is very addictive. It's consuming the world like a virus. The CBG is a tool that awakens people's inner groove and boogie and I'm riding the wave.

Q4. How did you discover the Cigar Box Guitar Revolution and what interested you about it?
I stumbled on a guy playing one on youtube. The whole point of CBGs is that they're a creative force. You make one, you have one, and you play it. Not only are you creating music, you're being creative in the act of making one. I saw it on youtube and I had to make one and the rest is history. I joined the revolution!

Q5. If you could choose any place in the world to perform, where would it be?
It would be hard to name one place. Japan is on my list because the culture is so different to ours in Australia. Plus, I know the audiences there would love the CBG vibe of blues and roots and African rhythms. You'd have them dancing in no time at all.

Q6. Who and what influences your songwriting?
My songwriting is influenced by many many things. I have been into music since a really young age. My brother is five years older than me and he influenced my musical tastes early on. Ever since, I have listened to music from all over the world, from the big names to small, relatively unknown bands out of Africa. In terms of the lyrics, something i hear in another song, something someone says or an incident i experience or witness can spark my songwriting process off. I've never been at a loss for something to write about. It's just something that happens and so long as the songs keep coming i'll keep writing, recording and playing them to an audience on some level.

Q7. What has been the highlight of your music career?
The recording and release of my CD and discovering the Cigar Box Guitar!

Q8. If you were only allowed to write one more song ever, what would it be about?
It would be about 4 minutes!....But then again if it was my last ever song i would make it a track with no end. i'd groove on my CBG for eternity. May have to get some loops involved somewhere on that one.

Q9. What are your plans for the future?
Music wise just keep combining my love of songwriting, recording and building and playing Cigar Box guitars. Just keeping on the CBG Revolutionary path. Viva la revolucion!

To check out Nigel’s music just head to:
www.myspace.com/nigelmctrustry