Bohemian Traders Loves // Mike McCarthy
Meet Mike McCarthy, a guitarist, singer and songwriter from the Central Coast of New South Wales. Drawing inspiration from his experiences and the people he meets along the way, Mike creates soulful tracks that bring to life the magic of the journey. We asked Mike about his musical influences, his favourite instrument and what went into the making of his new album ‘Serious Face’.
Q // Mike McCarthy, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
A // I am a guitarist, singer and songwriter from MacMasters Beach NSW. I am married to Sophie, and we are about to have our first child which is super exciting. I love surfing, swimming, fishing and camping.
Q // Where did your love of music originate?
A // My Dad is a drummer and he was always involved with bands, whether playing in or promoting concerts. When I was growing up I was exposed to music everyday and I used to play my dad’s drum kit in the garage with his mowing ear muffs on because I liked the sound of it muffled…weird right. My mum had an old guitar that I found sitting in her closet and she showed me three chords and I took over from there making up little songs and melodies. I have vivid memories of singing harmonies with my sisters in the back seat of the family star wagon on holidays and really connecting with music then too.
Q // Who is your biggest musical influence?
A // It’s a long list but I’d have to say Paul Kelly is a big inspiration. His music has enough variety, from folk storytelling to catchy blues driven pop tunes, to keep me coming back for more and enough consistency for every song to just sound like Paul Kelly…if that makes sense. He can say so much without using too many words and as a songwriter that is what I aspire to achieve.
Q // Where do you draw your inspiration from when creating music?
A // I find inspiration in other people’s creativity from artists to musicians to poets. I love traveling and hearing other peoples stories, piecing together a little more of the puzzle as I go about what makes people tick, what makes the world keep spinning.
Q // What goes into the making of an album like ‘Serious Face’?
A // I started writing songs for the album about four years ago, so I’ve had to be pretty patient for this album to reveal itself. Soph and I did a trip around Australia in 2015 where, over the course of six months, I ended up writing the majority of this album. There seemed to be vast amounts of time to be creative and write new music on the road. Apart from the writing there was the challenge of finding the right musicians for the album. I got to work with some great people on the album including old friends and people I have wanted to work with for years. I had to brief the artist, Shaun Gonzalez of TCSS fame and communicate with him throughout the process. Then there’s album pressing, organising the album launch and future promotion of Serious Face. There’s a lot to it when you are an independent artist/manager.
Q // Which of the songs off the new album are you most looking forward to performing at your album launch on December 1st at Common Ground Wyong?
A // I’m excited to play the song ‘Thief’ with the band. It has a soul/blues vibe and I really like singing the melody in that track. I think the band will let loose on that one.
Q // You have described ‘Serious Face’ as an album made for Summer Road Trips, where is your ideal road trip destination?
A // I love the drive up the north coast NSW. I have so many great memories of driving to Crescent Head and Lennox Head. The thought of it now makes me want to pack the car and go haha.
Q // What is your favourite instrument to play?
A // I love playing Electric Guitar at the moment. I have a Gibson Nighthawk that has been my faithful companion for about twenty years now.
Q // When will your album be released to the public? We can’t wait to purchase a copy!
A // Awesome thanks! The album will be released Friday 1st December but you can pre-order it on Vinyl, CD or Digital at http://music.mikemccarthy.com.au + you get an immediate download of three tracks there.
For more information and to book tickets to the Albums launch click here!
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