Voice of experience
GUY SEBASTIAN IS SET TO HIT A FEW CAREER HIGH NOTES THIS YEAR ON STAGE AND SCREEN
GUY Sebastian is already counting down the days until his November arena tour. There’s another event in the calendar, a week before he hits the road, also on his mind.
On October 26, Sebastian turns 40. “I might have to do an early birthday party this year,” he says.
“I can’t imagine doing a 40th birthday without a few days to recover. It is a pretty big milestone for me – I’ve wondered if I feel any different. (Wife) Jules arrived there a few years before me, her life has only gotten better, so I’m hoping mine will be the same.
“I’ve never seen Jules so inspired, hopefully the big 4.0 will be the same for me.”
FINDING A NEW VOICE
This year has started promisingly for Sebastian – he’s followed The Voice to Channel 7, with a new coaching panel including Jessica Mauboy, Keith Urban and UK import Rita Ora.
“The filming has been hectic,” Sebastian admits. “We are jamming so much into a short amount of time, I’m getting there at 8am and getting home after midnight, and we get a 20-minute dinner break. Rita was like ‘Oh my gosh, you guys work really long hours here.’”
While Sebastian has been open about the drama he felt soured some of The Voice last year, he says the 2021 reboot is a return to the feelgood factor of early seasons.
“Being back in the environment where there’s an audience and people don’t have to wear masks, it feels like going back to why we do the show.
“Sometimes drama works and sometimes it doesn’t. People love seeing the unexpected, the plumber who can sing like Lewis Capaldi.
“I think there’s so much already of the alternative on TV it’s actually nice to have some feel-good moments to warm your heart. The majority of the focus is on that, which is nice for us, we can do our jobs as people who love music and voices. It’s a new panel, that changes the culture, it’s very different.”
ZOOM WITH A VIEW
Sebastian has just released the sixth single from his No.1 album
T.R.U.T.H, Only Thing Missing (“it’s the first song I wrote over Zoom”) but is already working on new material.
“There’s some amazing young local writers here I’m collaborating with,” he says.
“There’s been a weird vibe for the last few decades since I’ve been in the industry. LA, London, New York or Nashville are always the end goal as a songwriter. You almost turn your back on Australia, but I think COVID has turned that on its head. There’s such a camaraderie in the industry right now because everyone needs each other. Instead of being threatened by each other they’re learning from each other and I wanted to get in on the action so I’ve been writing with them.
“I’m feeling really inspired, I think it’s breaking out of the shackles that were on me creatively last year. I’m really charged.”
Sebastian is already working on the production for the November and December tour dates, and has begun a rough setlist. “I put down all the songs that I know a lot of my fans would kill me if I didn’t do. So I start with those ones. I want to cover as much as I can.”
I’m feeling really inspired, I think it’s breaking out of the shackles that were on me creatively last year
READY FOR THE VACCINE
The tour has sold so well he has added third shows in Sydney and Melbourne.
“Last year when I announced the show there was so much uncertainty, I wasn’t even sure if I could sell out one show, so to be adding third shows confirms people are just desperate to see live music again.
“The Voice audiences are the best we’ve ever had because they’re so appreciative. They’re gagging to get out and see concerts, And I can’t wait to make music again and give everyone in my band and crew a job again. And not just for financial purposes after last year, but to reinstate what our purpose in life is.”
With talk that COVID vaccinations may speed up a return to large audiences, Sebastian is ready to get the jab.
“Get that thing into me when it’s my turn. Everyone’s entitled to choose what goes into their body, but I’ve had so many vaccines in my life, even when I travel through Asia on tour, I’ve always trusted the process, trusted the science.
“We’re pretty fortunate here with how stringent our drug regulations are and the process it goes through. They can stick that thing in my neck if it means I can be on the road and have my band playing again!”
Newcastle Entertainment Centre Nov 4, Brisbane Entertainment Centre Nov 5, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre Nov 6, WIN Entertainment Centre Wollongong Nov 10, Aware Super Theatre ICC Sydney Nov 12,13,14, Bendigo Stadium Nov 17, Margaret Court Arena Melbourne Nov 19,20,21, Derwent Entertainment Centre Hobart Nov 22, Adelaide Entertainment Centre Nov 24, RAC Arena Perth Nov 26, Cairns Convention Centre Nov 30, Townsville Entertainment Centre Dec 1. Tickets: Ticketek
INGREDIENTS
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 2 medium leeks, trimmed, halved, washed, thinly sliced
• 250g button mushrooms, thinly sliced
• ¾ cup red lentils
SERVES 4. PREP 10 MINS. COOK 45 MINS
• ⅓ cup pearl barley
• 2 x 410g cans chopped tomatoes (with basil and garlic)
METHOD
1 Heat oil in a large saucepan over mediumhigh heat. Add leek and mushroom.
Cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes or until softened.
2 Add tomato, lentils, barley and 5 cups cold water. Season with salt and pepper. Cover. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 35 to 40 minutes or until barley is tender. Ladle into bowls. Serve.