One of the performers for this year’s series is Lior, and it may be the last chance to see him in action for quite some time. “Its the last show I’m going to do before heading overseas and also working on new material so it’s a bit of a farewell show if you like,” the singer-songwriter says. “And I’m playing with a full band and a string quartet as well so it’s a chance to select highlights from the last three albums.”
The best thing about concert series such as Zoo Twilights is that not only do you get to see a live show in a unique setting but quite often the performers look to do something a little different with their show. “I thought it was a chance to incorporate elements that I’ve been touring with over the last few years,” adds Lior. “I’ve been doing tours with a string quartet and solo tours and that sort of thing, so I just thought I’d take the last four of five years of touring and select the ‘best of’ moments and try and work them into one show.”
It’s a philosophy that Lior tries to adhere to with all of his shows; to try and keep it fresh and exciting, not only for the audience but for himself as well. “I do try and aim to do something a little different, whether it’s in a different format, doing the Shadows And Light tour which was a collaboration with visual artists, or the tour I did last year. I just try and do something really different because I’m also aware that a lot of people are coming back and seeing multiple shows; you’ve got to keep it fresh for them.”
Once the Zoo Twilights show is complete, Lior will then be focusing his attention overseas, namely Europe, as well as working on album number four, the follow up to his last record, 2010’s Tumbling Into The Dawn. “I’m balancing out some overseas touring,” he admits. “I’ve just last year started doing stuff over in Europe and we mix touring in Europe and also working on new material.”
As far as the new record is concerned, Lior is still piecing together the overall direction. “It’s pretty open actually. I’ve started collaborating with lots of people and I’m just trying to figure out what’s exciting me the most. I’ve just been dabbling in lots of things and I have faith in the fact that over the next few months it’ll fall into place.”
In the meantime, Zoo Twilights seems like the perfect outing, especially with a young family such as Lior’s. “I have been to the Melbourne Zoo,” he admits. “I’ve got two little kids and was there only a few months ago.” So I’m guessing they are looking forward to seeing not only the animals but their father’s set as well? “I’m not sure,” he laughs. “I guess it depends on how well the show goes. You know I might have to go start serenading the animals if things go really bad.” Highly unlikely.
BY JAMES W. NICOLI
