So then, what’s the band name and what do you ‘do’ in the band?
The Simon Wright Band. I sing, MC and play the acoustic guitar.
What do you think people will say you sound like?
We have a pretty broad musical spectrum. We’ve been compared to everyone from Eddie Vedder to Michael Franti, Common to Sublime, Kora to Jason Mraz. I think people can hear who ever they want in us.
What do you love about making music?
Performing. I love seeing a room smile and dance.
What do you hate about the music industry?
Reality TV! Go watch a real gig. Honestly, the Australian music industry isn’t big enough to accommodate this nonsense.
If you could travel back in time and show one of your musical heroes your stuff, who would it be and why?
I don’t think I’d want to show my musical heroes my stuff; I’d be too embarrassed. But for the questions sake lets say; I’d like to show Michael Jackson my hip hop. For a guy that was such a perfectionist he had some pretty B-grade rappers cameo on his stuff.
What can a punter expect from your live show?
You can definitely expect a drum solo or two; Shane Evans is a bit of an animal. A bit of reggae, some ’50s/’60s rhythm and blues, a little hip hop and a whole lot of fun, we have a ball.
What’ve you got to sell CD-wise?
There is an online release you can pick up from bandcamp.com called SW&theE, a five-track EP I put together with my last band The Eclective. This week we’ll be recording a live studio set that will be filmed and released as video and an EP in July.
When’s the gig and with who?
Veludo, Ackland St, St Kilda. Every Sunday we perform three sets from 7pm followed by the Bangers and Mash-up DJs. Sunday May 20 we have John Course and Seany B joining us for Veludo’s tenth birthday celebrations.
