Pete Murray is undoubtedly one of the biggest and most respected names in the Australian music industry.
The 48-year-old muso took a well-earned hiatus for life, but now heโs back with a brand spanking new sixth studio album, Camachoโฆ Plus a national tour.
Now To Love was lucky enough to chat to Pete about his killer new sound.
Youโre in the middle of your national tour โ howโs that coming along?
Itโs going really well. The bands really start to gel together. The hype around new album has been very positive so itโs all good!
Thereโs been quite a break since we last heard from you as solo artist โ whatโs been happening?
Iโve been spending time with my family โ especially my two boys, Charlie and Pedro. I took some time off to be there for them. Thereโs also been song writing, demoing and surfing [laughs].
Taking things a little easier. I also got married last November [to photographer Mira Eady].
Quite a bit has been happening in my life.
Camacho is your sixth album โ does writing and creating an album get easier?
Nothing ever gets easier! Itโs always a struggle to try and write something thatโs a little bit different from what youโve done before.
Itโs always a challenge and you always want to try and do something a little different . Itโs a tricky thing!
Was there something that inspired the music โ and whatโs your driving force when you write?
Itโs been a really a positive experience. I write about life and a lot has been happening.
I wanted a really upbeat album. Itโs a big sound. It has a real great vibe to it.
Fans compare your music to be artโฆ Thereโs real depth and purpose to it. Do you think the music environment today may be lacking?
Itโs pretty annoyingโฆ Music in the past has been lyrically challenging.
But everyone wants to get something positive out of music โ thatโs the main thing.
What are your thoughts on reality tv shows launching music careers?
Itโs not as credible honestly.
Have you noticed a shift in your fan base as your music changes?
It is changing. When I first started I had a lot of teens up to mid 30s. Now those teens are in their late 20s-30s.
Weโre also getting older and younger people. Itโs a real mix!
You have an incredible Discography, but artists tend to be linked to their classics โ do fans still ask you to belt out โSo Beautifulโ
You always get that, no matter where you go!
I guess thereโs a lot of songs fans want. The hits are great, but people still have their personal favourites and if I remember how to play it then I will.
Itโs really exciting that people are responding to the new music. The feedback has been very positive.
Fans are singing along to the new songs โ which is amazing.
Are you boys interested in music?
Theyโve been to a few shows now and it seems like theyโre really enjoying seeing me play and watching the crowd react.
Theyโre at an age where they can understand whatโs happening [theyโre 13 and 10].
They can see what itโs all about. At the moment the boys are soccer mad so music isnโt their main priority.
To find out how you can get your hands on Peteโs album and tickets to his 33-date national tour, head to www.petemurray.com