After dazzling Australian audiences at Stereosonic and Foreshore Festival last year, English singer and rapper Example (real name: Elliot John Gleave) is returning Down Under for yet another festival. This time it’s for a regional trot with Groovin’ The Moo, featuring on a balanced and impressive lineup that has led to festival selling out in Bendigo (in less than 48 hours!), Maitland, and Bunbury.
Example returns to play selections from his latest album The Evolution of Man, showing the UK artist embracing his rock self and drawing inspiration from his adolescent heroes like Nirvana, Marilyn Manson, and Blur – whose guitarist Graham Coxon appears on four tracks on the album.
“I went to his house and played him the album. On some songs he just picked up his guitar and started free-styling. It was amazing,” he says of the Blur axeman.
We cornered Example ahead of his Australian tour to grill him on his latest album, working with a childhood hero, and his earliest inspirations.
What’s your earliest memory of performing and who inspired you to start?
I was in a local drama group performance of The Wizard Of Oz. I think it’s fair to say Michael Jackson inspired me to want to get on stage
‘Fess up. What records have you stolen from your parent’s record collection and why?
I love The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, all of my folks’ Motown collection. They had all the obvious stuff from the ‘60s and ‘70s but also some gems like The Best Of Pavarotti and the Mary Poppins Soundtrack
You must answer this question honestly or we steal your rider. What and where was the first gig you went to?
I think the first act I saw live was Bros. A UK Boy band; huge in the ‘80s. I can’t remember it though…
You were last in Australia for the Stereosonic and Foreshore festivals, and now you’re heading out for Groovin The Moo. What is it about playing Australia you like the most? Is it the crowds?
It feels like home for me. My parents and sister live there. My fiancee’s family are all there. I lived there in 2003 for a year. It feels like home. The food and weather help too!
Stereosonic and Foreshore were on during the summer, but how are you preparing for the Aussie Autumn for your April visit?
I’m not preparing. It can’t be colder or shitter than the weather in England right now! In fact I’m in Germany today and the weather is just SNOW SNOW SNOW. Aus cant be that bad!
What are some of the other acts you’re excited about on the Groovin The Moo lineup? Any you’d consider collaborating with?
Been hearing a lot about this guy Flume! We chatted on email so hopefully we’ll get to work together
Being a big Blur fan, how was it getting Graham Coxon to play on The Evolution of Man?
It was emotional when he said yes! I still can’t believe it actually happened. What a hero.
And being since your close mates now, any chance you could give Coxon a nudge about getting Blur to tour Australia?
I’ll ask him but I probably hear from him once a month on email now
The Evolution Of Man also featured collaborations with Calvin Harris and Benga, what is it about working with others that you enjoy?
Well I only write the lyrics and do the vocals. I can’t produce so I need guys like Calv and Benga. Don’t forget the Aussies on my album Dirty South and Tommy Trash!
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living artist would you most like to collaborate with? Tell us why?
Rick Rubin. He’s produced most of my favourite albums.
What is your music the best soundtrack for?
People say the gym so let’s go with that
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now? And how do you find new music?
Mainly listening to ‘90s electronica – Chemical Brothers, Prodigy, and Underworld
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
We just drink a load of rum. We call it ‘Band Prayer’.
If you could curate your own festival, where would it be, who would be on the bill, how many people would you let in and what features would it have (attractions/food/bars etc)?
It’d be in the desert just outside Vegas. The lineup would be Nirvana, Prodigy, Kasabian, The Who, Faithless. It’d be for 60,000 people and you can only buy pizza and beer.
Groovin The Moo kicks off at the Maitland Showgrounds in Maitland, NSW next Saturday 27th April before heading to Canberra, Bendigo, Townsville, and Bunbury. Example plays sideshows in Perth, Dates and details below.
Example 2013 Australian Tour Dates
Friday 26th April @ The Hi-Fi, Sydney NSW
Friday 3rd May @ The Palace, Melbourne VIC
Thursday 9th May @ The Tivoli, Brisbane QLD
Friday 10th May @ Metro City, Perth WA
all tickets available at trythisforexample.com/
Groovin The Moo 2013 Dates
Set times for all five GTM stops are available here.
Saturday 27 April 2013 – Maitland NSW – SOLD OUT
Maitland Showground
Blomfield St, Maitland NSW 2320
Sunday 28 April 2013 – Canberra ACT
University of Canberra
Kirinari St Bruce ACT 2617
Saturday 4 May 2013 – Bendigo VIC – SOLD OUT
Bendigo’s Prince of Wales Showground
42 – 72 Holmes Rd, Bendigo VIC 3550
Sunday 5 May 2013 – Townsville QLD
Murray Sports Complex – Townsville Cricket Grounds
Mervyn Crossman Dr & Murray Lyons Cres, Idalia QLD 4811
Saturday 11 May 2013 – Bunbury WA – SOLD OUT
Hay Park
(off) Parade Rd Bunbury WA 6230
