Australian blues rocker Hamish Anderson just released a new song ‘Morning Light’ so we thought it was a good time to get to know him better.
It’s been a busy few years for Anderson. After landing a prized spot opening on tour in Australia for Gary Clark Jr., he was set to return to the U.S. for his own solo headlining tour when COVID-19 had other ideas.
He knuckled down for the remainder of 2020, performing livestream concerts and video sessions, including being invited to perform on John Lee Hooker’s Facebook page.
Now Anderson has dropped ‘Morning Light’, a song originally written prior to 2020. It became a favourite during his livestreams and oozes 70’s style and swagger with fuzzy guitars and driving drums.
After its release, we caught up with Anderson as part of our popular Get To Know series to find out more about his inspirations, career, and future plans.
Check out ‘Morning Light’ by Hamish Anderson:
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How did your artist name come about?
I’ve got my parents to thank for that one!
How would you describe your music to your grandma?
I’d tell grandma that it’s a mixture of blues, rock ‘n’ roll and soul. Sometimes it’s about loud fuzzy guitar solos and other times its more acoustic and introspective love songs.
Tell us about a few of your tracks; their titles and what they’re about?
My new single that just dropped is called ‘Morning Light’. It’s a hopeful song about whatever it is that helps you get through your day. I wanted to try and capture that feeling of a fresh start that a new day can bring. ‘Morning Light is also a first time collaboration for me in that I co-produced it with David Davis (Miguel, The War on Drugs) remotely while he and the band were in Los Angeles and I was in lockdown here in Melbourne.
When writing it I was listening to a lot of T. Rex, Alabama Shakes and ELO so I wanted to try and capture some of that fuzzy swagger that those records have. We really played around with guitar tones that I am drawn to, but hadn’t recorded yet. The result is dripping with 70’s style rock ‘n’ roll vibes.
What do you love about your hometown?
I’m very grateful to have been born and raised in Melbourne. I’ve spent the past five years overseas in Los Angeles but Melbourne is always home. I really love that there is always something going on in Melbourne, whether it’s a great exhibit at the NGV or an opening of a new bar/restaurant. Melbourne just always has a very exciting energy.
Career highlight so far?
Definitely touring and sharing the stage with some artists that I admire. I’m really grateful to have had the opportunity to open for artists like B.B. King who I grew up idolising so that was a big highlight. Getting to tour with Gary Clark Jr. in Australia was up there too. And playing Mountain Jam Fest with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers as the headliner is a memory I’ll always cherish.
Fave non-music hobby?
Truth be told I don’t have too many hobbies that aren’t music related but I am a big movie buff! I love watching great movies (particularly old ones) and really learning as much as I can about cinema history. Recently I’ve been on a big Hal Ashby binge.
Check out ‘No Good’ by Hamish Anderson:
What’s on your dream rider?
Hmmm dream rider. I feel like I have it already, I’m not too fussed. I’d say a bottle of Fireball, a case of Stella, gummy bears are a must and if this is really a dream maybe In n Out burger for after the gig!
Dream music collaboration?
In my wildest dreams I would love to collaborate with Paul McCartney (who wouldn’t!). Just to be around him and to see how he works would be incredible. I’m always just blown away that so many diverse songs have come out of one man’s head. If we’re talking newer artists I would love to work with Brittany Howard from Alabama Shakes or HAIM, they both rock.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope to be writing the best songs I’ve ever written. Hopefully getting better all the time, staying inspired and evolving my abilities and sound.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
‘Teenage Dirtbag’ is my karaoke song – doesn’t need to be a special place either. I love when it comes on in the tour bus too.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
It wasn’t necessarily advice but I had a conversation with Gary Clark Jr. once where he spoke about not being pigeonholed as an artist. Especially when you take influence from the blues a lot of people try to pigeonhole you and want you to be one type of musician in one style and that’s it. Gary spoke about how important it is to always push the envelope and take inspiration from the past, but not be stuck in it.
He was talking about how someone like Tom Petty did things on his terms and made the music he wanted to make and that’s why he had such a long and amazing career, that’s who you want to be like. You want to be like Tom Petty.
What’s one obsession you have that no one would guess after listening to your music?
I think about sushi, pizza or a burger every day when I get hungry. All day long, every day.
Check out ‘World’s Gone Mad (Lockdown Edition)’ by Hamish Anderson:
