Phil Stack and his inspiration behind 'Colourful, Noisy'

Tell us about your new album, Colourful, Noisy – What was the inspiration behind the songs?

I wrote most of this album coming during a turbulent time personally for me. I initially started recording it as an antidote to that, to help me move on and explore the possibilities of a hopeful future through this process. The second half was written as I was positively moving forward through this and was the most rewarding. So my own life experience and hopes for the future were the main inspirations.

What was it like reuniting with your former Thirsty Merc bandmate, Sean Carey, on the album?

So Good ! I just reached out on a whim, I had a song ('Share Your Dreams') and had a thought… 'You know who’d do a great job with this?’
The song is written for my daughter and it’s almost like self-consciously I had to get Sean because he knows me, and it takes a certain type of delicacy. He’s such a connected, emotive guy, and not everyone who’s also a bad-ass mix engineer is like that. I then got him to mix 2 other album tracks in a similar vein. I even tricked him into singing a little too. He has a delicious voice. He’s now in my live band too !

At the Mary’s Underground shows on 15 October, you’ll be playing with a full band – What does it mean to you to be able to present your new material to a live audience, and with a full band in tow?

I have a special connection with all three guys in my band. Evan and I have played in Jazz and Rock bands for years together including our largely unknown but passionate Prog Rock trio ‘House Of Orange” . Sean with Thirsty Merc. Harry Sutherland I met when he was a 10-year-old whiz kid jazz pianist when I was in James Morrison’s band. He was sitting on phonebooks ! He now plays with Matt Corby among others.

This personal connection is important to me cause the material is deeply personal. I can’t wait to play it live, especially cause everyone in the band should be peaking to play too with this crazy year.

What song are you most excited to play live?

The Centreline is always a ballsy one to play life and I love having a real piano to play as I not really a “keyboard’ type of guy !

The legendary Abby Dobson will support you on these shows – Have you ever played or toured with her before?

I’ve had the pleasure of playing upright bass with her a few times. She is so relaxed and a joy to be around. Not to mention her angelic voice and ability. I mean Leonardo’s Bride’ “Even When I’m Sleeping” … Need I say more.

Tell us one thing we might be surprised to learn about you!

That, believe it or not I was actually a champion little runner and swimmer before music completely got a hold of me and swept me away !

LISTEN TO PHIL STACK’S COLOURFUL, NOISY ALBUM HERE
WATCH ‘THE CENTRELINE’ MUSIC VIDEO HERE

PHIL STACK | COLOURFUL, NOISY ALBUM LAUNCH CONCERTS
With Special Guest Abby Dobson
Information at marysunderground.com

SYDNEY
Thursday 15 October – Mary’s Underground
Early show – 6pm
Late show – 8:45pm
Tickets from Moshtix.com.au