Carus Thompson is well known in Ocean Grove.
The Perth-based singer and songwriter has played at the town’s iconic ‘Chicken Shop’ plenty of times and is touring again.
Carus is launching his eighth album ‘Neon Folk’, playing in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, but has found room in his schedule for Ocean Grove.
“I always find these little venues here and there where I get this amazing response,” he says.
“Ocean Grove is just one of those little towns where I’ve had that connection and I just love the venue.
“It’s perfect for me. It fits like 100 people and it’s all about the connection and the vibe you create.”
The globetrotting troubadour started working on the new album in 2020 at the height of lockdowns and was recorded while being separated from his wife and children for six months because of border closures.
“The record is a bit different to stuff we’ve done before,” he says.
“We’ve always wanted to do something like if David Gray went to Nashville. That was the idea.”
The record was produced by long-time friend and WA musical treasure Nathan Gaunt.
“He is an amazing guitar player and an amazing musician. We wrote four of the songs together.”
Carus says punters at the Chook Shop will be treated to back-up by Greg Arnold (from Things of Stone and Wood) on keyboard and electric guitar.
“New songs, old classics and just connect with the great Piping Hot Chicken Shop vibe where people really listen but get up and have a good time as well,” he says.
Carus Thompson is playing at the Piping Hot Chicken & Burger Grill in Ocean Grove on September 10.
Tickets: trybooking.com/
