Getting intimate: Carus Thompson.
ERIN PEARSON
MUSIC lovers are flocking to small venues thanks to a surge in demand for live music, according to international star Carus Thompson.
In Geelong for performances at Bar Pizza and Ocean Grove’s Piping Hot Chicken Shop, Thompson said intimate venues were “clueing on” to crowds chasing live music experiences.
“Music lovers are taking the power back and creating their own spaces and their own gigs in pizza shops, chicken shops, cafes and churches,” he said.
“Just like the Piping Hot Chicken Shop and a lot of venues all across Australia and Europe, we’re seeing more venues embrace a really special thing.”
Thompson has been writing songs since he was 12 and performing in pubs since the age of 18.
Now 34 and based in Rosebud, Thompson came to prominence alongside fellow independent artists like John Butler, Xavier Rudd and The Waifs as part of the explosion of the “roots” music scene.
He now tours Australia and Europe three times a year with his infectious and honest music.
Thompson said he was excited about the live-music resurgence as people continued to tire of cover-bands and background music.
“Covers are cool when you’re having a beer and it’s in the background but an original artist can get people to lose their inhibitions and have a great time,” he said.
“It’s a great feeling to break down that barrier – it’s a special ritual.”
Thompson, who recently returned from an extensive tour of Europe, will perform songs off his recently released album Caravan during his visit of the Geelong region.
He said Caravan was recorded across studios in England, Germany and Australia but more than just “another road album”.
“I wanted to produce an album that encompassed everything that’s made my story up until now, which is basically a lot of time on the road.
“Just think of the trips you went on, the chances you had, love lost and that’s Caravan.”
Thompson said his audience could expect an “intimate party” when he played at Ocean Grove’s Piping Hot Chicken Shop on Saturday.
