Alternative country singer-songwriter Rory Ellis protests he would never use the word crazy in his lyrics.
But some of his stories could be described as just that.
According to his lyrics, Ellis one worked at a watering hole where underworld criminal Jason Moran drank, previously lived in a boxing gym and been witness to sordid events overseas.
Geelong fans can expect more interesting tales when Ellis debuts his latest album, Twisted Willow, at Bellarine’s Harvester Moon on December 22.
He likened his “quite real” songwriting to that of Paul Kelly.
“I don’t write a lot of love songs – let the pop stars deal with that s-t,” Ellis laughed.
Now called at Drysdale resident after 40 years in Melbourne, Ellis said his European travels had influenced several of the songs on Twisted Willow.
“I have a song called The Woodstore, which is a lovely story about a couple in Germany who own The Woodstore in Coppenbrugge.
“They used to see a lot of live music but Karin got ill, so Jorg built her a house that could host live music gigs in so she didn’t have to go anywhere.
“That, to me, is the ultimate act of chivalry.”
Another track, Dogging, was had a somewhat less endearing inspiration.
“My girlfriend and I were camper-vanning around England during one of my tours and it was hard to find places to park the van,” Ellis reminisced.
“We found a strange car park and pulled in only to find out about this weird trend that a congregation of people there would watch each other have sex.
“It was freaky and really weird.”
The album also includd light-hearted “joke” songs about Ellis’s “floordrobe” and the absurdity of reality TV.
Ellis spoke highly of David Steel who would perform with him at the Harvester Moon show.
“He’s great – we’ve been good mates for many years.
“Steely helped me produce my first four albums and I’m now up to number six.
“We took a hiatus working together because I was touring overseas but we caught up and I said ‘We should get back together’.”
