Pete Cornelius is a proud Tasmanian through and through. So much so that his new album ‘Southern’ – out now – is a collection of songs drawing on much of that Tasmanian heritage. Pete’s inspiration for lyric, harmony and rhythm continues to draw from the surroundings of the landscape and the stories within. Pete also wanted to make it purely within Lurtruwita/Tasmania–using local artists, colleagues and mates to help capture the essence of island life. SouthernLife.
From the emotive, soulful album opener Cruickshank to the dirty, overdriven Sick of this Town, Sump Oil City and Devil in The Company Car to the gentle rockabilly strains of Everybody and tasteful country ballad Troubled Mind, on his new album Southern, Cornelius demonstrates a command of his guitars, a knack for fine song construction and great appreciation and respect for a wide gamut of roots music.
Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips caught up with Pete Cornelius over a zoom call to chat about the creation of his new album
‘Southern’.
MORE ABOUT PETE CORNELIUS’ ’SOUTHERN’ ALBUM
Tracking sessions were completed over a few months at both ‘Wilder Tasmania’ Gowrie Park, under the foothills of Mt. Roland, and Pete’s ‘Elephant Room’ studio on Mt. Elephant with co-producer MattFell.
Josh Cunningham (The Waifs / Felicity Urquhart) when asked about the album, said “With Southern, Pete Cornelius has crafted an album of grit, toughness and beauty. His guitar playing is as lyrical and evocative as his vocal delivery and features as a second “voice” on the record – the two complementing rather than competing with each other in sheer storytelling perfection. Cornelius’ guitar prowess is inescapable throughout Southern – perhaps even more notable on account of the tasteful, understated restraint that characterises his playing. It’s a perfect companion to the lyrical depth and rich imagery on show – similarly disguised in efficient and economical lines. Southern music is renowned for its rawness and down home soul. From the deepest south of Tasmania, Pete Cornelius has revealed himself as the real deal and created an album that showcases an artist at the peak of his powers.”
ALBUM CREDITS
Produced by Matt Fell & Pete Cornelius
Mixed by Matt Fell
Recorded at Wilder Tasmania by Matt Fell and The Elephant Room by Pete Cornelius
Mastered by William Bowden
Photography by Ros Wharton – Puddlehub
Artwork by Pete Cornelius
Proudly made in Lutruwita / Tasmania
All songs written by Pete Cornelius, except Everybody – Don Walker and Any 3 Chords – Mia Dyson.
ALBUM PERSONNEL
Pete Cornelius – Vocals, Guitars, Banjo, Mandolin, Pedal Steel, Lap Steel, Percussion, Bass & Drums – Sump Oil City, Piano – Cruickshank & On The Road, Organ – On The Road
Matt Fell – Bass, Percussion, Wurly, Mellotron, Hammond Organ – Sump Oil City
Beau Thomas – Drums, Background Vocals – Troubled Mind
Randal Muir – Piano and Hammond Organ
Henry Nichols – Drums – On The Road
Luke Young – Drums – Everybody
Susannah Coleman-Brown – Background Vocals – Cruickshank & Any 3 Chords
Ange Boxall – Background Vocals – Sick Of This Town, Sump Oil City, On The Road & Hot On The Heels
Claire Anne Taylor – Background Vocals – Sump Oil City & Hot On The Heels
Nick Nugent – Baritone Saxophone
Mitch Ellis – Tenor Saxophone