The word songwriter is used to describe anyone who puts lyrics and music together to create a song. Within the world of songwriters, like any species there are so many variations to the theme, from jingle-writing advertising types to chart-topping hit creators, eco-warrior world-savers, heartbroken balladeers, rock riffateers and everything in between. Then there’s your Steve Earles of the world. Steve is a craftsman, a story teller. His process is not so much about deadlines nor considerate of numbers. Steve has things that he’s passionate about, whether it’s a social justice cause or a character that interests him. He needs to express the tale that’s been floating around in his head in a meaningful way and for the end result to be quality work. Earle has always surrounded himself with other great songwriters and poets, wordsmiths and acclaimed music creators too. Recently he’s been paying homage to some of his favourites, with album tributes to Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clarke and Jerry Jeff Walker. He’ll be playing tunes from that trio of albums as well as his ‘hits’ when he comes to Australia in April 2023 to play solo at Bluesfest. He’ll also be playing the Enmore Theatre in Sydney along with his longtime pal Lucinda Williams and tells us he’ll probably sit in with her band as well … and he and Lucinda will be appearing at Bluesfest Melbourne as well.
Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips recently had the opportunity to speak with Steve Earle via zoom about the upcoming tour of Australia.
Steve Earle is one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of his generation. A protege of legendary songwriters Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, he quickly became a master storyteller in his own right, with his songs being recorded by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, The Pretenders, and countless others. 1986 saw the release of his debut record, Guitar Town, which shot to No. 1 on the Country Charts and is now regarded as a classic of the Americana genre. In May 2022, Earle released his most recent album Jerry Jef, a 10-track collection comprised of hit tracks and deep-cuts from Jerry Jeff Walker to pay tribute to the colorful cowboy troubadour who passed away in October 2021.
https://www.bluesfest.com.au/
6 Apr – 10 Apr 2023
Enmore Theatre: Steve Earle with Lucinda Williams
Monday, 03 April 2023 06:30 PM
https://www.bluesfesttouring.com.au/
https://bluesfestmelbourne.com.au/
Saturday April 8 and Sunday 9 April, 2023