The Cairns Review

1.You are currently in Europe touring where are you today and what is the most exciting thing that’s happened on tour so far ?

We are in Reykjavik, Iceland today, it's the start of my 5 day Guitar Retreat in one of the worlds' most unusual and spectacular places! Having just been in Italy, Czech Republic, Netherlands and Switzerland in the last month, I am one of the only Non - Jetlagged people here!! Yesterday I was in London with my daughters at Abbey Road studios,, feeling the mojo! 

2.You have said “I think of myself as being in the happiness business, and that, to me, makes for a great job.” What do you mean by that ?

I play music and people feel happy... not a bad life! I love being in the music business, but I like how music tends to wash over the listener and all of a sudden they are not thinking about their problems, the stress goes away and they feel good again.. Then they need more of it! 

3.After a literal  lifetime in the music industry, I was amazed to see you live at Bluesfest and you just seemed to be loving performing so much…how have you kept that passion alive ?

My passion for playing keeps growing and the more I give it away, the more comes back to me. I just love playing for people and letting music work it's magic..I get tired sometimes and need to rest up,, and thankfully, I get my mojo for playing right back with extra power thrown in! 

4.You have a new album soon to be released Accomplice Two with which you have recorded with a host of people including Michael McDondadl from The Doobie Brothers, how do you choose who you want to record with and what were the sessions like ?

Accomplice 2 is out April 28th...It was such a joy to work with all the artists! I was busy a lot last year so I had to fit this project into small windows of time and try to get everyone recorded / filmed and finished quickly..Some tracks were one or two takes and it was done.. Michael McDonald sent me the track "Someone like you " with his Vocal, piano and a drum machine on it.. I added real drums, bass, electric and nylon string guitars and backing vocals, and viola" you have a finished song with one of the worlds most loved singers! Some of the other artists like Molly Tuttle and Billy Strings, came in and just tore it up! They are all so good, I had to be ready too! 

5.You Live in Nashville now, it’s a long way in time and distance from your childhood in North western NSW… how is it living in the middle of America ?

I live just outside of Nashville and it's quiet and safe out there.. It's been a good move for so many reasons and my Mentor, Chet Atkins, told me I should move there, way back in the early 90's.. I have lived many places in my life.. but nowhere is like Australia,, it's in my blood, my soul, in my guitar case!! I have always felt a citizen of the world and always want to learn about other cultures, other societies, and other musical influences that have helped me grow as an artist and a human.. 

6.You have a unique style that is based on the American bluegrass tradition, what is it that drew you to that style of music ?

My style is a blend of many genres... I love Bluegrass, Country, Rock and Roll, Blues, R&B...Soul,, Classical.. Jazz...I'm interested in good songs.. I grew up around good music and have learned to listen and appreciate so many artists who have changed our world for the better.. I don't really put a label on my music, I just try to play and write my best, and hope that it reaches peoples' hearts and minds in a positive way! 

7.You are coming back to Australia for an extensive tour, what are a couple of the things that you always do when you come back to Australia ?

Every time I come back to our land of wonder, I make sure I walk on a beach... drink some good coffee, and talk to a lot of people. I visit Family and friends and catch up on all the news. I love going on Radio and TV too, it gives me an insight into how things are changing back home..

8.You were encouraged by your music hero Chet Atkins, what advice do you give to young musicians who seek you out ?

My advice to young people is usually " Find some good songs,,practise the hell out of them, keep learning and growing and work harder than others"..NEVER give up. 

9. What can audiences expect from your upcoming shows in Australia ?

I'm SOOOOOOOO excited for this tour and will give my best! I have some new songs to play as well as my lifetime of songs that I draw from..
I hope to get a chance to tell a few yarns about traveling our world as an Aussie sees it!

10. what do you consider your legacy or greatest acheivement to be ?

My greatest achievement is still being healthy, happy and productive....with gratitude in my heart! 

Tommy Emmanuel plays live at Cairns Performing Arts Centre on Friday the 12th of May, Grab your tickets HERE

Emmanuel's new album Accomplice 2 is out on April 28th you can check that out HERE