Q & A with Brook Newton

Brook Newton is the latest country music hopeful to earn a place in the Telstra Road to Tamworth finals, after taking out the Adelaide heats last weekend. I caught up with Brook to chat about his time in the competition, his love of acoustic folk music, and why he’s got a lot to thank his best mate for.

Congratulations for winning the Adelaide heat of the Telstra Road to Tamworth competition. What was it like to be part of the competition?
To tell you the truth it was unbelievable! Its hard to explain, other than I had this goofy smile I couldn’t wipe off my face for the next 24 hours.

My close mate entered me in the Adelaide heat for more musical exposure, thinking I wouldn’t get in it, or else seeing as I live more than 400km from the city I could have gone in the digital heat. But as it turned out I did make it through. So we loaded up the car for the LONG 12 hour drive!

I must say, I tried to research you and could only come up with a lot of information about a blonde American model! So tell me, when did you get into music and what have you done before this competition?
Haha, nope definitely not me! My ‘manager’ has now created me a Facebook music page, so you can check that out.

Well I first picked up an axe at the age of 13 and from that moment I couldn’t put it down. I have recorded and created my own tunes but still in the process of learning how it all works. Currently play as part of a local band called ‘3 guys a girl and a band’ we have all been together for around four years, performing at pubs around the district and the occasional wedding or birthday bash.

During this year I entered many music competitions but haven’t got this far through. Firstly there was ‘Search for a Singer’ which is held in Port Lincoln over the January long weekend, I made it through to the top 6 for that, great experience. Another was my audition for The X Factor, where my friend and I flew over to Adelaide arriving 4 hours early and still where number 56 in line! That would have been the most nerve racking! Turned out I wasn’t what they were looking for. But all these were small stepping stones for where I am now.

You mentioned that you travelled for 12 hours to be part of the competition. What was it about Telstra Road to Tamworth that made you so determined to be a part of it?
Yes, a very long 12 hours! My Dad has always been a country music fan and has encouraged me every year to go to the festival and put my name forward. This year seemed like the right time to enter the competition and one thing has led to another.

I heard that you played some Ben Harper and Xavier Rudd, which is a bit different to the straight country music that the competition is known for. What is it you love about that laid back folk sound?
It’s just easy listening music that you can come home from a long day and relax to. Also my love for acoustic instruments has lead me into folk, country and music like Xavier Rudd and Ben Harper.

Can you see yourself making that kind of music in the future?
The music I will create and have created is influenced from these artists but has my own twist to it as well.

Coming from Arno Bay, what was it like to get up in front of such a big crowd at the Royal Adelaide Show?
I was so grateful to all the people that turned up for the show in such bad weather. At first it’s a bit daunting seeing it’s such a big event, but having had experience performing in pubs and at weddings, you realise it’s no different to playing in your bedroom.

As part of your prize you’re heading to Sydney for boot camp. That name sounds a bit ominous; are you looking forward to it?
Yes, I can’t wait. Wishing it was next week! I hope the tutors and judges are a bit friendlier than the ones I have seen on TV lately.

As part of Boot Camp I hear you’ll work with industry professionals and musicians. What are you hoping to get out of that experience?
Its gonna be great to spend two days totally immersed in music. To meet so many professionals and other up and coming artists will definitely be up there.

You’ll also perform with The McClymonts at the V8 Supercars which should be huge. How do you feel about getting up on such a big stage and doing your thing?
Just to be there will be a massive thrill for me. To have such a large group of people all out to have fun is crazy and to be able to perform is my wildest dream!

Where do you hope that this competition takes you?
Basically I just hope it will take me to the next step, wherever that happens to lead. I have learnt that opportunities need to be taken when they arise. Ill take what ever I can get!

Image used with permission from Javelin Entertainment