Bart Thrupp’s natural storytelling ability and Aussie charm is showcased beautifully in his brand new single “Girl in the Fishbowl.” Bart took time out from the single tour to tell me about the song, the shows, and what makes his hometown of Toowoomba so special.
Your current single “Girl in the Fishbowl” really struck a chord with me, as I think we’ve all been in those impossible relationships where it was the right person (at least in our minds) and wrong time. Did it come from personal experience?
I used to work at Coles. There was a florist just outside Coles which had glass on all four sides, so it looked like a giant fishbowl. That’s what everyone called it. I wrote the song on the back of a receipt while I was working on the checkout.
I was also struck by how Australian your voice sounds. It seems like so many Aussies tone down their accent to create this generic, globally marketable sound. Was there a conscious decision for you to avoid this?
I’m very proud of my home nation and our identity. I really love it, and I try to celebrate it. But to be honest I never thought too much about it. I just sing with my heart and that’s what’s happens.
The video for “Girl in the Fishbowl” also had that really honest, Australian charm to it. There’s no pretension or Hollywood flash to it. Did you have much creative input there?
I did have a lot to do with the video, and I was very lucky to have some talented people around to help me as well. It was a very honest story. We were also lucky enough to shoot the video inside the Coles where I used to work at Highfields Plaza in Toowoomba. It is the location of where the song was written, so it was great that we could use that space.
I see you’re touring the single around the country. How are those shows going?
Terrific! I’m having an amazing time. I’ve driven from Brisbane to Adelaide in three weeks with a whole bunch of towns and shows in between. I love my job. I’ve caught up with so many beautiful friends along the way, and met heaps of new faces. Between my skateboard and my car I’ve travelled thousands of kilometres through this beautiful country. I don’t know how I got so lucky.
What can music lovers expect when they see you play?
I’ve always played guitar and sang my songs, but I’ve also got the other tracks in my recordings to consider. So I have now added simultaneously; stomp box, tambourine and cowbell with my feet, as well as a whole bunch of other fun stuff. I guess you’ll just have to check it out. I just like to keep myself busy.
You’ve paid your dues and played support act for some really big name acts like Clare Bowditch, Kev Carmody, and Daryl Braithwaite. What did you learn from supporting artists like that?
I’ve been fortunate to meet lots of interesting people in my life. It’s always an honour to meet people your respect and admire. Everyone has ten toes and one nose. I’ve learnt from almost everyone I’ve ever met.
How do you approach those shows, where the room’s filled with people keen to see someone else play?
It’s a great chance to introduce yourself. It’s special because the people are already there as fans of music. It’s nice to see people who didn’t know you existed that morning leaving the concert caring about you and your music. It’s particularly excellent when they have 5 bucks for a CD too.
You hail from Toowoomba, just like Gina Jeffreys. What is it about the area that makes it such fertile musical ground?
Toowoomba is a beautiful place. Everyone who lives there is so proud of it. I guess when you get lots of great food, wine, music and art in one place it makes for happy people. I find it inspiring.
Is a Bart Thrupp album too far off?
For the moment I’ve been releasing a series of singles. So it’s building up as a body of work. I guess you’ll just have to watch this space for the album!
Do you have anything else in the pipeline that you can tell us about?
Well I’m currently in pre-production of a new music video for my song “Everything You Own’ It’s due to be released in October!
Catch Bart launching the single “Girl in the Fishbowl” at the following shows:
22 August 2012 – Front Gallery, Canberra
24 August 2012 – El Rocco’s, Potts Point