The Last Town Chorus has captivated fans across North America and Europe with their sublime vocals and haunting melodies. Now the New York outfit is set to weave their magic in Australia.
The Last Town Chorus will play their first Australian shows in November, including sets at the Queenscliff Music Festival and supporting our own Kate Miller-Heidke.
I caught up with the band’s vocalist and lap steel guitar legend Megan Hickey to talk about 80s pop music, life on the road, and her love for Australia.
You don’t see a lot of women playing the lap steel guitar. What inspired you to take it up?
It was a random encounter, but the moment I heard the sound of it I knew it was my muse.
Your album Wire Waltz has become a permanent fixture in my stereo. What are you listening to at the moment?
Musically, I’m all over the place at the moment: the new Jay-Z album (he’s from Brooklyn like me), Kelly Clarkson (recently saw her perform here in NYC – amazing), the new Tegan and Sara (I only caught onto them recently, oddly), the new Wilco, new Annie Lennox. Rachid Taha (arabic punk pop), Kanye West, more Chopin than usual, and as always, gobs of mainstream country.
You’ve had great success with your cover of David Bowie’s “Modern Love.” What inspired you to record the song?
I’m an 80s pop music freak, and have always performed at least one reinvented 80s song in my live shows. I worked that one up for a Bowie tribute here in NYC and it stuck.
Readers may know you because “Modern Love” was used in Grey’s Anatomy. Are you a fan of the show?
I watch way more TV than I care to admit in a public forum. Usually in big pre-recorded doses.
You’ve been touring relentlessly for the last year. How do you make each show exciting after so long on the road?
Good question. Every night remains pretty magical to me, because I get to play the lap steel guitar. When paired with the effects I use, the sound is dizzyingly beautiful and evocative to me. So I’m never less than thrilled to have it in my hands.
What do you miss most when you’re away from home?
My dog Sailor (a Welsh Corgi).
Will this be your first time visiting Australia? And what are you looking forward to about your stay?
I freaking adore Australia. I visited my Brooklyn musician friend Greta Gertler when she was home in Sydney for holiday. I love the beaches in your country. We rented a tiny boat with an outboard motor and sped around Sydney harbor. I snorkled at Clovelly Beach. And I love the flat white coffee. I am hoping to meet people in each city we’re touring in who will show me around the water … and perhaps meet a couple people who will have me onto their boats … I can’t wait to be back over there.
You’re playing the Queenscliff Music Festival. Do you enjoy playing big events like this, or do you prefer more intimate shows?
I’m thrilled about Queenscliff Music Festival because of its coastal setting. I love playing when I can feel the space we’re all surrounded by.
What can fans expect from your Australian gigs?
I’m bringing over a guitar player from NYC, and picking up a keyboard player (L.A. Mitchell) from New Zealand. The shows should rock. I’ll be documenting the whole tour on my online photo travelogue.
And finally, do you have a message for your Australian fans?
Yes I do. 1) I’ve never met an Australian I didn’t like. So I probably like you already. 2) Do you have a boat and a spare hour or two when I’m in your town? Email me: megan@thelasttownchorus.com.
If you want to lend Megan your boat or just check out her fantastic music, make sure you catch The Last Town Chorus at one of the following shows.
November 24 – Queenscliff Music Festival
November 25 – Queenscliff Music Festival
November 27 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
November 28 – Ruby’s Lounge, Belgrave
November 29 – Hopetoun Hotel, Sydney
November 30 – The Great Northern, Newcastle
December 1 – Clarendon Guest House, Katoomba
December 2 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
December 5 – The Zoo, Brisbane
December 6 – Sound Lounge, Currumbin (with Kate Miller-Heidke)
December 7 – Joe’s Waterhole, Eumundi (with Kate Miller-Heidke)
Wire Waltz is in stores now, but you can listen to The Last Town Chorus’ cool cover of “Modern Love” below.
Image source: Yannfalkenberg @ Flickr