5 Minutes with Russell Morris ahead of the Thredbo Blues Festival 2016

Fresh off the back of an outstanding season of winter headline acts, The Preatures, The Rubens and Gang of Youths, Thredbo’s dream run of musical talent continues into summer, as the alpine region announces one of the most celebrated Blues festival line-ups to date.

From 15th to 17th January 2016, Thredbo will be thriving with Blues fans and their families, as the event highlights the region’s year-round offering. This summer, Thredbo is also pleased to announce the return of Aria Hall of Fame inductee, #1 selling artist and Australian Icon Russell Morris, back due to popular demand. We caught up with Russell ahead of next year’s event to chat a about his new music and the region.

You have just released the third and final album in the series of Australian stories. What is the theme of this release, titled “Red Dirt – Red Heart”?
The theme is the interior story lines that embrace open and desolate stories that include the people that have been here for 40 to 50 thousand years and stories of loners and bushrangers.

Has there been much of change in your writing or style since Sharkmouth or Van Dieman’s Land?
Not really much change Van Dieman’s was a little different as the stories had larger themes.

Are there any other aspects of Australia’s History that you would like to uncover through your music and lyrics?
No I don’t think so, I will leave that to others.

You are a veteran of the Thredbo Blues festival stage; what is your favourite thing about this event?
I love the closeness of the event, the people that run it and the beautiful setting.

This year you are joined on the line up by Thredbo 1st timer Andy Just; what are your recommendations for him to check out while in Thredbo?
All of the above (i.e. 4) plus the great acts that appear

NOTE: Canberra centric press question: when in Canberra do you have any favourite bars or restaurant you like to check out?
Used to be Chairman and Yip

What’s next for Russell Morris?
Next – Who knows – Not me

Thredbo Blues Festival 2016 line-up:

Russell Morris
Andy Just
Gail Page (The Voice)
Fiona Boyes Band
The Pearl Show (Janis Joplin Tribute)
Glenn Cardier and the Sideshow
The Foreday Riders (featuring Jill
Tweedy and Carolyn ‘Pine’ Packer)
Nick Charles and Pete Fidler
Phil & Trudy Edgeley
James Southwell Band
Darren Jack Band
Brody Young
Shane Pacey trio
Genevieve Chadwick
Christina Crofts Trio
Harry Brus
George Washingmachine
Richard Perso
Simon Kinny-Lewis Band
Dan Dinnen
The Hoodoo Men
The Hip replacements
DJ Gosper Duo
Tony Cini Blues Explosion