Only a few years ago multi-instrumentalist Pete Wild almost gave up on music.
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Motivated by his long-term partner in crime Kate Burke, he became inspired to create what has become his latest album Calm.
”I was thinking at the time it was a lot of work to get an album together, and gigging,” he said.
”I was ready to throw it all away, and she really inspired me to do it and really shaped the album.”
The album is a cathartic journey for Wild, who dealt with feelings of anxiety in the lead up to the putting together of the album, and its lead single also titled Calm.
“Calm is my favourite song, and it speaks to a struggle I’ve had in recent years to keep calm,” Wild said.
“Ironically it is in a lurching five count, and not so settled,” he said with a laugh.
Calm was produced by Pete and Kate Burke, and mixed by Adam Rhodes, who has previously worked with The Cat Empire, Paul Kelly and Angus and Julia Stone.
Wild will be launching the album, which features Heath Cullen on guitar, Robyn Martin on bass, Jay McMahon on drums, Kate Burke on guitar and violin, and Eamon McNelis on horns, in his home town of Candelo on Friday.
“It’s funny, because I’ve played there many times, and even during the Candelo Festival as soon as I sit down I feel calm,” he said.
“You can just let the rest of the world roll away.
“I have been rehearsing quite a bit this time, when I don’t usually have time to.
“I have a few older songs in the mix there, and I’ve been working on other ways to present them.”
Wild said improvisation and solos can be expected during his album launch shows at the Candelo Town hall and Windsong Pavilion at Barragga Bay this weekend.
The ivory tinkling showman chose the venues on their ownership of pianos, and is excited to sit behind what he describes as a “beautiful” piano at the Windsong Pavilion.
“It will be unlike anything Four Winds has done, with how rocky it will be,” Wild said.
“It will be a bit of an experiment for us.”
Wild will be supported by the melancholic folk-pop sounds of Candelo family ensemble Elegant Aliens, featuring John Fitzmaurice.
- Pete Wild and The Only Ones will play the Candelo Town Hall on October 20 and the Windsong Pavilion at Barragga Bay on October 21. With support from Elegant Aliens.