Hailing from the sunshine coast, Jimmy Davis is a humble storyteller beaming with passion and determination through his honest melodies and expressive guitar pieces. Forté chat to the alternative rock, blues and folk singer and songwriter (and previous X Factor Top 12 finalist) ahead of his upcoming performance at the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival.
Hey Jimmy, thanks for taking the time to chat with Forte Magazine, how are you and what are you up to at the moment?
My pleasure! Thank you for having me, I’m doing great. I’m currently on the road travelling down to Melbourne. I stopped off in Sydney to help my girl with some home renovations and to play at her father’s 60th birthday this weekend.
You’re performing at Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival next month. How did you get on board with the event?
Honestly… I don’t even remember applying. I got the email saying I had made it into the line-up and don’t remember ever doing that – but I don’t mind! Loads of my mates are playing it too so it’s going to be a big weekend of music and good times so whoever sent that application form… THANK YOU!
You will be performing alongside many great artists including Aaradhna, Benny Walker, Cat Canteri, and Kylie Auldist among others! Anyone in particular you are looking forward to seeing?
I am mostly looking forward to seeing Mitch King rock it with the biggest one man band sound you’ve ever heard and then watching Josh Rennie-Hynes captivate the audience with his beautiful lyrics and all round world class song writing. A few more honourableee mentions would be Grim Fawkner, Alister Turrill and Erik Parker.
The event is located in Bendigo. As a Queensland local, have you visited this regional area before and do you have any other plans for while you are there?
I have never been to Bendigo before. I’ve heard a lot of great things but I am a fish out of water when you ask if I know what I’m going to be doing there… I’ll just be going with the flow essentially.
You just came off your run of shows which you named ‘The Very Inconveniently Spaced Tour’. Did you get up to anything crazy along the way?
I bought a Hermit crab for the trip named Zoidberg. I’m travelling solo and thought a companion would be nice. Also while I was camping the other night, I had two wild baby joey’s come right up to me and let me pet them. It was random but I love encounters like that.
Your music has been said to cause audiences to stop and double take which is quite a compliment. How do you approach making new music, do you feel like you have to push the boundaries?
When I’m writing new material, the goal is to always be as raw and honest as I can. That being said, I’m always trying to explore new musical possibilities, expanding ideas on what sounds I can create.
You’ve just announced that you’re also playing at the Woodford Folk Festival later this year. What is it that you love about performing at festivals?
I love the atmosphere, so many people coming into the show who have never even heard of you, but figure they’ll check you out because why not? I love that mentality and it’s really fun performing for and also being in the audience and doing the same. I love the contagious smiles from everyone passing by. Music festivals are the best.
What are your plans for heading into 2017?
Gigs, Writing, Exploring, Gigs, Writing, Exploring! Just looking forward to hitting the road and doing what I do best.
Thanks heaps for your time, and we’re looking forward to seeing you perform next month, do you have any words of wisdom for our readers?
As my father told me, always look out for number one and don’t step in number two.
See Jimmy at The Bendigo Blues & Roots Festival which returns for its sixth year, with more than 150 local and independent performances and a variety of workshops across more than 40 of Bendigo’s best live music venues and public spaces.
When & Where: Various Venues, Bendigo – November 3-6
Further information is available through the website.
