Carus Thompson isn’t your usual muso. The singer, songwriter and guitarist has just released a new album, Shakespeare Avenue and is all set to head out on the road throughout October and November and will be heading to Ocean Grove on November 16.
His venues, like his style, will be unique and intimate, something Thompson suggests is important in bridging the gap between performer and audience.
“I want to create connections. The live gig is the last sacred thing we have really, and I want to be able to see everyone and look them in the eye while performing.”
Thompson named the record after his grandfather, who actually lived on Shakespeare Avenue in England.
“It’s a street in Bath, in England. My grandfather lived on that street and moved out to Australia when we were ten. The song is based on choices we make and the sacrifices we make for family.”
Thompson’s special brand of folk music blends social commentary with a fire in the belly approach to storytelling that draws the listener in. They’re stories that we can all relate to on a basic level.
His writing for this album was deliberately crafted to be as accessible to Aussie crowds as English ones. “I wanted to make an album that I could take to English fans. Sort of my take on the English folk traditions.
“Touring in England with such history and the amazing venues and the folk history is incredible.”
This album sees Thompson delve further into what makes people the way they are – the human condition if you like and the surrounding lives that effects or creates.
“I tried to go deeper with my songs and the intensity. They are songs about being a human being. In terms of the sound of the record, it’s more Anglo-Celtic folk, a more intense sound.
A folk edginess.This record if really more of a historical narrative. And the songs are more personal. I’ve really tried to be a narrative and song-based writer more.
When you are an artist you write about what you see and what you feel. I’ve never been a song-writer that tells people that they’re wrong.”
The world has changed, as has society expectations and Thompson has definitely tapped into those changes and it reflects in his work.
“We build walls and dismiss stuff. The world these days is all about dehumanization. But there’s more nuance going on. I think I’ve become a better song-writer over the years. You tend to get wiser. And have more experiences. The songs are getting closer to essential human behaviour.
“Every album that you do is like playing in a grand final. It’s an intense process. And with every LP you learn stuff.”
Carus Thompson’s new album Shakespeare Avenue is available now. He will be performing at the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival on November 8-10, Piping Hot Chicken Shop in Ocean Grove on November 16 & Northcote Social Club in Melbourne on November 17.
Tickets via carusthompson.com
Written by Chris Michaels