Geelong locals will be all too familiar with the name Michael Stangel. Having grown up around the area, he is one of our biggest success stories. For those other regional readers of Forte, well, Mr Stangel is one of Australia’s biggest record producers, working alongside The Veronicas, Dean Geyer and Shannon Noll, as well as being a contestant on last year’s season of the Channel Nine show, The Voice. Ahead of his gig at Beav’s Bar on May 11, I caught up with Stangel to have a chat about his illustrious career thus far.
It’s been about twelve months since Stangel played in Geelong and given the opportunity for another hometown show, as expected he is very excited. In a way it is something a little different that listeners will be used to, given this show is the Michael Stangel Combo, which draws some slight comparisons to The Black Keys.
“It’s going to be really good to get back out in Geelong and show my wares to the locals because I haven’t really played around the local traps in quite a while doing my own gigs, and so it’s something a little different. [It’s] going to be something quite special I think as well,” Stangel said about the May 11th date.
Born and bred in Geelong, or Geetroit as it’s better known these days, Stangel has seen changes through the years to particular venues coming and going. Yet that said, there are still numerous opportunities for musicians to get out of their bedroom to play.
“Geelong has changed a lot; however one thing that hasn’t changed is people who are forward thinking and put a lot of effort into their craft because they find a way to play venues that do really well. Geelong a few years ago had heaps of great live venues and I think that has sort of dried up since the National Hotel closed its doors. It’s no cause for concern, though; there is plenty of other opportunities around.”
Gifted a drum kit from the age of three, Stangel hasn’t looked back since and has been lucky enough to make a career out of record producing and playing around the traps. Influenced by the likes of Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, Stangel has played in many different bands and outfits and in the upcoming months will lead a tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival, amongst his own gigs with Michael Stangel Combo.
Having lived in L.A., and with 30 years’ experience in the industry, I asked Stangel who we should be keeping an eye out for in the local music scene over the next twelve months. “Justin Carter, who was originally based in Torquay and now Sydney, has done the hard yards as a musician. Self-promoted and produced, he writes some amazing songs and is definitely a talent to watch. I also really like Chet Faker with his electronic vibes and storytelling. He is destined for big things.”
Talent shows can nurture or hinder a career, and Stangel’s experience on The Voice was one of the most positive of his career thus far. And if you pay close attention you may just see him pop up in the upcoming series. “There have been a few people on social media saying that I am a sell out for going on the show but it was an incredible experience and really helped push my career to the next level. If you’re looking to get played on commercial radio I would definitely recommend auditioning!”
When&Where: Beav’s Bar, Geelong – May 11
Written by Tex Miller