Melanie Riley
BRAD Cox will soon bring his “Yarns and Yodels” tour to Mount Gambier/Berrin as part of his regional leg.
Cox, who is originally from Jindabyne in country Queensland and still works on his farm in Rockhampton between shows, has stayed true to his country roots through his music.
Cox already has an impressive resume, collecting several ARIA nominations last year including for Best Country Album for his latest album released in May ‘Acres.’
This year, he has already taken home the Golden Guitar’s Male of the Year, played as the Australian headliner for CMC Rocks, played Bluesfest and has recently been named on Rolling Stone’s Future Of Music list.
Now, he has brought his music to the regions of Australia, where he feels most at home.
Unlike his full band rock show, the tour offers an intimate and up-close experience, and Cox said he was eager to get out into regional Australia again, and to the Limestone Coast for the first time.
“We’d never been to regional South Australia, so it was time,” he said.
“I belong in the bush, so it always feels good to play in the regions.
“It’s a hard game to crack compared to big metropolitan cities. But I’m determined to invest money into regional Australia, and be successful in those parts of the country as well – that’s where I belong.”
He said the smaller, more intimate shows offer a different experience compared to larger shows in the cities.
“It’s up close and personal and it’s very candid.”
His Yarns and Yodels shows generally look like him sitting on stage at his piano with a bottle of wine, with only an idea of a set list.
“I’ve got a plan and it can change, but it doesn’t matter if it changes,” he said,
“That’s the beauty of this show, and only relying on myself – anything can change so easily.”
The concept for the Yarns and Yodels shows sees Cox not only showcase his diverse talents, from upbeat country pop to slower piano ballads, but mix in some humorous banter and stories.
“I pretend I’m funny out there, I tell a few jokes and it’s good fun,” he said.
Fans can expect a range of Cox’s tracks they already know and love, including a few songs with partner Sammy, with a chance to hear something new from him too.
“It’s a great opportunity to play some songs that I haven’t played before on stage,” Cox said.
Check out Yarns and Yodels on Sunday, June 16 at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre.
For tickets, head to: https://helpmann.countryarts.org.au/
