Many of you will undoubtedly remember Wes Carr as the winner of Australian Idol a few years ago. Since then Carr has had a pretty eventful time. He was dropped by his label, turned a plane around, and done plenty of soul searching. Now he’s back with his debut release Blood & Bone under his new moniker Buffalo Tales. We caught up with him to find out more.
Hey, how are you? You’re on tour with The McClymonts at the moment, how’s it all going so far?
It’s going great. People are digging the new material, which is very cool, and being back out on the road again is wonderful.
Why Buffalo? What meaning does that name hold for you?
Buffalo Tales was just a name I came up with after reading that when the native Americans would dream of a Buffalo they would return to their heritage to where they came from, and that’s what I am doing musically. I’m returning to why I got into music in the first place and that’s to place my tunes with passion and honesty.
Being in the gossip magazines never excited me. Most people probably think I’m this pop/rock guy as Wes Carr and that’s cool but Buffalo Tales is more creative and more aligned to who I am creatively, musically and personally.
On this new EP Bood & Bone you bring it all back to basics with a return to your roots as a singer-songwriter. Are there any particular songwriters or artists that are inspirations?
Hundreds, I’m like a sponge at the moment, I’m loving a lot of new music out there at the moment: Ben Howard, The Staves, JD McPherson, Michael Kiwanuka and of course my favourites Ryan Adams and John lennon.
Do you have a particular favourite track from the EP and why?
No. but, “Lost” has been a crowd favourite, many of my friends love that track. I wrote Lost with Don Walker from Cold Chisel and it’s always an honour working with Don. We have worked together on and off for years now and it never gets boring. I think we have around 8 songs together now.
Is a full-length album the next step? And has work already begun?
I have so many new tunes, it’s going to be hard but I’m still working on the sound for Buffalo tales I have so many new and fresh ideas for the record, it’s really very exciting.
How do you approach the songwriting? Where do these songs come from?
In many ways, there’s no real approach. They just come to me, when I’m feeling good in a relaxed state, it’s a bit like meditation sometimes, time disappears and when the flow is there it’s just so easy.
I prefer to write on my own because you get to create your own sanctuary and pen your own take and feelings on the world. There is no limits and that is whats so great about writing. Kinda like a diary entry.
What have you been listening to lately?
I’ve been listening to Ben Howard some old blues and a little bit of various alt. country.. I’m very eclectic with my tastes though,it varies with every mood.
You’ve had a pretty eventful music career already so far, with Idol being only one part of it, what have you taken away from the last couple of years?
To never compromise or you’ll be unsatisfied it’s an open road out there, be kind to yourself, choose your destiny and always follow your heart. Truth, love, integrity is always a good three word reminder.
What have been the highlights of 2012 so far?
I think the fact that my baby will be born in late October will have to be the pending highlight. But musically would have to be the birth of my new independent project, Buffalo Tales and the EP release Blood and Bone. It feels so great to have self funded and taken the reigns of where I want to go musically at last.
What does the near future have in store?
A lot of shows all over the country, and you can see all the shows here at www.buffalotales.com.au
Can’t wait !
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