In our 24th instalment of “Stumbled Upon”, we meet Melbourne’s Simon Astley, and chat his latest release, All Falls Down.
Musician:
Simon Astley
Website / Social Media:
www.simonastley.net
Facebook / Soundcloud
Genre:
Pop/Rock
Members & their roles:
Simon Astley (Vocal, Piano), Clinton Forster (Guitars), Paul Slattery (Bass), Gav Oliver (Drums)
What music or artists inspired you?
Ben Folds has had an impact on me with his amazing piano work and melodic songs. The song Brick by Ben Folds I remember hearing for the first time on radio back in 1997 when it first came out. This song blew me away and I have never felt so drawn into a song so suddenly like that before, where by I had to hear it again right away.
Unfortunately I couldn’t because it was on the radio, it was late in the day, and the CD shop was closed. After hearing that song it drove home to me how much I wanted to write, record and release music.
From that day on I focused on doing just that and saving my money up to record. I had been writing music for a few years before then but that drive wasn’t there as strong as it was after the day I heard that song.
How did you get started?
I started playing live gigs and released my first album Shopping Mall in 2004 after moving to Melbourne from Tasmania. This was after already spending lots of time in studio’s, getting singing lessons, and getting some money together to pursue my career. I felt ready in 2004 to start putting my music out there, and so I booked a couple of shows and the rest is history.
How would you best describe your live show:
Engaging. I like to make people feel like they know me even though they may not.
What shows do you have coming up?
I am having a break from shows for a couple of months as my wife and I are expecting a baby. So I have a few bums to wipe first and then I will get back on the road. I have just come back from playing at the King Island Music Festival which was awesome.
Tell us about your latest release:
The song is called All Falls Down. This song would have to be my 2nd favourite song I have written in my opinion. When I first got the idea in my head for this song it felt so strong, and it was a song I wanted to finish straight away instead of doing a little bit of it and finishing it off later. Its a song about life. The ups and downs and whats important. It has been produced by the amazing Sam Panetta (Kylie Minogue, Crowded House)
Where can I get your music?
My music is available on itunes, all other digital platforms (including Soundcloud) and JB Hifi.
Check out a playlist of past “Stumbled Upon’ artists on Soundcloud
