Neil Young Tribute Interview
This is an interview Sam did for the 2011 Neil Young Tribute Night
When was the first time you heard Neil Young?
I found Springsteen at the young age of 10 years old, and whenever he was mentioned in articles I would read they would also reference Neil Young, Bob Dylan and John Cougar Mellencamp. I would have first heard him on the radio for sure, because I didn’t get into Neil properly until much later, after high school. My friend Beau was a big fan and I quickly became one through him. It was one of those new loves where you listen to every album you can get your hands on and read all the biographies.
Your favourite album and/or song?
I really love the ‘Silver and Gold’ album, released in 2000. It’s mellow and super pretty. Favourite song is probably ‘Harvest Moon’ but then something like ‘Cortez…’ is utterly brilliant so it may depend on what mood I am in.
What does Neil’s music mean to you?
Its simply beautiful. Even the rockin’ stuff, he has this beauty in which he not only sings, but the words and phrasing he uses as well. Its very honest music. Timeless, no doubt. Always melodic. He is a master at both the loud and quiet which is a hard thing to be.
Your thoughts on beyondblue/mental illness/depression etc and why its important to you/people to support this group/event?
It’s a very personal cause/issue for me, and it is something which a lot of people suffer from, whether they realise it or not. Any exposure or donations I can help raise for such a great organisation on behalf of the whole Neil Young tribute night is a true honour, and in doing so I get to listen to and play with great artists doing genius songs!
