Colin Hay

‘Down Under Porch Thoughts’

Australian singer song-writer and actor Colin Hay believes he is just scratching the surface on his music career; and although he jests on his Porch that it may be just an illusion, if you listen to one of latest CDs or happen to see him perform live, then it isn’t hard to agree with his inner voice, that perhaps his best is yet to come.

Colin’s voice is as distinct as it was in the 80s as front man, principal songwriter, and lead vocalist of pop sensations Men at Work; and over the past twenty years he has re-introduced himself to new generations of fans around the world through constant touring, film and television exposure including: the US comedy TV Show, ‘Scrubs’ performing live for Ellen DeGeneres in her dressing room for her birthday wish and partnering with Telstra for TV commercials during the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Colin is currently touring Australia with his latest show, ‘Finding My Dance’ that was inspired by an aboriginal man who questioned Colin backstage, "Where's your dance?” So, Colin set out in search of it, looking everywhere in all corners of the globe. I caught up with Colin to welcome him to one of his many homes, Melbourne.

You are based in LA these days, what does coming home to Melbourne mean to you?

Melbourne means my family, rain and the past in many ways in all its glory. I get to walk in my old footsteps, but I see things a lot differently now than I did back then as I was usually in a haze for one reason or another. Melbourne makes me feel really good; walking and driving around. I love the markets, wandering around and just talking to people. I can relax with old friends. Melbourne is family, my mother.

When did your song writing begin?

I started writing songs when I was around 15. I played a lot of James Taylor, The Beatles and Bob Dylan. I would try to come up with original material, and did. I wrote small pieces of music or songs and always scrapped them and started something else.

At what point did you feel you were getting somewhere with your song writing?

My music started working with guitarist Ron Strykert in Men at Work and when that creative door opened, we started writing songs like ‘Who Can It Be Now’. Although there had been other songs before that, it was that song that I thought I was getting somewhere. It was a keeper.

30 years ago, you were singing about Vegemite sandwiches in your hit song ‘Down Under’. Do you actually eat them?

I don’t eat Vegemite sandwiches but I do like Vegemite on a piece of toast from time to time; especially when it’s a cold Melbourne morning with a bit of toast and Vegemite and a bit of avocado on the side - although it’s a rarity these days.

‘Down Under’ certainly helped you reconnect and introduce you to new audiences around the world during last years’ Telstra Olympic commercials. Is ‘Down Under’ really about spurring on our sporting champions and national heroes?

It’s a song about celebration but it’s also a song about trying to take care about what we have in Australia because it’s special. It’s not really special in the stereotypical flag-waving sense as it is about being a connecting force in an inclusive way as opposed to an exclusive way. It’s about celebrating who we are and trying to figure that out moving forward; being leaders in a tolerant and in an inclusive way in a country full of immigrants.

How important is it to keep reinventing ourselves as you have?

We have to constantly keep reinventing ourselves. It’s part of progress and constantly looking for new ways to say the same things in many ways. I just try and move forward and keep myself as interested as possible. I like writing songs. I like messing around with guitars and instruments and I love being in the studio. In the next few years I would just like to spend more time in the studio and do a lot more writing.

When it was suggested that you had lost your dance, what changes did you make to find it again?

I just set off on my path to look as he was right. He taught me a great lesson. I had to actually get back on the road and start doing it. I think a lot of people, including myself try and find answers outside of themselves for whatever kind of fulfilment they are looking for. Most of the lessons that we have to learn involve some kind of inner scrutiny or inner search. I had to find my voice again.

It must be amazing to perform in front of so many people for three decades, how do you view your music career?

I have been quite lucky since I started making music. I have travelled around the world and I play music for people who turn up to see me play and they applaud; they give you energy and I give them my energy. It’s a pretty amazing way to make a living that goes through your life. In many ways it’s a gift that keeps on giving. Your show is a musical journey, sometimes taking the audience straight down the main road, and sometimes taking the twists and turns of the road less travelled through songs, stories and jokes.

What do you hope the audience enjoys about the show?

My show is about creating an experience that is joyful and resonates with people. I get up on stage and at the end of two hours or so, I want the audience to have been please and happy that they made the decision to travel and pay to see what I have. I want their experience to last beyond the show.

What is your Porch Thought of The Day?

Why not have no thoughts at all? Sometimes thinking can be very, very overrated. What I am going to do today is something I often do on my Porch – that is to change my strings and just think about what is going to be on my set list when I perform in Melbourne.