Shannon Noll has an undeniable everyman appeal. The only Australian male artist in ARIA chart history to have ever achieved ten consecutive top singles, Noll possesses the knack of striking a chord with legions of music lovers through pure emotion that’s both his own and instantly relatable. Following a successful decade on the Australian music scene, 2014 has seen the Australian Idol-born star release his highly anticipated single We Only Live Once to great acclaim. The track was written by Noll, Brett Creswell and Lindsay Rimes, and produced by industry veteran Pro J, who cut his teeth on the likes of Robin Thicke, Lil’ Wayne and Jennifer Hudson. The upbeat anthem is the first release from Noll’s forthcoming album, the sound staying classic to earlier roots while ramping up the pace to signify the singer’s comeback to the mainstream musical scene.
PEARL chats to the homegrown-hero in the midst of his national We Only Live Once Tour, and while he’s no longer championing the classic flavour-saver, it’s clear that he’s still the honest and passionate bloke we came to know through our TV screens all those years ago.
“It’s really surprising actually. The new release, We Only Live Once, has been getting really good feedback at the shows so far. Everyone seems to know all the words and it’s got a real swagger to it so it’s fun to play and I think the audience can feel that on the night. It’s been a few years since I’ve been on the road so I’m really enjoying playing live again, the band is playing great and the whole set has been received well too. It’s been a lot of fun so far and hopefully it just gets better and better from here.”
While Noll is humbled by the positive reception of his new release, he agrees that We Only Live Once has a broad appeal that comes from its uplifting hooks and strong positive message, particularly at a time when the media, government and global climate is not so positive.
“That’s the beauty of music; it can take you away from the troubles in your life at the time. We don’t get too many breaks from the seriousness of what’s going on in the world these days; everywhere you turn there seems to be something heavy going on. I think to be able to be able to shut all that out for a little song is a great gift to give and receive.”
In addition to his new material, Shannon Noll has been treating crowds to classics like What About Me and In Pieces, and even taking on a new cover of Sia’s huge hit Chandelier.
“That’s been a bit of a stand out for the show. Being such a big hit by a female artist it’s a little scary to perform at times, but it’s gone over well so far!”
Indeed Noll has been fortunate (and hard-working) in earning the love of Australian fans over the years since earning the runner-up title in the debut season of Australian Idol. With reality shows coming at us thick and fast these days, it’s interesting to have the insight of an original reality-star.
“Obviously the recognition and the profiling was the advantage on our year. I think the disadvantage; particularly for us as the first year products, was the actual concept of the show itself. We had to put up with a fair bit of backlash from the industry, people not wanting to accept it. Today it’s standard practice to make a break through in these shows but we really had to weather that storm.”
Does he believe he’d have experienced the same success had he been on a different talent show or even a later season of Idol?
“Probably not. I think ours was a very special year because it was the first time that anyone had seen that kind of show in Australia. We were on a rollercoaster ride ourselves and I think the public was taking that ride with us because it was so honest and so fresh and innocent really. I think that’s what made it very unique.”
Shannon Noll’s We Only Live Once Tour will hit up Hallam Hotel on Friday November 14. Tickets and more info at hallamhotel.com.au
MATILDA HEGGIE
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