In 2007, Australian singer songwriter in France was playing in Paris at the esteemed Divan du Monde. We pulled out a mobile phone to grab some shots and after his show, ducked backstage for a quick chat. Seven years later, Mick Hart has released his eight album and is celebrating with a tour that includes a concert in Paris on 7th October.
Tell us about your new album, “Under a Vacant Sky”.
‘Under a Vacant Sky’, recorded in Sydney earlier this year, is a really cool diverse mix of Indie Folk…from mellow acoustic to groovy dirty blues stuff. All a lot of fun with my Sydney band mates and I’m really proud of the songwriting and the positive emotional tone throughout.
How has your music evolved since our last interview in… 2007!
I’m really proud of all my albums and the journey it has taken me on. I think especially the last couple of albums have a really timeless quality with the songwriting and maturity within. I’ve definitely gotten really comfortable with doing it with all live takes… very old school and the emotion is so much deeper that way for sure.
Glad to hear you a better after hearing your weren’t well. Did music play a role in the healing process and how?
Thank you and to be honest the health problem has been very recent and was a major shock. Doctors found a serious infection problem with my heart and had me in hospital for a week which was only a little over a month ago. They have cleared the infection but I still have some serious surgery to undergo in the future but basically I’m feeling fine now and definitely looking forward to the tour. Obviously even just knowing I can come back and play has been a major healer and I’m sure it’s going to be an amazing experience as always.
What do you like or what is specific about playing in France and to French audiences?
I lived in France for over 5 years between 2002 and 2008 and it’s really like a second home to me. I love the culture, the food, the language and the beautiful people. French audiences are honestly my most favourite in the world as they really listen and respect and feel the emotion of the music so much more because of this.
What can audiences expect from this concert?
This whole European tour is basically 18 shows in about 20 days and it all starts in Paris! My shows are always spontaneous but for sure this one will feature a selection from the new album as well as a big best of kind of mix of the other 7 albums. From intimate to wild…lots of emotion and lots of fun…and I’ll be bringing my special Weissenborn acoustic slide as well.
Mick Hart’s Paris show is on Tues 7 Oct at L’Angora, 3 Bd Richard Lenoir Paris 11e and around France, Belgium and Germany (details listed here). His new album “Under a Vacant Sky” is available now with all the other albums on iTunes and at all live shows. www.mickhart.com.au
Our 2007 interview with Mick Hart below!
