The Leigh Sawmill Café is the first stop for Callum Gentleman’s New Zealand tour on the back of his new single, Blue Collar Killer.
Callum, accompanied by violinist Sam Loveridge and electric guitarist Joel Vinsen, is a singer/songwriter who delves into blues, folk and a bit of country.
His Leigh performance will be on September 30 from 6pm and is followed by 15 other NZ shows, before the band hits Australia in November.
“People can expect us to be revved up because it’s our first gig on the tour and our first time playing at the Sawmill,” Callum says.
“We’ve been here before in the audience so it’s exciting to be on stage this time.”
He describes himself as someone who tells a story through raucous blues tracks, ballads, lost love songs and camp fire yarns.
“Many of the stories are about good people doing bad things and some are about bad people trying to do good things, but often failing.”
In addition to his headline single, Callum will be strumming some of the 11 other tracks he has just recorded.
His band will also be joined by Moondogs Blues who will play with drummer Ben Michelsen and bass guitarist Matt Shepherd.
“Moondogs’ performances are quite unpredictable, he can be a man possessed and plays three different handmade guitars.”
Callum was originally exposed to music when his parents made him take piano lessons aged eight, but that didn’t go anywhere.
“I got into a flat later and used to play on my flatmates’ guitars when they were out and taught myself. Secretly I always wanted to join in with them.
“Then I moved to Paris with my girlfriend and brought my own guitar.”
Callum says he often gets inspiration for his songs when he’s out walking and nowhere near his guitar.
“Every day I try to sit down with a pen, paper and guitar and work on songs.
“I very rarely have a new tune fall out fast. It’s a craft you have to work at I believe.”
TICKET GIVEAWAY
Mahurangi Matters has a double pass to give away, email news@localmatters.co.nz with Callum Gentleman in the subject line. Competition closes at 3pm on Wednesday Sept 27.
