Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/131994
checkin Five minutes with … Anthony Callea Following Australian Idol and a string of awards, Anthony Callea is now an independent artist, ready to start a new phase of his life as a musician. it wasn't going to be on the album. This album had to come from an organic and honest place; otherwise, there was no point. What was your inspiration for your new album? Turning 30, I wanted to celebrate that milestone with an album that reflected the songwriters, singers, melodies and lyrics that have influenced or have had an impact on me. I also wanted to share some originals that I wrote a few years back and a couple of my all-time favourite Italian songs. What are you most excited about for your upcoming eastcoast tour? You can coop me up in a studio for so long but there's nothing better than performing live with my full band; it's the best part of my job. I love live performance and can't wait to bring this album and other favourites to life in a live environment. Bring it on, I say. How did you select the cover tracks for the album? I grew up with a lot of these songs or have sung them for many years, so when I was putting this album together, it was all about recording songs that really speak to me. If I had to think twice about a choice, then Why did you choose to feature so many covers rather than writing new ones? This album was not about recreating these songs but paying respect to songs that have influenced me. I went into the record company with the track listing, the title and the producer I wanted to have put this album together, and the overall concept. I wanted James to produce this album as I have known him for nine years and knew he would get the best out of me; and I wanted Susie Ahern to feature in a duet as I have known her, too, for 15 years and [she] is one of the country's finest vocalists. How did recording the covers compare to recording the original tracks? You've performed several times with Tina Arena; how has that been? I grew up listening to and admiring Tina, so to be on stage singing with her was a real treat. Every night we performed, it was so enjoyable and a moment I really embraced. It's not every day you get to perform with a singer like Tina. Why did you decide to release your music with ABC Music? Walking into the ABC offices, I knew right away that this was the perfect match musically. They understood what I wanted to do and allowed me to make this beautiful album. They also understood the importance of recording this album with live strings and "This album had to live musicians. I look come from an organic forward to recording and honest place, many beautiful otherwise there was albums with the no point." ABC Music family. Anthony says: Whether it's an original or an established song, when I step behind that microphone, it's about singing it for the first time and really honing in on the lyrics and story behind the song. Callea's new album, THIRTY, is in stores now, and he will be touring the east coast of Australia through July and August. www.anthonycallea.com 1