Anthony Callea
‘Thirty Porch Thoughts’
Reaching a birthday milestone is always a good reason to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in one’s life with family, friends and work colleagues. In the lead-up to the special event, you may check your bucket-list, prepare a few speech notes and select a few choice songs.
However, if you are one of Australia’s favourite and most recognised singers and performers, an ARIA Award winner, performed for a host of international dignitaries including the late Luciano Pavarotti, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark and appeared as a special guest for touring international superstars including Ms Diana Ross, Westlife, Celine Dion and the late Whitney Houston; you may just want to record an album to also mark the occasion.
When Anthony Callea had the idea for his album next titled THIRTY, he was unsigned and didn’t have a record company behind him. With his concept in mind and proposed track list in hand, Anthony approached ABC Music. By the end of that meeting he had a deal that would give him an additional reason to celebrate turning 30; whilst giving his loyal fans a gift that will last forever.
Following his success on Australian Idol in 2004, Anthony’s growth and evolution as a musician and diverse entertainer has inspired him to push himself into new areas such as opera and musical theatre productions. I caught up with Anthony as he was packing his suitcase for a quick getaway to Thailand with his partner Tim Campbell, with less than fortnight ahead of his only ‘THIRTY Live In Concert’ show at The Palms, Crown Casino in Melbourne.
When you are not interstate or overseas, where do you relax in Melbourne and enjoy time away from rehearsing and performing?
I regularly go to the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) and swim, it really clears my mind. I’m also a regular at the South Melbourne Market.
After releasing your self- funded EP ‘Last To Go’ last year, you spent 6 months in LA writing songs. How did the THIRTY album concept come about?
There are no rules or restrictions when you are putting together an album, even though sometimes when you are with a record company there are guidelines to go by. I basically walked into ABC Music and Universal Records and said, ‘This is what I want to do with the last 30 years of music important to me and to celebrate my 30th Birthday’ - and that’s where it came from.
Were they immediately receptive to your concept?
Usually when you are with a record company, you have to fight for certain things, but I went in there and said I wanted to record it with Melbourne producer James Kempster who I have known for 9 years, they said ‘yes’ straight away and I thought, I’m going to run with this before you actually change your mind.
One of the songs on the album My All captured the nation’s heart when you explained you co-wrote the song especially for Tim. Are you able to naturally express your feelings?
I’m not the greatest with words at the best of times, but put me behind the microphone or in the studio and it’s easier for me to express myself. It’s a song we both love. I had it up my sleeve for four years and I’m glad it’s part of this album because and it fits perfectly within the whole body of work.
THIRTY also includes ten covers from the 80s and 90s including Cheap Trick’s The Flame, Hearts hit-song Alone as well as Italian anthems Nella Fantasia and Di sole e d’azzurro’, all of which have obviously influenced your life at some point. Are you looking forward to performing these songs and sharing your musical journey in your hometown with your band?
The best part of my job (if you want to call it a job) is to get out there and perform live with my band and that is exactly what this show is about. It’s about taking this album on the road and bringing it to life. Kicking off the tour in Melbourne is pretty cool. I am going to have a lot of friends and family there which is going to be great - and daunting at the same time. It’s going to be a lot of fun.
You have been invited to perform with the likes of Tina Arena during her tours. Who have you asked to join you on stage?
I am going to have my backing vocalist Susie Ahern feature in one of the songs Alone as a duet. I also have a little surprise up my sleeve for Melbourne. I have asked a certain person to come along and have a sing with me, so my hometown will enjoy a special treat. I am keeping the surprise to myself.
Will Tim be performing?
Yes, I am lucky to have a partner who is extremely talented and who has agreed to open up the show with the band with a 30 minute set. It’s pretty cool to get to go to work with your partner.
You have achieved so much as a recording artist and solo performer in Australia and overseas. What prompted your move into musical productions?
I think it’s important to push yourself and experience new environments and different forms of entertainment. What comes naturally to me is getting into the studio recording and getting out there performing live, however, something I never experienced as a kid was working in musical theatre productions. It’s something very new to me and it’s a different way of thinking and a different way of performing.
Why do you enjoy it?
It’s great environment to work in because you’re working as a full team and you are relying on each other when you’re on stage. It’s not just about you, you have to work with all the ensembles, all the dancers and other singers and basically convey a story together to ensure that the audience is taken on a theatrical journey.
You are playing the role of Johnny Casino in Grease the musical that kicks off in Brisbane in August ahead of Sydney and then Melbourne in January 2014. Why were you drawn to be in this musical?
I think everyone has watched te movie Grease once in their life and I have never come across anyone who has told me they don’t like it. It’s just a great feel-good musical to be part of. Playing the role of Johnny Casino is a lot of fun because we get to perform the big production number in the second act – the hand jive. I can’t wait!
You announced on Twitter that you were thrilled to be part of the Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games in December performing alongside Darren Percival, Marina Prior, Marcia Hines and Brooke McClymont. How do you feel being part of this major event?
My good friend John Foreman is putting this amazing event together and invited me to be part of the opening ceremony. Before the launch in Newcastle, it hadn’t hit me how great this event is going to be. Seeing all these amazing athletes at the launch was definitely inspiring. It’s a beautiful and nurturing environment that allows these athletes to shine and perform and bring out their best in a supportive environment. I was so happy to be there in Newcastle.
What is your Porch Thought For The Day?
“Don’t sweat the small stuff. Just concentrate on the things that you really need to concentrate on. Try not to let things affect you.”