LOCAL country rock musician Mickey Pye is looking forward to reconnecting with regional audiences, bringing live music back to local venues after spending much of his time on the road.
The Bathurst-based musician, who regularly tours as part of the Travis Collins band, said a break in touring had given him the opportunity to book more of his own shows closer to home.
“I haven’t done much of that in our area for some time,” Pye said.
“I’m really looking forward to bringing a bit of country music back to our local area and getting involved in the local scene again.”
Describing his sound as country rock, Pye said live performances were about much more than just the music.
“It’s just a great outlet,” he said. “We all spend our working weeks under stress, dealing with bills and work and everything else, and coming out on a Friday or Saturday night and getting together with the community is a great way to let off a bit of steam.”
With technology making it easier than ever for people to stay home, Pye said it was important not to lose the tradition of gathering.
“We should never lose that sense of getting together and having a shindig, getting out and singing one of our favourite songs,” he said.
Audiences can expect a mix of country favourites, including songs from the 1990s and 2000s country era, along with some of Pye’s own music.
His song When She’s Drinking, released in 2015, remains a crowd favourite and is still regularly requested at shows.
“I always love playing that one,” he said.
While touring may sound glamorous, Pye revealed one of the biggest highlights for musicians is often much simpler.
“The highlight of a touring musician’s day is actually the morning coffee,” he said.
For Pye, smaller towns and villages hold a special place in his heart.
“My very favourite place to play is tiny little villages and towns,” he said. “They really know how to party.”
He recalled one of his favourite performances being a gig in Cumnock, describing the atmosphere as something special.
“It was just such a vibe,” he said.
Outside of music, Mickey is also passionate about charity work and regularly combines his love of running and performing to support causes close to his heart.
He is currently preparing for the City2Surf, where he will help push young boy Ted Johnson, who lives with Angelman Syndrome, in his wheelchair over the 14-kilometre course.
For upcoming gigs, charity projects and updates, locals can follow Mickey Pye through his social media pages.