A Quick Chat with Brett Wood

Can you tell us a bit about your inspiration for your single ‘Eyes’?
Absolutely and thanks for the question. I was inspired to write something in the style of Bill Withers whilst leaning into more modern blues like Gary Clark Jr and Stevie Ray Vaughan crept into the blend too. The subject matter came from this overwhelming sense of distrust and disharmony around me. Part of it was my work situation, I wanted to grow out of what I’d been doing professionally. And part of it was not believing in a lot of the music I was hearing especially in the genre I love most, blues and soul. I hear people say blues and roots, and I get it, but to me – I want to hear soul in music and feeling where the artist is coming from. I am trying my best to hold myself to that within my own work. So the song is about not trusting that everything is as it seems. We all need eyes in the back of our heads at times, and we all need to watch our own backs.

What are your influences and how do they affect your songwriting?
My influences are pretty wide ranging. It’s really anything good that's ever landed in my spirit and stayed there. I could mention just a few real quick, Willie Nelson, Albert King, Albert Collins, Beatles, Chet Atkins, Dire Straits, Tommy Emmanuel, Sheryl Crow, Bill Withers, Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Gary Clark Jr or Stevie Ray Vaughan back to Reverend Gary Davis or Slim Harpo, anything that resonates in my spirit. That’s what I count as an influence. Oh and I have been spinning a LOT of Bob Dylan on this tour!
This particular track leans into Bill Withers a bit especially at the start. I wanted to capture that thing Bill did where he’d sing over one chord and really milk a bluesy melody. I’ve always loved that. Then the song builds. Chris “Whipper” Layton (of SRV and Double Trouble) played drums on it and brought this beautiful shuffle and swing. He left space and found little gaps that gave the song air and life.
The solo leans into a Stevie Ray Vaughan thing not flashy or shreddy but melodic and moody. I was tipping the hat to something like the end of “Life Without You” – one of those solos where you can feel something but it’s not about showing off.

What’s the creative process like for you?
For this one, Eyes, it started with a little minor groove I was playing around with. I often sit on a musical idea for a day or two and if I’m in the right headspace I’ll stay out of the way long enough for the melody and lyrics to come naturally.
The first line I wrote was probably “What do you believe in lately” and had ideas around “what is it you sell” and “we’re all running in all directions” and it all sort of stemmed from there. I felt like I could come up with a better way to say how I was feeling and honestly I didn’t trust a lot of what was happening around me at the time.
The idea “eyes in the back of my head” kept bouncing around my brain and so I built the chorus around that, then I went back and wrote verses that reflected what I was really feeling in my life at the time.

If you could change something about the Australian music industry what would it be?
I honestly feel like the new guy at the party. I haven’t been sitting at the table long enough as an artist to say what should or shouldn't change. I am really just focused on doing the work to get my own music out there and find my audience.
That said, I was listening to the top 100 Aussie songs on Triple J and it was great hearing all the eras. The new stuff, the old stuff. Seems like there’s already a shift happening in the scene to play more Aussie music on radio. Which is an encouraging sign.

What do you think life would be like for you if you didn’t have music as an outlet?
That’s a wild thought. I’d definitely still be listening to music. That’s non-negotiable. It’s too important. But I’d probably have a bit more money in the bank. I would’ve had to get a ‘proper’ job – isn't that the joke about musicians?

Is there anyone you’d like to collaborate with and why?
Honestly I haven’t thought about collaborations much. I know it’s a powerful way to build an audience and I’m open to it but my main focus is very much on staying true to myself and my musical vision.
Maybe down the line once my own feet are firmly planted as an artist, I’d be curious about a genre flip – something outside of blues. Maybe even a rap collab. Bluesy guitar with a hip hop thing could be a cool creative test. Even if it doesn’t work I’d still be keen to give it a crack.

What’s your advice to young people who want to make a career in the industry?
I would urge them to get to the point I am at now much quicker than I did. I’ve only really worked it out in the last few years that you can do whatever you want. And you should do whatever you want. It’s a tough path because you have to do the work, on not only the songs, and crafting your sound, but all the rest – socials and how to market yourself, which is not usually an artist’s interest, but the process is there to nurture the work you have created.
I would sum it up with – pour all your energy and time into what YOU dig, because if not, it’ll get old pretty quick. If you’re not doing what you love, then what’s the point?

Who’s the most interesting person you’ve worked with or met?
That’s a tough one. I’ve worked with some incredible people.
When I was young I was lucky enough to be taken under the wing of Tommy Emmanuel. He’s tapped into some other power source the rest of us don’t have. Just being around him makes you feel better about yourself, and that’s a heck of a thing to say about someone.
He introduced me to Chet Atkins too and Chet and I had a conversation about him working with Elvis Presley. Hearing Chet talk about how amazing Elvis's voice was in person was a heavy conversation for a 19-year-old kid from Melbourne, Australia. A true gentleman, very charming. That was super special to me. Tommy wanted to show Chet that a new generation was coming through playing his style of thumb and fingerpicking.
I owe so much to Tommy. He really looked out for me in my early years. I’m stoked to say he’s actually guesting on a track on my record. So yeah, I’d give that trophy to Tommy.

Any plans for a bigger tour on the cards?
Yeah absolutely! But in the interest of preservation, we’re still in the middle of a 60-date tour across Australia! Currently about 22 or 23 shows to go. So honestly I’m just focusing on getting through this one.
But yeah, for sure I will be out doing my own headline shows and tours on the cards once we’re through this tour. One thing at a time as they say. My single launch for Eyes is coming up soon on August 7th at Stay Gold in Brunswick. I’ll see you there!