Luke O'Shea beats a Different Drum - Australian country music artist interview

Luke O'Shea has won 16 Golden Guitars for his albums and his videos, including the single ‘South East Queensland’ from his album Different Drum.

In this interview, we delve into the stories, inspirations, and creative processes that have shaped his acclaimed albums and live performances. O’Shea’s music is a testament to his dedication to the craft of storytelling through song, from the poignant ‘South East Queensland’, to ‘Next Best Thing’ (with Ashleigh Dallas) to the nostalgic ‘South Beach Strip’, O’Shea has a remarkable ability to create epic narratives that also feel close to the listener.

The latest single from the album is ‘Dharawal’, which O’Shea has said is the song that means the most to him on Different Drum. It’s about the country that means the most to him, where he grew up in southern Sydney, and his determination to find out more about its history and also how to live harmoniously with it.

We discuss the album, including his decision to release it on CD last year and only just recently on streaming platforms. We also talk about live performance. Anyone who has seen O’Shea live knows that each show is a unique experience, and that’s partly because of the rich catalogue of songs he draws from and also his decision to create ‘maximum joy’, as he calls it, each time he plays live. His shows are not about a single, predetermined experience, but rather a constant state of flow and openness to the moment. This willingness to embrace the unexpected and the collaborative spirit that permeates his live shows is what makes O'Shea's performances so engaging and memorable.

Happily, you can see him live at the Gympie Music Muster on 22 to 25 August, as well as at the Tamworth Country Music Festival next year, and in the meantime at:
Qirkz in the Hunter (NSW), with Ashleigh Dallas, on 7 September
The Beer Shed (NSW), with Medicine Wheel, on 25 October