-By Kim Parnell-
When Australian singer-songwriter Pete Murray takes to the stage at the Sounds of Rock Music Festival on Seafront Oval, Saturday, September 19, fans on the Fraser Coast can expect an afternoon filled with heartfelt lyrics, crowd favourites and the unmistakable voice that has become part of the soundtrack of Australian music for more than two decades.
With a career that has produced some of the country’s most loved songs, Pete’s appearance is set to be a major highlight of the festival lineup in Hervey Bay. his music has connected with audiences across generations — something the singer himself still finds remarkable.
His breakthrough album Feeler catapulted him into the national spotlight, followed by successful releases including See The Sun and Blue Sky Blue. The albums delivered fan favourites such as Better Days, Opportunity and So Beautiful — songs that continue to resonate with listeners today.
But despite the success, Pete admits he never expected his career to unfold the way it has.
“It’s funny,” he says with a laugh. “But it took me about eight years to actually listen to Feeler because I didn’t think it was good enough. I really struggled with it and thought it was going to fail.”
The album’s eventual success caught him completely off guard.
“When it started to take off, I was absolutely surprised. How big it became was just incredible.”
What made the album’s rise even more unusual was how steadily it grew in popularity.
“I think it stayed in the charts for over a year before it went to number one, which is crazy,” he recalls. “Looking back now, there are songs on that album that people still connect with so deeply.”
When asked where the inspiration for his music comes from, the answer is simple: life itself.
“Life’s not easy — but I always try to have some sort of positive twist in my songs. Music can motivate people and help them see things in a different light.”
That philosophy has had a profound impact on listeners.
“For songs like Opportunity and Better Days, I’ve had people tell me those songs actually changed their lives,” he says. “Some have said my music helped them through really tough times when they couldn’t see a way out. To hear that someone listened to a song and it helped them keep going — there’s no greater compliment in the world than that.”
Those emotional connections are something Pete feels most strongly when performing live.
“Anytime a crowd sings the lyrics back to me, it’s pretty special,” he says. “You see people with tears in their eyes, others laughing and singing with their friends. It’s a real mix of emotions.”
Over time he has also noticed something remarkable about his audience.
“The songs have touched people across different generations,” he explains. “You’ve got grandparents, parents and kids all coming to the shows now. People who were in their twenties when they first heard my music are bringing their own kids along. It’s pretty amazing to see.”
Songwriting is often a solitary process, and Pete’s creative approach has evolved over the years.
“For a long time, I’d just sit in the bathroom because it had better acoustics,” he laughs. “I’d come up with music and melodies and then start working on the lyrics.”
“Originally, I used a tape machine to record ideas, but later I started filming myself on iMovie. Being able to see what you’re playing makes it a lot easier to remember later.”
These days, life looks a little different.
“I’ve got four kids now, so there’s definitely a little less time to write,” he says.
Born in the small Queensland town of Miles and raised in Chinchilla, about four hours west of Brisbane, he says growing up in the country helped shape his outlook on life.
“If you’re brought up in the country you tend to stay pretty grounded,” he says. “I also didn’t have success until my early thirties, so I’d already lived a fair bit of life before all that happened.”
Becoming a father around the same time also kept things in perspective.
“I had my first son when I was 30, just as things were starting to take off,” he says. “When you’ve got a family, that becomes your priority.”
In recent years Pete has continued to release new music while also celebrating the songs that first made him famous. His eighth studio album, Longing, brought together ideas he had been developing over many years.
“Some of those songs had been sitting around for a while,” he explains. “I’d work on them a bit, put them away for a couple of years, then come back and add more. Eventually it all came together into something that flows really nicely from start to finish.”
The album has been warmly received by his fans.
He is also revisiting some of his earliest work.
“I’ve started re-recording the Feeler album with my live band,” he reveals. “It gives the songs a slightly different flavour. I really loved going back into the studio and revisiting them.”
Another important reason behind the re-recordings is ownership.
“I’ll own the master recordings this time,” he says. “I think every artist should own their masters. Back in the early days the deals weren’t great, and you didn’t really have much choice. But the industry is changing.”
When Pete arrives in Hervey Bay for the festival later this year, his music will be front and centre.
“People can expect a lot of the old hit songs,” he says. “There’ll definitely be plenty of sing-alongs. There will also be a few surprises as I might mix in a few newer ones as well,” he says.”
Pete says he is particularly looking forward to returning to the region.
“I haven’t been to Hervey Bay for a long time,” he says. “The last time I drove up there in my Kombi van and stopped in Tin Can Bay to see the dolphins, then went on to Seventeen Seventy. That would’ve been about twenty-five years ago.”
After so many years of writing, recording and touring, Pete says he still feels incredibly grateful to be doing what he loves.
“I feel really blessed that I’m one of the few musicians in Australia who can do this full-time,” he says. “The music industry is incredibly tough. It’s hard enough to have one hit song, let alone a lengthy career.”
Longevity, he believes, comes down to dedication — and loyal fans.
For fans planning to attend the festival, Pete has one simple suggestion.
“Before we come to town, listen to the new album and the old songs,” he says with a smile. “You’ll enjoy the show even more.”
And if there’s time between touring and family life, he still enjoys one of his favourite pastimes.
“I love surfing,” he says. “I don’t get out as much these days with the kids keeping me busy, but whenever I can, it’s the perfect way to relax and reset.”
When he steps onto the stage at the Sounds of Rock Music Festival, one thing is certain — Pete Murray’s songs will once again bring thousands of voices together in a moment that reminds us why live music remains so powerful.
The festival lineup also includes:
The Screaming Jets
Diesel
The Black Sorrows
Richard Clapton
Pseudo Echo
Toni Childs
1927
Get your tickets now: www.soundsofrockfestival.com.au.
