The Singing Skies is the songwriting project for Sydney musician Kell Derrig-Hall.(Melodie Nelson, Moonmilk) His first solo venture, Kell has previously contributed to records and live performances for the likes of Jack Ladder, Rand and Holland and Seaworthy. The Singing Skies debut record “Routine and War” is out now on Preservation.
What was the first band you saw live?
The first bands I saw live were probably blues bands that my dad was playing in. I remember being really amazed that my dad could make those sounds come out of those instruments. I was really little and I’d always yell out at him and try and get on the stage. I was a juvenile heckler
What’d you learn from them?
My dad got me started playing guitar, that’s a pretty big thing I guess.
Got any pre-gig rituals?
Before gigs I’m normally running around the house looking for bits of gear that have gone missing.
What do you think the most important issue facing artists in NSW is?
There are a lot of people making really wonderful music in Sydney who don’t really fit into the niches of the live music scene. I would like to see venues being more adaptable to different kinds of music. I’d really like to watch someone play whisper quiet and not have to listen to a room full of people screaming over the top of them. Venues like The Red Rattler are wonderful because they’re run by people who are focused on supporting creative expression and building supported creative communities. It’d be really great to see more venues like that
If you weren’t a musician, what do you reckon you’d be doing?If I wasn’t playing music I’d probably be working and doing the same sort of things, maybe I’d have more money and be less happy?