Melbourne may not seem like a hot-spot for top-class world music talent, but Simon Lewis – aka Amanaska – is bucking that trend. He caught up with ITM on the eve of launching his latest album ‘Circles’.
‘Circles’ is a stunning creation. Tell us how its creation came to fruition. What was the incubation period like?
Firstly, thank you for your kind words. ‘Circles’ was incubated over a 2 year period. I was doing a lot of traveling at the time and listening to all kinds of music from around the world. Many of the pieces were inspired by my experiences on the road and stuff I was reading at the time. Many of the pieces started out as little short grooves that developed over time.
The LP was recorded with artists in India, Singapore, the UK and USA. Tell us about the various collaborations and how they came to life?
The collaborations happened through meetings and experiences with the various artists over the past 5-10 years. One of the fun parts about composing the music was that I knew I would have the chance to let various people work their own ‘magic’ on the tunes. I deliberately left room for them to express themselves in their own unique way. I was traveling with a fully portable recording set up that enabled some interesting recording locations. The most impressive one was the Native American tepee in Colorado and recording up on the mountain top.
Which artists inspired you?
Nitin Sawhney, Karsh Kale, Pat Metheny, Theivery, Elbow and tons more
Tell us about working with the Tribe2 band. How does the whole experience inspire and fuel you?
Tribe2 is a side project I have with an amazing local musician Jono Callow. For me it is an extension of Amanaska and allows me to explore my more tribal side. Jono and I have done a lot of touring together over the years and really enjoy working with one another. He was with me for all of the recording sessions for ‘Circles’ and we have our own record that we have released independently called ‘Freedom Deluxe’, which features some of the same performers from the Circles sessions.
You’ve toured all across Asia, Europe and Northern America. Is your brand of electronica/world music appreciated equally all throughout the world or are there areas who respond to it more?
We have had a pretty good response all over which is great. The thing we find interesting is that wherever we play, the local people seem to hear elements of their own culture in our music, which is quite different to them just liking or appreciating it. I still don’t fully understand why, but suspect it has something to do with music being a universal global language and the fact that I like to mix up the colours as much as possible.
The album booklet features an inset about the destructive affects of music piracy on musicians. How difficult has it been for you to support yourself through music?
I think I have been very fortunate that I did quite well with my independent CDs through the 90’s. It is definitely much tougher now, as we all know. I don’t think most people realise how badly piracy affects the livelihood of musicians so the inset was there basically to say thanks for supporting us by actually buying the music. There is a good reason why Mr Ikea is now the richest man in the world – it’s very hard to burn a copy of you coffee table for all your friends to enjoy for free…
Tell us about supporting music legend Talvin Singh. Is something like that a pinnacle for you?
Playing with Talvin was great. I have always loved OK and it was interesting to hear where he is at these days with his music. He is a lovely fella too!
Tracks from ‘Circles’ also feature on the famed Buddha Bar releases. How was that hooked up?
I am not 100% sure but I think they got hold of my music at MIDEM from Leigh at One World Music.
Tell us about what we can expect from your album launch gig at Loop. Do you play live? How does it work?
I always play live at my gigs. Of course I use tracks as well but just love playing and having the chance to improvise and make each performance unique. I will be joined by a host of fabulous guest musicians and vocalists such as Tania Doko, Janine Maunder, Lynelle Moran. Hopefully Jono will still be around to play some live percussion with James Richmond, and my partner on the first record Steve Joyce on dobro and Irish bouzouki. Janine is going to open with a solo set playing some of her songs from the Naked Raven repertoire and Leigh Wood with be the DJ for the night. I will also be running live visuals with my show. One of the great features of Loop is the way they are fully set up for video projections. Can’t wait!
What’s coming up next for you?
I have started work on a new Amanaska project as well as some new music for Tribe2. I am touring in North Amercia, Euorpe and parts of Asia for July and August. I’ve got to find some time to have a surf before I go too!
‘Circles’ is out now through One World Music. You can catch Amanaska at Loop on Sunday 17th June.
