Hervey Bay muso set for Bucca
HERVEY BAY musician Sam West will swap the crowded bars of Germany and Holland for the vast expanses of the Bucca Hotel beer garden when he performs on Sunday.
West will brush off jet-lag after a one-month tour through Europe to play his first-ever show at the venue.
Distinctively Australian, West is a practised storyteller whose drawling accent can be heard hovering over a delicate finger-picking guitar style.
"I describe my music as easy listening but I can see why people label it as blues and roots," he said.
"I tell a lot of stories through my songs."
West lists his influences as including Ben Harper, Jack Johnson and Kenny Wayne Shepherd and has perfected an upbeat brand of roots and blues with catchy riffs and sing-along melodies.
The wistful tunes will help patrons enjoy a perfect summer afternoon at the Bucca Hotel this weekend.
"I always say that people can expect good music from a nice bloke," he said.
"I try to talk with the crowd, and get them involved as much as possible.
"I'm about helping people to relax and have a good time."
Some people may remember West as an Australia's Got Talent contestant in 2011.
His first studio album It's Alright has received positive feedback domestically and abroad in America and the single Dance was nominated for an annual Music Oz award in Sydney last year.
West said he was looking forward to playing his first performance at the Bucca Hotel.
"It's one of those places that everybody seems to play," he said.
"I've heard it's got a really good vibe, a nice atmosphere and a big old creek down the road."
This Sunday will be the start of a busy year for West, with his second studio album Circles due for release in April, and a tour across the east and west coasts of the country planned.
"I'm going to travel south through New South Wales and Victoria and then up through Western Australia," he said.
"To be honest I'm flat out standing still for more than three months - I like to move all the time - I can't stand getting itchy feet."
Bucca Hotel gig organisers are expecting a bumper summer crowd to enjoy a great show.
