Considered one of Australia's most competent acoustic players, Michael Fix has put together the Acoustic Guitar Spectacular, featuring himself and two other talented players, which will travel down the east coast of Queensland this August.
In a world that loves its popstars and catchy lyrical hooks, it is refreshing to know there still remains a place for instrumental guitarists. Michael Fix is one of these instrumental guitarists, and over the past 25 years has firmly made his name as one of Australia and the worldʼs most prominent and proficient entertainers.
With a repertoire ranging from classical arrangements to personal compositions to popular covers, there is something for everyone in a performance by Michael, which is exactly how he likes it.
With Michael touring extensively in Europe, he is now returning with a personally- curated show, the Acoustic Guitar Spectacular. “Australia is such a hard place to tour, that's why I'm always overseas. But we finally have an opportunity with some Queensland Government arts funding to put together a series and to invite someone out from Europe.” Michael says.
“That was the basic catalyst, and the idea just grew from there. There will be three of us on stage and I think it will be a really great dynamic. Weʼre really pushing the idea of it not being an aficionado thing, we're keen to reach everyday people.
“My personal approach [to playing live] is you've gotta mix in a bunch of covers, so that people have something to connect to. I sing in the concerts, Iʼll drop in a few vocals or twelve-string guitar, Iʼll use some pedals, just stuff to make it not so static – so it's not one person with an acoustic guitar for two hours. You need to paint a scene to let people know where the original compositions have come from otherwise they begin to lose interest.
“I love doing arrangements of things. I tend to choose covers that mean something to me, there's a reason behind that choice. Not for the classical purist, I have a bit of fun with those things – swing-style Bach and that sort of thing. People love familiarity, but they also like when they hear something familiar presented in an unorthodox way.”
Written by Eva Phillips
Michael Fix Tour Dates
Fri 14 Aug - Zamia Theatre (Mt Tambourine)Sat 15 Aug - Studio 188 (Ipswich)
Sun 16 Aug - Brisbane Jazz Club
Wed 19 Aug - The Events Centre (Sunshine Coast)
Thu 20 Aug - Chinchilla RSL Memorial Club
Fri 21 Aug - The Majestic Theatre (Sunshine Coast)
Sat 22 Aug - Redland Performing Arts Centre (Brisbane)
