Hamish Anderson

By Polly Glass & Ed Mitchell on September 11, 2015
Hamish Anderson: From a shy Melbourne teenager to Hollywood stardom, via BB King.

In May this year, one of the last original blues icons passed away. In his last few years BB King continued to be idolised by many a new blueser. Multiple younger players had told us he’d be their dream stage companion. So you can imagine how coveted the support slot on those last few shows was. Who did it go to? One may imagine it was someone pretty established – maybe a Gary Clark Jr, Philip Sayce, Joe Bonamassa even?

It was actually a quiet, 23-year-old Australian boy from an un-starry patch of Melbourne, without a full LP under his belt. Hamish Anderson wasn’t exactly a household name, but something about the singer/ guitarist won over the booking powers-that-be above all the other contenders. His latest EP Restless, cut with Stones producer Krish Sharma, would have had a lot to do with it. A strikingly mature record, it streamlines Delta blues, classic rock and Dylan-esque folk qualities into a smooth, modern whole. It’s acoustically rooted, to radio-friendly effect, but spiced up with raw, rootsy electric strokes; comfortably nodding to the likes of BB and beyond. Oh, and work for the debut LP is now underway.

“It was surreal and amazing and bittersweet,” says Anderson, of the BB King experience. “I remember my dad playing me Live At The Regal when I was 14 or 15 and it just blowing my mind. I became completely obsessed. When my manager told me she’d pitched for it and I’d got it, I thought she was joking. It didn’t seem real. It’ll stick with me forever, and it’s strange also as it turned out to be his last shows...”

Similarly strange, perhaps, was not actually seeing the King himself off stage – by this point just a couple of months prior to his death.

“He was kept very separate up until the moment when he would come on stage,” Anderson explains.

“I got to hang out with his band, and they were super nice guys and very complimentary; they’ve also played with Ray Charles and people like that.”

Since moving to Los Angeles a year and a half ago, Anderson has seen his fair share of famous faces. One night on the BB King tour, jazz legend George Benson watched three rows from the front. And at a New York gig, Gary Clark Jr rocked up.

“I was playing and I had no idea he was there, then saw him in the crowd and my hand froze up and I was like: ‘Holy shit, it’s Gary Clark Jr!’” he giggles, still a little starstruck. “But we got to hang out after and he’s just such a nice and humble dude.

“That’s one of the things about playing these shows in America,” he adds. “You will have people like Gary or George Benson just rocking up in the crowd. I did a show in LA and Macy Gray was in the audience. She came and bought a CD after! Coming from where I’m from, you could play there for 15 or 20 years and it would probably never happen.”

Before music it was a real struggle for me to find a way to get things out. It gave me a sense of identity.
Anderson had a quiet upbringing in Melbourne, with a classical violin-playing sister and parents in the dairy business. They were massive music fans. As a 10-year-old Anderson listened to his dad’s BB King, John Lee Hooker and Cream records, laying foundations for musical ventures to come.

“I was very lucky that he put all his vinyls out,” he remembers. “He never forced me to listen, but it was always there. I remember seeing the cover of Led Zeppelin VI andLet It Bleed by The Rolling Stones, and holding these things in your hands and then hearing the sound they’d make...”

At school he was shy, picking up a guitar at 12. It turned out to be a release for the quiet student.

“For a long time before music it was a real struggle for me to find a way to get things out,” he says. “Music gave me a sense of identity, and something I could turn to when I didn’t really wanna indulge in other things – I could just lock myself in my room and play guitar from sunrise till sundown.”

And so he did, playing his first gig at 14 at a school fete, and continuing to look further back through the lineage of blues greats. Son House, Robert Johnson and Fred McDowell became regular names in his head, alongside Joni Mitchell and Neil Young. Strains of these have since translated to his own music.

“Once you get hooked on blues it becomes an addiction,” he enthuses. “You want to look back as far as you can. Blues has such a rich history I can’t understand how people wouldn’t want to know where it all came from.”

In those early years, singing wasn’t part of the agenda. He initially took up singing duties out of necessity – more interested in being an axeman.

“For a long time I just wanted to be a guitarist,” he admits. “I didn’t really care about songwriting, or singing. But in my later teens I became more interested in song structure, and it was hard to find someone to sing so by default I just ended up doing it.”

Now equally dedicated to electric and acoustic styles, Anderson had a tetchy start on the Melbourne pub circuit – as things kept blowing up on him.

“I felt like I was cursed for ages,” he laughs. “Every time I’d use an electric guitar, the amp would fuck up or the guitar or pedals...”

He switched to acoustic gigs for a time. “Playing a song acoustically to a crowd, you can tell within the first couple of seconds if it’s going well,” he muses. “It’s funny when people try and separate the acoustic and electric guitar. If you’re a guitarist youhave to play both. People really box in the acoustic guitar as this softer, mellow thing, but there’s so much you can get out of it.”

It’s easy to forget he’s only 23. Indeed, the vision of him living alone near Hollywood – in a little apartment “enough away that it’s a nicer atmosphere” – makes him seem very young, very far from

home. He admits that moving there by himself was intimidating; full-on LA life contrasting with his Aussie origins. Still, with a strong team around him, friends met through session players and a little more experience, it wasn’t difficult to fall for America.

“Coming over to the States, a lot of it was about going to where this music came from, where the history starts,” he says. “I think my favourite thing about playing here is going to these cities like Nashville, Austin or Chicago, all these places have so much history and the people are still so into their roots of rock, country, blues... There’s so much ground you can cover.” - The Blues Magazine

NEWS / FRANK MORGAN / 11 AUG 2015:

Australian guitarist Hamish Anderson says he regrets not taking up slide guitar at a younger age.

He now uses the technique during his live shows but says he was initially too nervous to try it out.

He tells Music Radar: “I’m really getting into slide guitar recently, and I wish I would have gotten ahead of the curve on that one. I liked slide guitar, but I was too timid to really try it out.”

The 23-year-old says he also struggles with his emotions before his shows but calms himself down by listening to his favourite artists.

He continues: “I generally get pretty nervous before I go on stage, so I'm probably sitting backstage feeling like I’m gonna puke. Beyond that, I’m sitting there listening to B.B. King or Buddy Guy, trying to get in the right mood.”

Anderson released his second EP titled Restless last year. - The Blues Magazine (UK)

By Joe Bosso, July 31, 2015
Hamish Anderson: The up-and-coming blues ace on first guitars and gig rituals

23-year-old Australian singer-songwriter and blues-rock virtuoso Hamish Anderson has been having a banner year in 2015. His recently released sophomore EP, Restless, has been drawing rave reviews from the guitar press, and no less than Gary Clark Jr singled him out on Revolt TV as one of the 'guitar players under 30' that music fans should watch.

But will Anderson fold when MusicRadar poses to him our famous "10 Questions With…"? Let's see if he shreds or shrinks.


Hamish Anderson's EP Restless can be purchased on Amazon and iTunes.

1. What was your first guitar and when did you get it?

"It was an Ibanez. I'm not sure which model it was, but it was the first guitar my parents got me. It was a cheap, secondhand thing, my starter guitar. The first guitar I really found my sound on was my Fender Strat, which I still play today."

2. The building's burning down: What one guitar from your collection would you save?

"I've got a '52 Tele reissue that's pretty sweet – it's sort of the main guitar I use. That would probably be the one I'd run in to save. Of course, I'd have to think about whether I'd run into a burning building at all. [Laughs] It's kind of like the BB King Lucille situation, isn't it? The story goes that he ran into a burning building to save that one. If the flames weren't too crazy, I might think about it."

3. What's the oldest guitar you have?

"That would be the '52 Tele, for sure. But back in Australia, I've got a really nice 1959 Les Paul sunburst, which I'm regretting not bringing over here to America. I got it two or three years ago as a present from quite a few people, kind of a graduation gift. I'm very lucky to have it. I'm very paranoid about taking it anywhere, especially with the crazy stuff that goes on with airlines, breaking guitars and losing gear and what not."



4. What song would you play on acoustic round the campfire?

"Hmm, that's a good one. I'm not sure whose song it is, but I saw a bit with Keith Richards playing something called Spanish Ladies – it was in that Stones movie Shine A Light. It's a really pretty Spanish piece. I think it might be a traditional song, but when I heard Keith play it, I thought, 'Wow, that's really pretty.' It sounds very campfire-esque."

5. When did you last practise and what did you play?

"I just got back from Canada as part of a tour, so it would have been right before that. I've really been getting into Peter Green-era Fleetwood Mac, so it would probably have been one of their songs. I've been playing Albatross a lot – it was probably that one. I don't sit down and practise per se; just doing gigs feels like practise to me."

6. Is there a guitar you regret letting go?

"No, not really. I let the Ibanez go to get the Strat, but I think I made the right decision there, although a little part of me is sad that I didn't keep my first guitar – sentimental reasons and stuff. But no, I've never sold anything really valuable."

7. When did you last change your own strings?

"I changed them pretty recently. In Canada, I was playing heavier gauge strings – 11s and 12s. I've come down again, back to 10s, which feels much better. But yeah, it was in Canada."

8. What advice would you give your younger self about the guitar if you had the chance?

"Well, that's not too long ago, luckily. I think I would have told myself to play more slide. I'm really getting into slide guitar recently, and I wish I would have gotten ahead of the curve on that one. I liked slide guitar, but I was too timid to really try it out; it seemed so different, with the pitching and all that. I'm getting pretty good at it and I'm introducing it in my live set. But yeah, it would've been good to have started a bit earlier."

9. What are you doing five minutes before you go on stage…

"That changes all the time. I generally get pretty nervous before I go on stage, so I'm probably sitting backstage feeling like I'm gonna puke. [Laughs] Beyond that, I'm sitting there listening to music – B.B. King or Buddy Guy – trying to get in the right mood."

10. …And five minutes after?

"Having a celebratory beer – that's always a good post-show moment. If it was a good gig, I'm usually buzzing about it and feeling good." - MusicRadar.com

7/28/15
Australia was so embarrassed when it entered a hockey team into the Winter Olympics, it has never returned a squad to the Games.
Australia made just 10 goals while being scored upon 87 times in its six matches at the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, Calif.
While there are not many Australian hockey players, there are even fewer blues artists. However, the one we know would have made his country proud with his performance July 28 back at the same location as the 1960 Games.
Hamish Anderson
Hamish Anderson represents Australia on Bluesdays at the site of the 1960 Olympics.
Tim Parsons/ Tahoe Onstage
Hamish Anderson wrapped up and eight-show California and Canada tour with two stellar sets at Squaw Valley’s Tuesday night musical staple, Bluesdays.
“It was fun,” the 24-year-old said. “It was really nice to be playing outdoors with beautiful scenery. A couple of people came up to me and said they had been to Melbourne. It’s great to come to a place I’ve never been and have a crowd there that’s really into the blues and rock.”
Blues fans are just getting to know Anderson, who now will begin extensive studio work in Los Angeles. The largest crowd on the tour was the Ottawa Bluesfest.
“In the next two months, I will start recording for what hopefully will be the first full-length album,” he said. “I’ve just been writing as much as I can. I’ll do as much as possible and then take a break over Christmastime and go back home, and then return here in January and try to finish up the album. Even before the tour I was writing a lot so I have quite a bit of demos to do. I really enjoy touring, but the studio is the other side of it where it’s really fun to explore.”
Anderson’s U.S. tour last fall ended after two shows. He was the opener for B.B. King for what ended up as the legendary player’s final performances.
He was to open for King on about a half-dozen shows in the fall of 2014, but after the second night the legendary artist became ill at the House of Blues in Chicago, and he never performed again.
“It was very much a crazy bittersweet experience,” Anderson said. “He didn’t look right or feel right. He looked kind of out of it.”
King, who had dealt with diabetes for years, died a few months later at the age of 89, on May 14, 2015.
Anderson, 24, grew up idolizing King. “I remember asking my dad who B.B. King was when he was playing the album ‘B.B. King Live at the Regal,’ and him becoming such a huge influence and inspiration to me.”
Blues players in Australia are as rare as kangaroo with ice skates, yet Anderson was intrigued by the music from a very young age. He began playing guitar at 12 years old.
“I learned about blues through the British Invasion guys,” Anderson said. “People like Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton who didn’t come from the Mississippi Delta, how they translated that kind of music.”
Like so many other blues fans, Anderson dove deeper into the music.
“I like everything from the Delta stuff to the Chicago stuff,” he said. “Obviously, guys like B.B. and Buddy Guy, Otis Rush and Albert King, Freddie King, Albert Collins and “Son” House and the ’60s stuff like Eric Clapton and Peter Green with Fleetwood Mac all that Chess Records stuff and Alan Lomax stuff. It was the real stuff that got me.”
Like the British Invasion artists, Hamish has his own blues-based style. A genuine triple threat, Anderson wrote the material on his two EPs and has a great singing voice. His talent and style can be compared to Davy Knowles and Jonny Lang.
“All the musicians I really like, it’s interesting to see how far they can really take that and explore new territory,” he said. “I like exploring and doing different things, but at the core of it the blues is really my foundation. It’s still the music I go back to.
“I think everything I do, even if it’s not in the traditional sense, I come back to the same place, which is the blues. I like it when it’s mixing with other genres. Mix it with rock music or folk or pop music. It’s a really interesting ingredient.”
Anderson and the San Francisco band the Stone Foxes stand out at the two most nontraditional performers on the Bluesday lineup. Brent Harding, who books the music with his company Devil Dog Productions, explained:
“It crosses the line,” Harding said. “I am trying to make a point to everybody that they need to embrace some of these younger guys because as we see with B.B. King’s passing, these guys are passing away and there is no one carrying the torch, so I am trying to support these younger guys and get their name out there. I think Hamish Anderson and Stone Foxes are really, really big talents that need to get exposed.”
Anderson has some solace in that he was able to see one great show from King on the opening night of the tour in Phoenix.
“I learned from him by watching his command over the band,” Anderson said. “Watching him from the side of the stage, it was pretty surreal.”
Anderson, too, displayed command as well as maturity during his show at Squaw Valley. He wore an Australian slouch hat, dark glasses and a T-shirt that quoted the Rolling Stones: “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”
He said it was the only show on the tour that was split into two sets. Nevertheless, his performance was captivating. Attendees in the crowd included many of the area’s blues players and devout fans who came to see the young Aussie for the first time.
“When I do a live show, I’ll do a couple of fast ones and then bring it down,” said the man from Outback about being onstage. “I like to mix it up and try different things. It’s nice to have different tempos and different moods.”
Anderson’s touring band included Jerry Borge, keyboards; Jonny Flaugher, bass; and Fern Sanchez, drums. - Tahoe OnStage

7/24/15
Blues rock guitar phenomenon Hamish Anderson from Melbourne, Australia is only 24 years old and is winning rave reviews for his scorching, adrenaline-infused live performances. The guitar virtuoso has also been lauded for resuscitating, reviving and reinventing the blues music. Comparisons have already been made to Jimi Hendrix, John Mayer and Jack White. Anderson did seven shows at South by Southwest Music Festival (SXSW) and opened for the late B.B. King last fall. Even Gary Clark Jr. when asked by Revolt TV which guitar players under 30 music audiences they should be watching, he said: Hamish Anderson.

So did Hamish Anderson live up to all the weight of this hype and measure up to heightened audience expectations at a recent show at The Mint? The answer is a resounding yes. On tour with his band promoting his second EP, Restless, Anderson delivered a jaw-dropping set that showcased his imaginative and intricate fretwork played on both electric and slide guitars and dazzled the crowd.

Voices were hushed during various solos when Anderson would shred with abandon deviating from the formal structure of the songs and just cut loose and explore other genres like psychedelia and take the music to new places. His licks were distinctive, powerful and unforgettable. Anderson didn’t have much interaction with the audience other than to introduce each song title before launching into the material. This is not to say he was aloof or impersonal. That was quite the opposite. When he plays guitar, he is really transported somewhere else and the focus is on creativity. He is a very emotional player and performer and puts himself completely into the music – body and soul.

“Little Lies,” “Burn,” and “Howl” were some of the standout numbers of the 10-song set. Anderson has a pleasing smooth melodic vocal style. But what is obvious on his videos, downloads and EPs unfortunately was not so apparent live because the sound mix muddled and buried his vocals. To his credit, Anderson did try in vain to correct that imbalance gesturing from the stage to the person handling the mix. Despite that, the guitar work was stellar and pristine. Hamish’s backing group was very good and solid as his rhythmic counterparts on keyboards, bass and drums. Hamish Anderson is a guitar aficionado’s dream and his explosive performance left his audience wanting more.

Set List:

18 Days | Burn | Fire | Little Lies | Good Man (cover) | Smoke | Working Blues | U | Howl | Sweet Heart - SoCal Music Today

July 24, 2015 - 1:39pm — Jessica Beriotto
Melbourne's own blues rock artist Hamish Anderson sat down for a brief chat with the AU while he was at Canadian Music Week. Since the last time we spoke to him this year he has been on a tour, with shows around America including his highlight, Woodstock. Watch the full interview below were Hamish talks about Canadian Music Week, touring, new music and more...
Hamish had three shows at Canadian Music Week, which is a massive difference to the seven shows in three days he had at SXSW earlier this year. Having had a positive experience in Toronto, Anderson notes the similarities between the Canadian city and his hometown of Melbourne, also noting that 'everyone's very friendly as well, living up to the stereotype of being nice'.
Discussing future plans and new music, Hamish has a bunch of tour dates in America following CMW, ticking off iconic events including Ottawa Bluesfest. Regarding new music, he mentioned that he spent three weeks writing a lot of new material, and that 'hopefully it will be an evolution of the sound and come out of it with something really good'. - The AU Review

July 15, 2015 - 4:07pm — Lucy Inglis
The sixth day of Ottawa Bluesfest served up a phenomenal mix of artists; from Australia’s own John Butler Trio, Mama Kin and Hamish Anderson, to North American acts including Operators, Future Islands, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros and - just to shake things up - Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Luckily, Melbourne blues/rock/folk act Hamish Anderson’s set was situated inside and safely away from the rain. Playing to a packed out room as a four piece, Anderson exhibited his great ability to play powerful blues rock with tracks including the he super smooth “Burn”. - The AU Review

Larry Heath July 14, 2015
We head to the sixth day of Bluesfest in Ottawa, and bring you some photos of Australia's own Hamish Anderson, John Butler Trio and Mama Kin who played alongside the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Dan Boeckner's new project Operators, METZ, Black Lips and many more. Enjoy these photos and stay tuned for the full review of today's action packed event! - The AU Review

By Lilledeshan Bose • June 26, 2015

The 24-year-old phenomenon has already opened up shows for B.B. King; this summer, he’s touring North America to support his EP 'Restless.'
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Not many 24-year-old blues guitarists can say they’ve opened shows for blues legend B.B. King, but Australian singer-songwriter and guitar phenom Hamish Anderson is definitely not run-of-the-mill. Currently touring North America to support his EP, Restless, Anderson’s eclectic, blues-soaked rock music has been praised by musicians such as Gary Clark Jr., who called Anderson a guitar player under 30 that people should be watching. (For fans who bring him baked goods at shows, it also doesn’t hurt that he looks like a younger, cuter version of John Mayer.)

A big music history buff, Anderson says, “It’s very important to me to find out what inspired artists that I like, as well as find out more about the music that they listened to.” To him, that means one thing: learning more about the music from the Mississippi Delta. “The blues is definitely the music that means the most to me and I feel a very strong connection to that music. I feel with everything that I write and play it is coming from the blues.”

Hometown: Melbourne, Australia
Homebase: Los Angeles

MS: Your music is very rooted in an old, blues style. How did you discover the blues?

HA: I remember around that time when I was really starting to get into rock music I kept reading interviews with people like Eric Clapton and Keith Richards and they were always talking about the blues and artists like B.B. King and Robert Johnson. I started asking my dad all these questions about the blues and he gave me the album B.B. King Live at the Regal and that really changed everything for me.



Is that when you realized you wanted to be a musician?

When I was 12 years old I remember hearing The Beatles The White Album and the song “Back in the U.S.S.R”. From that moment on I just became obsessed with guitars and music and begged my parents for months to buy me a guitar. Playing guitar is my first love. It was the instrument that started my love for music and I still feel most at home whilst playing guitar.

What did you grow up listening to?

I grew up on my dad’s vinyl collection which was all rock records from the ‘60s and ‘70s, as well as a lot of old blues and folk records.

So who do you count as your influences?

I am heavily influenced by bands like The Rolling Stones, Muddy Waters, Bob Dylan, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Jeff Buckley, BB King,The Band, J.J. Cale, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin.

What was the first CD you ever bought?

The first CDs I remember ever buying when I was 12 years old were The Cream Of Clapton, Led Zeppelin Remasters and My Generation—The Very Best of The Who.




Why is your debut EP called Restless?

Restless as a word has the sense of being driven and ambitious—I think it’s a good thing to be restless—wanting to pursue more and having direction, without being too specific.

What's your songwriting process like?

The thing I really love about songwriting is it’s different every time. Sometimes you’ll start with a riff or a melody, other times with a lyric. It’s always different and that’s what makes it exciting.

As an example, “Restless” was the last song I finished on the record, but one of the first ones I started.

Did living in Australia help you make music?

For me, it’s not just about my physical location that fosters creativity. Writing a song is more of a snapshot of where I am in my life at that time. I feel that I am always trying to grow musically so each song is sort of a representation of what is inspiring me at the time, whether it be music, friendship, relationships, or traveling.

Who would you love to collaborate with?

Gary Clark Jr. for sure. Curtis Harding and Alabama Shakes would be great, too.



What was it like opening for BB King? Did you learn anything from touring with him?

Opening for B.B. King was an unforgettable experience. It was obviously an honor to do it — not only is he an inspiration to me, but he’s an inspiration to every guitarist I have been inspired by. He is the living embodiment of the blues. It was an honor to open for him.

What struck me most about those shows were the enthusiastic, blues-loving crowds that came out to see him. And they were there from the time I went on stage to the very end of his set. I really learned about loyalty, too. His musical director and team had been with him for a long time.

I will never, ever forget those shows.

What are your big summer plans?

The latest video for my next single "Little Lies” was just released globally so we are working on that now. Then there will be a west coast tour starting in July and I head to Canada for the Ottawa Bluesfest and the Festival d'Ete de Quebec City where the Rolling Stones are headlining. After that, I’ll start recording some songs for my upcoming album and continue to write new music, as well. - MySpace

RJ Frometa June 25, 2015
HAMISH ANDERSON–the 24-year-old Australian singer-songwriter and blues-rock guitarist currently touring North America in support of his acclaimed sophomore EP, RESTLESS–has just premiered the video for the EP ‘s next single, “Little Lies.” The video, directed by Nicolas Wendl featuring Australian actor Richie Brancatisano (from ABC Family’s “Chasing Life”) hosting a mock up of a talk show in which ANDERSON and his band are the musical guests on, exclusively premiered this week in three countries via The Blues Magazine (UK), Culture Collide (US) and The AU Review (AUS), and can be watched here: http://bit.ly/YouTubeLittleLies.

In addition, HAMISH‘s Daytrotter session recently premiered earlier this month (6/10). The session–recorded at Good Danny’s in Austin, TX in-between his seven showcase performances at this year’s South by Southwest Music (SXSW) festival–captures the guitar virtuoso performing “Little Lies” and “My Sweetheart You” from his RESTLESS EP, “Howl” off his self-titled debut EP, and a cover of Them Two‘s “Am I Good Man.” Listen to the session here: http://bit.ly/1B7qc1c.

Next, HAMISH will head back on the road to kick-off the second part of his North American tour when he joins the likes of The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Keith Urban and more in Quebec City at Festival D’ete De Quebec on July 17. HAMISH will also make his way throughout California with stops in Los Angeles Thursday, July 23 at The Mint, San Diego Friday, July 24 at the House of Blues Voodoo Room, and Oakland Monday, July 27 at Yoshi’s, among other cities. See full list of tour dates below. For tickets, visit: hamishanderson.com.au/gigs/.

HAMISH teamed up with producer/engineer Krish Sharma (Rolling Stones, Counting Crows) for his sophomore EP, RESTLESS (released independently October 21, 2014), which showcases ANDERSON‘s blues-infused rock and engaging lyrical imagery. GUITAR WORLD proclaimed Hamish a “guitar phenom” when they premiered the video for the EP’s first single “Burn,“ an adrenaline-charged blues explosion, infused with classic guitar riffs and dramatic drumbeats. Beyond “Burn,“ the other tracks on RESTLESS (“Shotgun,” “Little Lies” “Restless,” “Street Lights” and the live bonus track “My Sweetheart, You”) display Anderson‘s wide-ranging guitar talents along with his distinctive vocals. Grammy Award-winning pedal steel guitarist Greg Leisz (Tom Petty, Ray LaMontagne) adds his magic to “Shotgun” and “Street Lights.“ In addition, HAMISH‘s name was the first oneout the mouth of critically acclaimed artist Gary Clark Jr. when asked by Revolt TV which guitar players under 30 music audiences should be watching. Fans can purchase RESTLESS on Amazon or iTunes.

Catch HAMISH ANDERSON on his North American tour this summer in the following cities:

DATE VENUE CITY
Sun 7/12 Quebec City, QC Festival D’ete De Quebec
Mon 7/13 Quebec City, QC Festival D’ete De Quebec
Tue 7/14 Ottawa, ON RBC Ottawa Bluesfest
Thu 7/23 Los Angeles, CA The Mint
Fri 7/24 San Diego, CA House of Blues, Voodoo Room
Sun 7/26 Half Moon Bay, CA The Sand Bar
Mon 7/27 Oakland, CA Yoshi’s
Tue 7/28 Lake Tahoe, CA Bluesday Festival at Squaw Valley - Vents Magazine

June 23, 2015 - 2:57pm — Sosefina Fuamoli for the AU Review

Melbourne's Hamish Anderson has been an artist on the AU's radar for some time now and it's been fascinating to watch the 23 year old's profile rise consistently on an international level. The guitarist has produced some fantastic blues-rock music that has been turning heads both at home and abroad, most recently when the AU saw him do his thing at SXSW, the reception was fantastic. We're proud to be premiering Hamish's new film clip, for the single "Little Lies", today - taken from his latest EP Restless.
The video features Australian actor and musician Richard Brancatisano in a funny, cool little homage to those late night TV talk shows we all know we love to get addicted to. Currently preparing for a run of live shows through Canada and the USA next month, Hamish has continued to dominate and win acclaim; the release of this film clip is just another impressive little notch on his belt for 2015...and we're not even done with the year yet!
Check out the film clip below and keep your eyes peeled for more updates on Anderson's travels and music, we can't wait to see him back in town. - The AU Review

You might not immediately know what to expect from a 24-year-old artist named Hamish Anderson from Melbourne, Australia. But once he starts in with his sincere, catchy blues tracks, a complete picture forms — one that makes perfect sense.

His songs are finely crafted, and it would appear that working alongside artists like BB King (he opened for the blues luminary on tour last fall) and Rolling Stones producer Krish Sharma, (the two teamed up for Anderson's Restless EP), has helped to elevate and hone his sound.

"Little Lies," a track off his last EP, features Anderson's baritone vocals with the slightest rough edge. The song's video is a mock '70s talk show in which Anderson and his band are the musical guests. The stealthy, emotive blues-rock is a believable soundtrack for the scene's soft focus and multicolored stage lighting. In the video, Anderson's lyrics start to have an effect on his studio audience. Watch it unfold below. - Culture Collide

Hamish Anderson
RELEASED June 10, 2015 - Good Danny's, Austin, TX

Tracks
1Welcome to Daytrotter
2Little Lies
3Good Man
4My Sweetheart You
5Howl

This session was recording during the South By Southwest festival in March 2015, at Good Danny's in Austin, Texas
Illustration by Johnnie Cluney, Recording engineered by Grant Johnson at Good Danny's, Austin, Texas - Daytrotter

April 15, 2015 - 5:13pm — Larry Heath
Blues/rock guitarist Hamish Anderson made a name for himself in Melbourne for his impressive live shows that encompass a mix of electric blues-soaked rock and modern roots tracks. He joined us at SXSW in Austin for a chat about all things blues rock and more, "It's just the music I love the most and that speaks to me," he said. With 2015 being his first year at SXSW, Hamish said of the event itself, "For live music fans it's heaven." Check out our full interview with Hamish below.
Having released an EP at the end of last year and on the cusp of releasing the second single of that record, 'little lies", Hamish's is "getting geared up for a music video". As for his plans for the rest of 2015, he said: "It's time to build for the full length (album), after SXSW I just want to write for a few months..." But he hasn't forgotten his Aussie fans either, "I'm looking forward to doing some shows again in Australia," he added. - The AU Review

Feb. 13, 2015
Not many 23-year-old guitarists can claim to have toured opening for B.B. King—Hamish Anderson has already checked this milestone off the list, having finished a run with the iconic bluesman in October. Hamish made a name for himself in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia, with an impressive live show offering a mix of electric-blues-soaked rave-ups and modern roots-rock, all anchored by top-notch songwriting chops and and an unmistakably expressive voice. Hamish’s self-titled debut EP was released in November 2013, and his second EP, Restless, dropped in October, 2014.

On Restless, Hamish teams up with producer/engineer Krish Sharma (Rolling Stones, Counting Crows, Liz Phair). Recorded in Los Angeles at Henson Studios, the EP is a vehicle for his bluesy rock & roll and evocative lyrical imagery. Single “Burn” is an adrenaline-charged blues explosion with classic guitar riffs and propulsive drumming. The other tracks on Restless (“Shotgun,” “Little Lies,” “Restless” and “Street Lights”) showcase Anderson’s wide-ranging guitar talents along with his distinctive vocals. In addition, Grammy-winning pedal-steel guitarist Greg Leisz (Tom Petty, Wilco, Lucinda Williams) lends his magic to “Shotgun” and “Street Lights.”’

With Valentine’s Day arriving Saturday, Glide is premiering (below) for the non jaded love birds out there the live video for “My Sweetheart You.” Filmed at live at 12th & Porter, Nashville, the song creates the vibrancy of Jonny Lang, where Anderson’s poetic playing slaps his tone of blues with an immediate relevancy. - Glide Magazine

By Brittany Joyce, Feb 6, 2015 Art Direction by Juel Concepts

1. Apogee 1 and My MacBook Pro – The Apogee 1 is the best for working on demos and recording whilst on the road. Compatible, reliable and great.

2. Notebook – Essential for writing whilst touring. Writing on the road is always a super creative time and I’ve found that the iPhone is way too distracting for me. And since I can’t take my favorite way to write—my typewriter—the old fashioned paper and pen seem to do the trick!

3. Noise-Cancelling Headphones – So important! It’s great on the bus or wherever to be able to escape all the outside noise. Whether it’s listening to music, working on demos, watching a movie or even just trying to get some uninterrupted sleep, noise-cancelling headphones are a must.

4. A Pillow – Every time I don’t take a pillow with me on a tour I spend the whole time regretting it. Bring a pillow.

5. Berocca – Berocca is a must for whilst on the road. It’s an Australian effervescent drink, that’s a mix of vitamins and minerals and it cures any late night out. - Paste Magazine

October 13, 2014 - 1:22pm — Sosefina Fuamoli

Hamish Anderson (Melbourne)
Brilliantly fusing some great blues and roots influences together, this Melbourne artist has already logged some impressive tours, including supporting BB King and Jake Clemons of The E Street Band. He's got a new EP in Restless coming out in November and will be touring on the home front following his US tour dates this month. When Gary Clark Jr names you as a top guitarist to watch, you know you're on to something good.
CMJ Dates:
October 22nd - Santos Party House (Basement) - 12:10am
October 23rd - DROM - 6:00pm
October 24th - The Bitter End - 5:00pm - The AU Review

October 10, 2014:
SONGSPACE QUESTIONS FOR DAILY DISCOVERY

ARTIST: Hamish Anderson

SONG: Burn

BIRTHDATE: May 18th, 1991

HOMETOWN: Melbourne, Australia

CURRENT LOCATION: Hollywood, California

AMBITIONS: To create music that I love. Career longevity.

TURN-OFFS: People who talk to fill space.

TURN-ONS: Fender Telecasters.

DREAM GIG: Honestly, I think I might have just had it, opening up for B.B. King; but after that, maybe working with Eric Clapton on something.

FAVORITE LYRIC: “All the truth in the world adds up to one big lie.” from Things have changed by Bob Dylan

CRAZIEST PERSON I KNOW: My manager.

SONG I WISH I WROTE: I’d have to go with Manic Depression by Jimi Hendrix.

5 PEOPLE I’D MOST LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH: Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis and Muddy Waters.

MY FAVORITE CONCERT EXPERIENCE: I attended Crossroads Guitar Festival in Chicago, 2010 and that was pretty epic.

I WROTE THIS SONG: Burn was written quickly — i wrote the opening lines first and then from that I knew I wanted a big riff to carry the song so that came out next. I just wanted to write a big blues rocker… - American Songwriter

10/10/14:
Today, GuitarWorld.com presents the premiere of "Burn," a new song and music video by Australian guitar phenom Hamish Anderson.

The track is from his new EP, Restless, which will be released October 21. "Burn" is already available on iTunes.

“Burn” is an adrenaline-charged blues explosion, infused with classic riffs and dramatic drumbeats. Anderson, who was (and is) influenced by music from the Mississippi Delta, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and more, has used his vast musical knowledge to create a sound that's very much his own.

Before B.B. King's recent tour was cancelled to King's illness, Anderson was opening for the blues legend across the U.S. When recently asked by Revolt TV which guitarists under 30 interested him, Gary Clark Jr. named Anderson first. - Guitar World

Live performance review:

Opener for BB King, House of Blues, Chicago; 10/5:

When a 23-year-old blues guitarist and prolific songwriter is asked to open for legend B.B.King and lands on the esoteric list of bright new guitarists under 30 to watch out for, by the great Gary Clark Jr., there has got to be some real magic going down--Melbourne's humble Hamish Anderson has been creating a bonafide buzz in America for all the right reasons--leaving his ego at the door the minute he gets onstage, he's all about melody, teamwork and synthesis.

Unfortunately, nobody at Chicago's House of Blues could have predicted on Friday, October 3 that B.B.King's eight additional club dates would have to be cancelled due to the headliner's prognosis of dehydration and exhaustion. In response to the sad news, Hamish tweeted: ..."The band and I wish him a speedy recovery!" and, of course, worldwide B.B.King fans have also expressed concern--and that concert held a special meaning for all in attendance.

Anderson opened with the thunderous "Little Lies," featuring his velvety vocals and crisp fretwork. His rhythm section was hard driving and sensitive to his changes in mood and tempo. "Burn" began with shimmering harmonics, which seamlessly gave way to unbeatable Hendrix-like articulation. The mixed-age audience began to express their admiration almost immediately although by midset, their appreciation was palpable--although appearing a bit nervous at first, Anderson had clearly won them over before shifting gears.

Midset, Anderson pulled a soulful classic, "Am I A Good Man," out of his pocket. A cowrite by Willie Clarke and Johnnie Pearsall, this heart-tugger has been recorded by Them Two and Band of Horses and sampled by 50 Cent. In 1975, Clarke won a Grammy for Betty Wright's recording of "Where Is The Love," one of the other deeply emotional ballads of the 1970s. Clarke/Pearsall's Deep City Records was formed in an effort to become "Miami's Motown" and from 1964-1968 it was, truly, a vital force in a sometimes skittish industry. That said, Anderson imbued a deep understanding of the blues experience as soon as he plunged into the song's penetrating hook.

Confessional ballad, "My Sweetheart, You" suggested the wistful innocence of Jeff Buckley and his dressed-down lyricism. You could feel the deep emotion in Anderson's tear-stained vocals. The melody, although simple, gave the guitarist an opportunity to display precision and passion as his fellow musicians anticipated every move.

Anderson's closer 'Howl' was another excellent choice. This self-penned, blues-basted epic celebrates psychedelia. The young guitarist's overall gift for expanding on catchy melodies and concocting concise vocal phrases left the audience clammoring for more mood-altering renditions but, alas, there was only time for this five-song set. But Hamish Anderson will no doubt grace Chicago's stages some time soon where his newly found fans will welcome him back, anxious to hear more gripping blues and expressive songwriting. - Examiner.com

(10/3/14)
Meet Hamish Anderson, blues rock virtuoso from Melbourne. He's currently touring the USA opening for none other than BB King, and will soon be heading back down under for a tour in support of his forthcoming EP, Restless. The EP was recorded live in L.A. with Krish Sharma (Rolling Stones). It features Grammy-winning floor steel guitarist Greg Leisz (Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen) and Matt Johnson (Jeff Buckley) on drums.

Holy moly!

"Burn" is the lead single from the new EP, and I love every moment of it. The bluesiest, twangiest of riffs carries the track through, while Anderson's rich voice hits every note with just the right amount of flirtatiousness, as each phrase coyly trails off into the music.

His masterful guitar and lyrical abilities are on display from start to end. A catchy, solid drumbeat, perfect rhythms and a wailing guitar solo -- this piece is a rock 'n roll romp through and through. I can't believe I've just become familiar with this guy, and I cannot wait to hear the full EP. - Indie Shuffle

Sep. 25, 2014:
Listen to the premiere of "Burn" by Hamish Anderson. Burning guitar riffs, inviting drum play, and manly vocals — these are the blues we'll never tire of.

Hamish Anderson is an Australian guitarist and singer who will be opening for BB King on select US tour dates, starting September 27th in Phoenix. “It’s beyond my wildest imagination that I would get the chance to meet BB King, much less open for him on tour in the US,” says Anderson, and we understand his modesty.

His newest EP is out in October and first single "Burn," has us hooked. Anderson's music is bursting and unconventional, with a delightful blend of blues, folk, and rock; it's hard to believe he grew up in Melbourne, Australia, and not some Southern town in America. The 23-year-old singer cites influence from artists such as the Rolling Stones to Bob Dylan.

Listen to "Burn" and don't forget to check out Anderson's tour dates with BB King and solo gigs in Austin and New York. - Culture Collide

By: Laurie Fanelli AXS Contributor Sep 24, 2014 // Hamish Anderson to open for B.B. King on fall tour:

Starting on Sept. 27, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona at the Comerica Theater, Australian singer-guitarist Hamish Anderson will join living legend B.B. King as the opening act for a seven city tour. Anderson and King will be making stops in Austin and New York before wrapping things up at the Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead in Pennsylvania.

A gifted guitarist himself, Anderson is looking forward to sharing the stage with “The Thrill is Gone” musician. “It’s beyond my wildest imagination that I would get the chance to meet B.B. King, much less open for him on tour in the US,” says Anderson. “I am humbled and excited for this incredible experience.”

Anderson has become the go-to opening act for several accomplished musicians. Earlier this year he warmed up the stage, on separate occasions, for Los Lobos and E Street Band musician Jake Clemons. He also seized the opportunity to record a six-inch phonograph vinyl at Jack White's Third Man Records in Nashville, Tennessee.

This October, Anderson is set to release his new EP Restless, a blues-influenced album rooted in the classic rock tradition of The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. His self-titled debut EP, which was released earlier this year, was critically acclaimed in his native Australia. The release helped to fuel Anderson's live performances, which are known to incorporate his impressive musicianship with his uncanny ability to connect with a crowd.

Anderson is even starting to gain some fans amongst his peers in the music industry. “Bright Lights” musician Gary Clark, Jr. named Anderson as a guitarist under 30 who interested him.

Don't miss this emerging artist when he opens up for B.B. King in a city near you. Check out Hamish Anderson's full list of tour dates below and head over to AXS.com for more coverage of your favorite blues artists.

Hamish Anderson Tour Dates with BB King:
Sept. 27 – Comerica Theatre — Phoenix, AZ
Oct. 3 – House of Blues – Chicago, IL
Oct. 5 - Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences — Charleston, WV
Oct 9 – The Paramount Theatre – Rutland, VT
Oct. 11 – Wellmont Theatre – Montclair, NJ
Oct. 12 – B.B. King Blues Club – New York, NY
Oct. 15 – Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead – Munhall, PA

Hamish Anderson Shows:
Sept. 24 — Fifty Seven Club, Los Angeles, CA
Oct. 21 – Stubbs, Austin, TX
Oct. 24-25 — CMJ showcases NYC: The Bitter End & Drom - AXS.com

Up and coming singer/songwriter Hamish Anderson has recently released his debut self-titled EP and celebrated the occasion with an intimate performance to showcase the EP. Supporting Hamish on the night were The Walters and Tanya Lianne Batt who both put on great performances and set the tone for the night in great fashion. As time got closer to Hamish’s performance the room continued to fill out in what looked like a great turnout. Just before 10 pm the curtains on the stage opened up as Hamish and his band entered the room to a great cheer. After a brief intro the band opened with Smoke and Mirrors, it was instantly clear that Hamish has learnt a lot in the early stages of his career – his stage presence and musical ability in general was incredibly impressive. Hamish really highlighted his blues influences when covering Tom Petty’s Crawling Back To You and really got the crowd moving when covering The Beatles’ Come Together. It was hard to take your eyes off of the guy as he really showed a lot of skill with both guitar and vocals and really had the entire crowd engaged for the full hour of his performance. Closing the night perfectly Hamish performed the lead single from the EP Howl which received a great reception from the fans. It’s clear that Hamish Anderson is doing something right, a great sound backed up by a fantastic live performance – he is definitely someone to keep your eye on.

Mick Zenonos - AMH Network

Hamish Anderson, the 21-year-old Melbourne-based singer-songwriter who penned his first song at the tender and conventionally immature age of 17, plays to an almost full Tote bandroom for his debut EP launch. The aforementioned premier track, entitled Winter, closes the self-titled EP, and is rich with symbolism and imagery far beyond his years. The song is played in the middle of the set, and while all punters seem to be enjoying the euphonic melodies, a particularly proud father Anderson stands near, beaming and looking intently at his son, singing along to the song.

Anderson sings tales of love, affection and loss, all of which manage to uphold humility and optimism, and never submit to being indulgent. Influences can be heard easily but subtly, in the sense that Anderson has channelled and honoured them, but lathered the tribute with his own engaging and unique style. There’s a bit of Jeff Buckley, Tom Waits, and even Tom Petty, who is credited explicitly with a cover of Crawling Back To You. Two songs on, there’s a Beatles cover, the pounding Come Together, which Anderson plays both honestly and intensely, with the whole crowd bouncing heads and tapping feet from those first identifiable hooks. Amongst the covers, Anderson plays “a relatively new” song, For You, which is instantly a highlight, not to dismiss the elevated standard with which the whole set is performed.

As the 12-song set chugs along, friend Alice Stockdale is welcomed to the stage and provides backing vocals and gentle harmonies on several tracks, starting with Empty Thoughts, as well as another new song called Drunk, which Anderson insists will aptly sum up bassist Jeremy at the show’s conclusion. Closing with Howl, a song that has had national airplay and is one of Anderson’s better-known tracks, the man, only recently come of age, employs a final burst of intensity and guitaring perfection. He’s a talent that provides an exhibition that is addictive to watch, and gives total bang for your buck if you get the chance to witness it.

Written by Izzy Tolhurst - Inpress Magazine

With a youthful fragility akin to James Blake, 21-year-old Hamish Anderson was received on stage by a full house. Finding it nearly impossible to see Anderson clearly, some of us resorted to standing on vacant chairs in order to get a decent glimpse. Kicking into a heavy blues prelude, the confident Anderson moved freely across the podium, often turning away from his audience to engage in a call and response instrumental dialect with his drummer. Complementing and encouraging one another, this synergy was consistent throughout the entire performance. Anderson and his band then transitioned smoothly into Smoke And Mirrors, the second single off his self-titled debut EP. In contrast to his delicate physicality, Anderson's voice was raw and deep, an instrument which evoked an experience well beyond his 21 years. Shifting between blues and folk, Anderson's vulnerability was exposed and suppressed, the acoustic ballads representative of his versatility. With Hendrix-inspired guitar riffs and extended solos, Anderson tore up the stage, simultaneously reviving and reinventing the blues. He was then able to successfully transition from electric to acoustic, lending pathos and sincerity to his folk tracks. His husky, yet powerful voice was not dissimilar from Matt Corby's, a tone filled with longing and sadness. The lyricism of his sombre track Winter, which was written at the age of 17 contained the lyrics, "Is young love really meant to make me feel this old?" immediately illustrating Anderson's loss of innocence. Essentially a love song and a coming of age moment, Winter indicated a maturity that Anderson validated through his lyrics, structured acoustics and body language. Halfway through his set, Anderson called a fellow folk singer onto the stage to perform a duet. They sang a ballad, with a sound and presence likened to Angus & Julia Stone, a sweet choice that added even more versatility to the performance.



Also included in the set was a heavy rock rendition of The Beatles' classic Come Together. Although it was the original minimalism in the song that gave it its charm, Anderson and his band covered the pop track quite well, providing it with an electric rock grounding and a faster tempo. Empty Thoughts was next, another acoustic ballad which reinforced Anderson's strengths as a songwriter. Closing with Howl, the opening track off his EP, Anderson sang his guts out, playing his electric guitar in a wild uninhibited frenzy. Concluding their performance with extended instrumentation, Hamish Anderson and his band thanked and bid farewell to a buzzing crowd.



BY DINA AMIN
- Beat Magazine

Hamish Anderson leads the strong alternative charge with an acoustic on his latest single. “Breaking Down” channels rock and roll greats from The Who to early Kings of Leon in its charming minimalist ferocity. From soulful strums of a thick bass to near-rockabilly breakdowns, the young artist clearly knows the path from nostalgia to the future. Listen below. - All Things Go

After releasing his debut album in 2016 – and being named one of Yahoo! Music’s “Top Ten Best New Artist,” – Australia’s roots rock artist, Hamish Anderson is back and heading to a new album release in 2019. Anderson’s newest single “Breaking Down” dials up straight ahead, high energy rock and roll reminiscent of early Kings of Leon – with the swagger of 60s bands like The Kinks and The Who. Produced by 7x Grammy winner Jim Scott (whose credits include Red Hot Chili Peppers and Tom Petty), this new single is an unabashed rocker from start to finish, with a driving bass line and a breakneck drum beat backing up his rhythmic guitar styling. - Hype Magazine

Hamish Anderson’s blues-rock finery was stitched together on two continents, his native Australia and his current station in Los Angeles, where he first alighted several years ago to attend music school. He calls himself a disciple of the three Kings (Albert, BB and Freddie) and the raft of rootsy artists who followed. And Anderson’s 2016 full-length — with the singles “Trouble,” “No Good” and “U” — was produced by Grammy winner Jim Scott (Tom Petty, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Ryan Bingham, Wilco, Grace Potter, et al) and is one of those albums that feels so organic it should be sold at Whole Foods.

Anderson’s new single, “No Good,” is a riffy romp “about finally realizing when a situation that you’re in is actually doing you more harm than good — and deciding to leave it behind,” he told Relix, where the song premiered. The players included keyboardist Jerry Borgé (Jonathan Wilson), drummer Johnny Radelat (Gary Clark Jr) and bassist Chris Bruce (Meshell Ndegeocello). Anderson was reared on his father’s collection of classic rock records, and somewhere across the Pacific Ocean there’s a whole shelf of vinyl, smiling. - BuzzBandsLA

Hamish Anderson's sophomore album isn't due out until early 2019, but the Australian-born singer, songwriter and guitar hero is kicking off the campaign with a new track, the hard rocking "No Good," whose video premieres exclusively below.

"This is a totally different experience; I've never been finished with an album so quickly and then had so long to wait," Anderson, who resides primarily in Los Angeles these days, says with a laugh. "I’m super proud of how it came out. I'm just excited to get it out there."

Anderson once again worked with Jim Scott, who helmed his 2016 debut after stepping in with its original producer. Having Scott on board from the start for the as-yet-untitled sophomore effort made a big difference, according to Anderson. "This one was very organic and natural," Anderson explains. "I took my time with the writing of this one; When the songs finally came together and me and Jim thought they were ready, we started. I got to work with Jim on every single song from conception 'til the end, and I got to have the same band for the whole thing, where on the first one there were different players on different songs." - Billboard

Get to know the Australia-born, blues-rock artist Hamish Anderson! His newest song is called “No Good.” It’s a preview of the kind of music to be expected from him on his new album due out in 2019.
The track, which debuted on Relix Magazine, was selected for Spotify’s Official ‘Nu Blues’ playlist. Hamish’s new single “No Good” picks up where Trouble (2016) left off – featuring heavier rock sounds & produced by 7x Grammy winner Jim Scott (Tom Petty, Tedeschi Trucks) with drummer Johnny Radelat (Gary Clark Jr), bassist Chris Bruce (Meshell Ndegeocello) and organist Jerry Borge (Jonathan Wilson).
Hamish spoke with premiere partner, Billboard’s renowned writer, Gary Graff, about the new video, explaining:
“’My previous videos had been very story driven, so for this video I wanted to strip it all back to just what it feels like when we’re performing. I was influenced by imagery from the late 70s videos of The Rolling Stones (really from Some Girls/Emotional Rescue era) where it was them playing in NYC industrial warehouse-style environments. Super stark– and really all about the band performing. In general, we wanted to play more with lighting and movement overall. I got really lucky to work with a great team and we all felt that the energy and the vibe of the song was truly captured in the video.”
Already praised by NPR, Billboard, American Songwriter, KCRW, Relix Magazine, among other tastemakers, Glide Magazine raves about Hamish, “The young guitarist is a true talent …we can expect big things from him in the coming years.”
Receiving heavy rotation on numerous radio stations globally (including KCRW, WBJB, KCSN and WEXT), Anderson has appeared at acclaimed music festivals in US, Canada and Europe- including Firefly, Mountain Jam, Summerfest, High Sierra, Telluride Blues Fest, Ottawa Blues Fest, SXSW, Echo Park Rising, Grolsch Festival, Moulin Blues and BottleRock Napa.
Hamish wrapped 2017 by being featured as a Taco Bell “Feed the Beat” artist and after a month on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic, his single, a ballad called “U”, was profiled on NPR Music’s Heavy Rotation along with his entire album, Trouble. “U” reached the Top 5 Tracks of the Week and was also debuted on ‘Best of Week’ playlist on Apple Music in Australia & Japan.
His debut album, ‘Trouble’ was released to stellar reviews, with Anderson being named a Top 10 Best New Artists in 2016 by Yahoo! Music. It’s first single, the title track ‘Trouble,’ is still on Spotify’s Blues & Roots Rock Official playlist two years after it’s release. Likewise, Songpickr, a premiere Spotify playlist curator, included the album ‘Trouble’ as one of the Top 50 Albums of 2016.
Hamish Anderson openly counts as his influences guitar players and songwriters from Robert Johnson and BB King (Anderson was the last artist to open for King before he passed) to Bob Dylan and Tom Petty. Anderson has also shared the stage with Drive By Truckers, The Rides (featuring Stephen Stills, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Barry Goldberg), Robert Cray, Los Lobos, Low Cut Connie and Vintage Trouble.
Learn more about Hamish Anderson in the following All Access interview:
Where does this interview find you now? Is there music playing in the background?
I’m currently in my hometown of Melbourne, Australia. Just waking up and seeing what the day brings! Paul McCartney’s new album is on right now to start my day.
Now that we are on the back end of the year, how do you think 2018 has treated you and your career? What has been one goal that you have had this year and how close are you to reaching it? Or did you already reach it?
I feel really great about 2018. I started the year by recording my new album which I’m really excited to be releasing next year! I played festivals in Europe this year which was my first time ever performing over there. That’s been a goal for a while so that was a real highlight!
Growing up, was music always a big part of your life? Can you recall your first ever musical experience? Can you see yourself ever doing anything else?
Music was a huge part of my life growing up. My parents aren’t musicians, but they are huge music lovers so there was always music playing in the house. The first concert I ever went to was The Who when I was 12 years old and that was a real life changing moment that made me want to be a musician. I definitely couldn’t see myself doing anything else.
How do you think you and your music have been influenced by your hometown and where you live today?
I seem to still write a lot in Melbourne. Sometimes like to catch the train and write; something about looking at the city and people watching can make me feel inspired to write. Los Angeles is also very inspiring and I find it a great thing that any night of the week you can go and see so many incredible musicians playing live. It really makes you want to work harder at your craft.
Let’s talk about your newest track “No Good.” What was the inspiration for this song? What was it like making the music video for it? How creatively involved with the overall process were you?

“’No Good’ is really a song about making the decision to leave behind things that are doing you more harm than good. The guitar riff I had for a long time and I kept coming back to it for about six months. Finally, one day all the words just came to me. We were in the studio soon after that to record it. From the first downbeat, we were all excited by it’s driving energy and groove. The music video was a lot of fun to make and I got really lucky to work on it with a great team. I wanted it to be a fairly simple video, with a nod to the stripped back rock n roll vibes of The Rolling Stones live shows from the 70s. Really just more about the band playing than anything else.
How do you think “No Good” prepares listeners for your forthcoming album to be released next year? What was it like putting this collection together? Did anything surprise you about the process?
I designed the new record to have a mixture of sounds. I think that the more rock and roll/bluesy songs on the album are harder, fuzzy and more energetic, whilst the other side of the album has songs that focus on arrangements more and the acoustic side of my music. It was a very natural process putting it together, I wrote a lot of the record over the Christmas break of 2017 and I just felt very inspired and was writing a lot of songs. I’m really proud of it and excited to release these songs.
How differently did you approach the making of this album compared to your 2016 collection “Trouble”?
We took a little more time with the arrangements this time and played more with things I hadn’t done on my debut album, Trouble, such as harmonies, double tracking etc. On this new album it’s also basically the same band for every song, on Trouble I had different musicians for different songs. This time I wanted a set crew. I also definitely wrote more songs for this album then I had before, I really wanted to overwrite and then choose the best material.
What was it like working with your producer Jim Scott who had worked with Tom Petty?!
This was the second time I got to work with Jim and it’s always very inspiring to me. I learn so much from being around him and we also work in a similar way that I think compliments each other. Jim is all about the song and I love that, you won’t have anything if the songs aren’t good enough.
We are currently living through a very trying and politically charged time right now so I am curious to know how your own music is reflecting this time period or is your music more of an escape from all that?
I think it’s both. There’s a song on this album that is very much about what is going on in the world around us — it was my first time writing about that so directly. In the past, I had hinted at things but it was less overt so really it could be interpreted as being about anything. Also, in the past, I would have been nervous to write such a song, but now it was all just very prominently on my mind. I tend to write about anything that affects me emotionally.
What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all of the different platforms? Is it hard to stay up to date on it all? What would you say is your favorite way to connect with your fans now?
I like Instagram. I like that I can cater it a little more to things I want to see. I think social media is important for announcing shows, singles etc., but I don’t ever want to fall into the trap of thinking it is more important than the actual music. I think unfortunately people do fall into that often.
Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?
Unfortunately a lot of my heroes have passed like Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, B.B. King, JJ Cale, Tom Petty, George Harrison etc. my heroes that are still around who would be dream artists to work with are Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Buddy Guy, Gary Clark Jr, Alabama Shakes.
If you were going to be stranded on a deserted island forever, what musical item would you take with you and why?
My guitar. I could amuse myself for endless hours if I had a guitar.
If your music was going to be featured on any TV show that is currently on right now, which would you love it to be on? Or if you prefer, what is a movie that you love that you wish your music was featured in?
I really like that show “I’m Dying Up Here” but I think they may only play music from the 70’s haha. I’m a huge Scorsese fan so that would be a dream, or in a Cameron Crowe movie or Judd Apatow movie would be pretty cool.
Do you have any tour dates you would like to tell our readers about?
I’m playing in LA at the Teragram Ballroom on October 6th with The Main Squeeze! And then touring with The Main Squeeze on the East coast in November (dates on my website, hamishandersonmusic.com/tour)
What has been a favorite performance of yours?
Both BottleRock Napa in 2018 and The Telluride Blues & Brews Festival in 2017. Both were great festivals, great crowds, great energy. I wish I could play them every year!
What do you think makes an ideal show for you?
When the sound is great, you have a great mix and the crowd is energetic and responsive that is the best. When I feel the most relaxed is when I play the best, when I can just tune all my worries out and just feel the music.
What’s next on your musical agenda?
Touring! and releasing more singles before the album!
At the end of the day, what do you hope your fans take away from your music?
I hope they just relate to it. It’s music from an honest place and I just hope people connect with it. That’s the goal.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music?
Check out my new single “No Good” and I hope to see you at a show! Thanks for the interview! - All Access Music

Australian blues-rock singer-songwriter Hamish Anderson, who has a resume that includes supporting gigs for one of his own biggest musical heroes, B.B. King, along with artists from Los Lobos to Low Cut Connie, is following up his acclaimed 2016 debut album Trouble with a new single, “No Good,” which Relix is pleased to premiere today.

“’No Good’ is really a song about making the decision to leave behind things that are doing you more harm than good,” Anderson says of the new track. “The guitar riff I had for a long time and I kept coming back to it for abut six months. Finally, one day all the words just came to me. We were in the studio soon after that to record it with Jim Scott. From the first downbeat, we were all excited by it’s driving energy and groove.”

“No Good”—a pounding rocker that recalls Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers at their most defiant and boasts some lightning-strike guitar work from Anderson—was produced by multi-Grammy-winner Jim Scott and features drummer Johnny Radelat, bassist Chris Bruce and organist Jerry Borge. Listen to the single below, and catch Anderson live at a couple of upcoming Los Angeles dates this month. - Relix