The Sands Of Time With RICHIE LEWIS From TUMBLEWEED

Interview by Kris Peters
Tumbleweed have been a mainstay on the Australian music scene for
over three decades, having lasted through a plethora of music
cycles, phases and periods of revolution.
Throughout all they have steadfastly stayed true to their music,
refusing to conform nor bow to the powers that be, instead
rightfully deciding to forge their own path in music and thus
create their own identity.
It is a move that sees Tumbleweed as one of the last remaining rock
icons from that era, with the band not only surviving through good
times and bad, but also coming out stronger because of it.
While Tumbleweed have earned the right to pick and choose their
live shows, public demand for their music is still high, ensuring
they are invited to perform at many Australian festivals as a major
drawcard.
So far this year, Tumbleweed have seldomly graced the stage, so
much so that this weekend's headlining set at Sonic Rendezvous
Record Store Day will be their first - and at this stage their only
- gig in their hometown of Melbourne for 2024.
To be held at Welcome To Thornbury on High Street, Northcote this
Saturday, April 20, Sonic Rendezvous Record Store Day is a sonic
celebration of live music and vinyl records on one of the most
important days of the year, Record Store Day.
Other bands appearing include Grinding Eyes from Sydney, acclaimed
all-girl rockers Hot Machine, and a cast of other celebrated bands
and DJ's. There will also be a record fair happening from 12pm to
4pm with 15 of Melbourne's best vinyl venders, food trucks, cold
beers and countless other tasty delights, and all for the modest
amount of $20.
To find out more about the show and what has been happening in the
Tumbleweed world, HEAVY tracked down frontman Richie Lewis for an
entertaining chat.
"It'll be great," he enthused. "My daughter's band is playing as
well, Private Wives, they're on the bill so they will be really
cool. They played with us down in Melbourne a couple of years ago,
but they've gotten heaps better, so that will be amazing to see
them doing their thing. Grinding Eyes, I've always been a big fan
of. We actually did a 7" single with them a couple of years back,
and we did a cover of an old 60s song called Pathway through The
Forest, which is a wonderful song by a band called The Factory. We
did a bunch of shows with Grinding Eyes a couple of years ago as
well, and they are amazing live. I'm looking forward to seeing the
other bands as well. I know of them. I've checked them out, but it
will be the first time to see Hot Machine. It's gonna be pretty
awesome. Twenty bucks? I mean, twenty bucks is a 1993 price
(laughs). The whole vibe of Record Store Day is a good one. I'm a
big fan of records. I like vinyl. I'm not a big fan of Spotify and
digital stuff."
In the full interview, Richie discussed a variety of topics related
to music and their personal experiences. He talked about the
upcoming music event where Tumbleweed will be performing alongside
other bands, expressing enthusiasm for the line-up and sharing past
experiences with some of the bands. He also discussed the appeal of
Record Store Day and the resurgence of vinyl records, expressing a
strong preference for the tactile and communal experience of vinyl
over the convenience of digital streaming services like
Spotify.
The conversation also delved into the ethical considerations of
supporting artists and the growing interest in vinyl records,
ultimately emphasizing the positive and inclusive atmosphere of
Record Store Day events, which cater to music enthusiasts of all
ages. Additionally, he discussed the promotion of Richie's solo
album and more.


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