DEXTEROUS, DEVOTED, DETERMINED
Like a sponge he’s soaked up the most intoxicating ingredients of the best music since birth and now it’s his turn to perform
Some musical artists are so incredibly talented they seem to possess something that only comes along once in a lifetime, and can never be replicated.
But then, lo and behold, you realise there’s another member of the very same family who’s just as talented – even if it’s in a completely different style of music.
Yep, musical ability is definitely something that can be written into our genetic code, clearly!
We ask young rising star Alex Newberry about his musical talent, only to find out that while he continues to explore his creative engagement with music he’s following in the footsteps of some fantastic generational musical ability.
WHEN AND WHY DID YOU START PLAYING?
I started playing guitar when I was 6 years old because my Dad played guitar and it was a schoolbased learning program. I started playing keyboard 2 years ago because I wanted to try something new.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST TUNE(S) YOU LEARNED?
The first song that I learnt on guitar was Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple and the first song I learnt on keyboard was Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen.
DESCRIBE YOUR FAMILY MEMBER’S MUSICAL INTERESTS AND ABILITIES.
My Dad plays guitar and drums, my Pop plays guitar and my Step Dad plays guitar.
WHICH FAMOUS MUSICIANS DO YOU ADMIRE? WHY?
Freddie Mercury because of his performance and song writing abilities, Slash because of his
guitar abilities and Michael Hutchence for his showmanship.
WHICH FAMOUS MUSICIANS HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM?
When I play keyboard, I find I play like Elton John or Billy Joel. When I play guitar, I found my own way of playing for myself.
WHO WAS YOUR FIRST TEACHER? OTHER TEACHERS?
The music teachers at Hervey Bay State High School have taught me the most in my music life. They have helped me with understanding music theory and reading sheet music. My Dad has helped me with the publicity of Alex Newberry Music and has helped get me noticed.
DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST INSTRUMENT. OTHER INSTRUMENTS.
I started playing guitar because my Dad played and I wanted to try it. I played acoustic guitar for 6 years, then I went to electric guitar and built up my guitar skills and technique. I started playing keyboard because I wanted to try something new and different. I never knew anything about keyboards or how to play but I figured it out.
WHAT ARE YOUR FONDEST MUSICAL MEMORIES?
I played at the 2018 Showcase at Hervey Bay State High School and performed Never Tear Us Apart from INXS. It was my first performance.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE MUSICIANS? GROUPS?
The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Queen, Elton John, Harry Styles, AC/DC, INXS and Guns n Roses.
DO YOU PERFORM IN PUBLIC? DESCRIBE THOSE OCCASIONS?
I had my first legit gig at World Bazaar in September and I have a gig at the RSL on the 4th of December. I play covers but I also have a few original songs.
DO YOU GET NERVOUS BEFORE A PERFORMANCE OR A COMPETITION?
I always get nervous before gig or a competition. I wrote a song for the Science Week Composition
Competition. I felt so nervous because I didn’t know if I was going to win or not. I get nervous
every time I go to perform.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE BEGINNERS?
My advice for beginners who are nervous is that it is normal to get nervous, if you aren’t, you’re not
passionate enough about it. Also most of the time it’s a mixed feeling. It’s also excitement. Just try to be more excited than nervous.
HOW OFTEN AND FOR HOW LONG DO YOU PRACTICE?
I spend almost too much time practising music. It’s my go-to thing when I am bored. It’s basically what I do 24/7. When I am not playing music, I am listening to it
HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR MUSIC WITH OTHER OBLIGATIONS LIKE SCHOOL OR CHORES?
Normally people do their homework straight after school but I get home and play music then I do my work and chores. I do this because I don’t want to annoy the neighbours at 9 o’clock at night.
DREAM YOUR MUSIC CAREER.
I don’t know where my music career is going but I hope that it leads to something big.