Written by Kerrie Alexander
THERE have been some massive highlights over the past 10 years for popular Hervey Bay band Forbidden Road, but the best is yet to come.
You can’t wipe the smile off the faces of the awesome team of five – including Glenn Hand, Kellie Hand, Darren Wood, Anthony Asquith, newcomer Shane Soich and special guest guitarist Brent Terrett – who recently released their second, and highly anticipated, Extended Play record (EP) titled My Backyard.
The album was launched at the Beach House Hotel on June 20 to an appreciative audience.
Both albums are jam packed with original songs written by Kellie’s Dad Michael Armstrong.
The talented musos have also been asked to open the massive Bush to Bay Festival on July 3, where they will play on the main stage and perform at the after party inside.
The team from Alive sat down with the band to find out how all the success started and what they are most looking forward to in the future.
Have you all, always been musical?
The boys all have extensive experience in music, some having performed since the age of 15, even earlier and performing for big events. Myself (Kellie), I only started singing since I met Glenn because of his musical background and he was very encouraging, so here I am.
What/who are you/the bands musical influences?
The Eagles, CCR, Lady Antebellum, Home Free, pretty much any band with amazing harmonies.
What/who are you listening to right now?
Lots of new songs to learn in the band! Especially country rock and dance music like Tracks from Grease and anything great to dance to. One of our new favourites we are currently learning is Fake ID from the soundtrack footloose and Your the One That I Want from the musical Grease. Songs that people know and love to get their dancing shoes on for and sing along.
How often does the band practice?
When needed, but we try and practice at least once a month to keep our material fresh. We have been practicing more often with the upcoming events we have such as the EP Launch and the Bush to Bay Festival. We also have a new member Shane joining us as guitarist and vocalist so practicing a lot more.
How did the band start?
We Started out AS starting Cool Country Music Club, then formed the duo Forbidden Road (Glenn and Kellie) and decided to start a band with some of the clubs talented musicians and took off from there.
What awards have you won, and what has been the biggest highlight of your time together and why? Getting to the finals at the Gympie Muster talent search, playing on Main stage and our biggest highlight is coming up where we have been asked to open the Bush to Bay Festival on Main stage and perform at the after party inside. Another highlight of course is releasing albums of original music.
What do you love about singing?
The harmonies and music always make you feel alive.
What do you feel when you get on stage?
When there is a supportive audience, it feels amazing.
How would you describe the band’s genre of music?
Modern Country/Classic Covers originals pop rock and more (most genres).
Where does the band play on a regular basis?
We have regular appearances at local venues such as Hervey Bay RSL, Maryborough RSL, Across the Waves in Bundy plus other private/corporate events. We would love to play more regularly at private functions such as weddings.
What is the biggest goal for the band in the future?
Would love to be a support for a big-name Country Act that may tour Australia in the future and play at Johnny Ringos in Brisbane and Festivals are our favourite. Would love the opportunity to perform at the Muster or Tamworth.
Kellie, tell us a little bit about the songs your dad has written for both EP’s:
Yes, Dad wrote the songs, and he has so many more. He is so talented, and we want to share his music as much as we can. Dad’s songs all sound unique and tell a story.