“Tales From the Big Smoke” was produced by Palumbo & Simon Willey (Bryan Ferry, The Great Gatsby) in Area 18 Studio (West London) & Ashley Manor Studio (Bath) just before and (remotely) during UK lockdowns. Simon’s sound, synth and omnichord skills complement Palumbo’s intricate guitar work and expansive harmony, taking the arrangements to a new level. BBC London described Palumbo as a “musical powerhouse.” He has received consistent radio play globally year after year and has been awarded various accolades.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Palumbo about the latest project, motivations, challenges, and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?
I grew up in Perth, West Australia, moved to Sydney, then Liverpool, Manchester, London UK, Berlin, now back in Blue Mountains NSW Australia.
My music is heavily influenced by 60s, 70’s, 90’s classic rock – Beatles, Stones, Kinks, Doors etc –→ Nirvana, Soundgarden, Radiohead, Tool … I always put my own original spin on it. I regularly play classic covers from all eras for money, so this would be influencing my original music as well.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
I think music chose me. I come from a musical family. I tried doing “9-5” jobs, mostly manual jobs like brickpaving, treelopping, airconditioning installer, building work but was never really satisfied in my life unless I had an original band going. I worked freelance as stage / production crew in the UK for 10 years. Then studied a diploma in counselling, music degree then started playing music in aged care, mental health and learning disabilities community centres. This is what I have done for 10+ years. I play music for a living and it fits in to creating, performing and releasing my own music. Currently studying Masters of Music Therapy @ Western Sydney.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
The last album I released in 2017 “All the Rage We Are” was a 9 piece funk / rock extravaganza with 3 horns, 2 x Bvs, Bass Drums, Keys, Guitar/vox.
The concept and band developed out of my music degree in London (LCCM) where the feature was on arranging and adapting the horn section for contemporary rock and funk. There was also 3 part harmony and we took the jazz approach where everyone gets a solo. Excellent players came through the band. We were regularly headlining venues such as the Hootenanny Brixton and festivals in and around London for 5 years, different lineups based on availability. Some great gigs. I also managed to keep the big band paid at a gig or 2 a month… somewhat challenging at times but always made that happen. After 5 years of Palumbo & the Funk, I decided that I was moving away from the funk additive and back to my contemporary rock roots. Plus a big band was expensive so the lineup downsized to 4 or 5. (maybe 1 horn or not) I found a temporary home in the Camden (north London) punk rock scene, plus putting on my own shows @ The Unicorn or The Gunners. This new album has no horn section, more synth and keyboard colouration but still 3 part vocal harmonies and catchy hooks. I also knew I was leaving London for Berlin and then Sydney – so the album is a culmination and tribute to my time in “The Big Smoke.”
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented times? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
During covid there was online gigs going on facebook, insta, youtube etc. With my mental health work a lot of zoom gigs happened which was good because we all needed some connection with people even via a screen. This 11 track album of mine was created during covid plus I have a 5 song EP to follow, so that kept Simon (producer) and I creatively focused.
What was the last song you listened to?
Bohemian Rhapsody
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
I think Vinyl, CDs and streaming is relevant today. I mostly stream due to the ease of it, but prefer the sound of vinyl and CD.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
All of these – https://www.musicglue.com/palumbo
https://www.facebook.com/Palumbo1331/
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Please keep supporting grass roots original music and art. It is authentic and is the best thing for the local community. This is the place where magic happens.
