Pete Cornelius, a blues singer/songwriter artist from St Marys on the east coast, is one of the most experienced bluesmen in the country. His new album, Southern, is a collection of songs drawing from his Tasmanian heritage.

What was it like growing up on a small farm in the north east? It really was amazing. The open spaces and slow-paced lifestyle really helped the creativity and curiosity. Me and my mates all loved riding dirt bikes so we’d quite often buzz off for hours on end and as we got older we’d head off for overnight adventures, fishing, surfing and storytelling around a campfire. In saying that, it sure had its setbacks. There really wasn’t much in the way of live music. A few pubs hosted bands but as a kid it was out of reach, as they were often late nights occupied by patrons getting a little loose. I was lucky enough to have some good support from local musicians who’d encourage me and pass on tips and mix tapes.

How do your childhood experiences and your connection to Tasmania influence your music today? I think the simplicity of life here and the rugged yet beautiful landscape sure play a role with musical ideas and lyrical content. Be it directly through lyric or simply through the feeling that provokes with melody or chordal arrangements. I truly believe that the isolation that Tassie offers really helps an artist speak their true language, not as easily influenced by current trends or fads.

Your new album, Southern, is out. How are you feeling? Yeah, it’s a big mixture of feelings at this end of the project. A big part of me is super excited to share a body of work that has totally taken over my life for the last 12 months or so. I’m excited to not only share the work, but to hear and to see people’s reaction and response. It’s a little move away from my typical or perhaps expected sound, but I think it’s a natural thing to evolve and follow your heart and creative process. It’s been six years since my last full length release so new material is a treat to play.

As life gets incredibly fast, sometimes you find yourself looking back at moments or things that a younger self would take for granted. Pete

What themes/ideas were you focusing on when creating Southern? This new album draws from many different ideas and themes. Ranging from love songs, true stories about Tasmanian shipwrecks and survival, gratitude and appreciation, stories about longing for change, breaking free from the familiar and embracing the unknown. I also wanted to acknowledge and pay respect to some Australian songwriters that I have admired over the years. I do quite often like to cover one or two songs per album and this time around I have chosen songs by Don Walker and Mia Dyson.

Do you have a favourite song? I’ll tell you about Sump Oil City. As life gets incredibly fast, sometimes you find yourself looking back at moments or things that a younger self would take for granted. In this streamline age of convenience, some things must dissolve. I write this as I’m sure yet another small highway town loses its main artery. The life blood is the highway. Continuous passing traffic stopping purely to top up and move on. It seems that its pure existence is built around service and can barely stand on its own without this continuous hum. I must admit I find beauty in things that are a little broken, a little out of shape, sometimes fully deconstructed with no resemblance of its former self. I enjoyed using this imagery to flesh out an ‘industrial’ blues swagger that I hope Tom Waits would approve.

When you’re not touring or making music, what do you enjoy doing in Tasmania? I sure love time off at home just doing normal stuff, tinkering around the house or yard, ticking off the ever growing to-do list. We’re pretty close to the beach, so heading out for a walk with my wife, kids and dog is always a great unwind. Chasing the swell and perfect wind conditions for an epic surf can also be a great time waster, fitness for the body and mind. Mountain biking is also a pastime I love. I’m sure lucky to live close to some of the state’s best trails. Just try not to think about eating dirt and breaking fingers.