Tamworth cover band Splashpool is gearing up to perform at Armidale’s Big Chill Festival next week. This will be their first ever gig at the event.
Set for May 18 and 19, this year’s Big Chill will feature acts from a variety of musical genres, including indie, country and electronic music. Among the host of talent is Splashpool, the band fronted by Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson.
Speaking to the New England Times, Sally-Anne Whitten, one of Splashpool’s singers, said the band is ready for its Sunday debut at the Big Chill, where they will belt out all the usual hits.
“We are a party cover band and perform all the favourite hits of the 70s right up until now. Classic rock, a little bit of country, the Dixie Chicks, Keith Urban, disco, but I think one of the things we do really well together is Aussie rock,” she said.
“One of Kev’s specialties, one of his best songs, and the one that gets requested the most is INXS Never Tear Us Apart; that’s his swan song, so I’d say that will be in there somewhere.”
Splashpool’s lineup for the Big Chill will include Kevin Anderson on vocals and guitar, Sally-Anne Whitten and Rae Moody on vocals, Trevor Stacey on bass and vocals, Phil Weaver on keyboards, and Dave Adams on drums.
Kym Beare usually plays guitar with the group but has gone on tour with Lane Pittman. Alwyn Aurisch is filling in fresh off his stint playing Brian May in Tamworth’s production of We Will Rock You.
According to Sally-Anne, all the individual members are talented musicians in their own right, but together, as a band, a key talent lies in vocals and the strength of their harmonies.
“It’s great having two girl singers, so we are really strong on the harmonies; all of us sing though, vocally Splashpool is a really strong band,” she said.
“It’s all just a lot of fun, and we love to put on a show. Everyone in the band is a great musician. We all play in other bands, but I think Splashpool is the fun party project we all enjoy.”
While not a founding member, Sally-Anne says to her knowledge Splashpool has been rocking around the region for the last ten years with various lineups. The one constant is Kevin Anderson.
“It’s Kev’s band; it’s always been him at the helm. He’s a really good muso; in a previous life, he was actually a drummer, singer,” she said
“He’s not drumming in Splashpool, but he’s out the front, playing guitars and singing.” For more information on Splashpool, head over to their Facebook page.
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