Ian Moss Talks Deluxe Album, July 2024 UK Dates And More

Founding member of one of Australia’s greatest rock bands, Cold Chisel, Ian Moss has released the deluxe edition of his ‘Rivers Run Dry’ album and will perform two UK shows in July 2024. Ian Moss kindly sat down with us:

When did you begin songwriting and recording music?

I guess from the beginning of Cold Chisel’s existence. I always have lots of music going on in my head at any given time, but the lyrics are the most challenging part of all that, and it wasn’t until Cold Chisel’s third album, “East”, for which I wrote “Never Before”, that I felt like I had nailed it.

Your new album ‘The Rivers Run Dry – Deluxe Edition’ is out now. How did you want to approach the making of the record?

I worked with a great engineer who I knew had a terrific ear and appreciation of arrangement. Also, a band that was very experienced and had plenty of production and arrangement ideas. I had strong ideas of how I wanted each song to sound, but I remained open to external input from my band. They had ideas in droves!

Where did you record the album, and who produced it?

The album was recorded at Rancom Street Studios, Botany, Sydney. It was a co-production, mainly between myself and engineer Brent Clark, but with a ton of valuable input from my key band members of the time: Kerry Jacobson (drums), Zoe Hauptmann (Bass), and the extraordinary Clayton Doley (keys.)

 Given your back catalogue in Cold Chisel and your solo work, is it difficult picking a setlist? Do you have a specific song selection process?

I have a small handful that fall into the ‘must play’ boat like “Bow River”, “Tuckers Daughter”, “Telephone Booth” and “Nullarbor Plain’ from the new album. So, when building a set list, you place those songs in the positions they’d normally occupy then build the rest of the set around them.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals etc?

Well this week I do! Come on…I’m a guitar player! We’re never happy with our pedals, and I am constantly changing them for something that might be better.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Alice Springs – Isolated, hot, beautiful, unique, home

Do you have any plans for live shows in Europe/UK in 2024?

I will be bringing the band back, and we will be doing two shows. The first will be at King Tuts, Glasgow, on July Wed 10th followed by Bush Hall, London, on Fri July 12th

Will you have any special guests joining you for the Glasgow and London shows?

Nothing planned but you never know.

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Happiest? “State Of My Emotion” – I get to rip into a bit more of a fusion style of guitar playing. I’ll combine the angriest & most reflective into one – “River’s Run Dry” _ it’s written for a childhood mate of mine that at the beginning of 2020 suffered a rather debilitating stroke.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

My influences are pretty diverse, but Sam Cooke, Nina Simone, Hendrix, Blackmore and especially Jeff Beck at the beginning. Right now, I am listening to a lot of Bireli LaGrene and Mateo Mancuso.

Was it a difficult album to write?

All albums are hard work, but you get lucky occasionally, and a song might come to you in minutes. But for most of the time, the old adage, “1% inspiration & 99% perspiration” is pretty true!

Who designed/created the album artwork?

This was mainly Robert Hambling, who shot the photos outside of Alice Springs and came up with the design, which Dave Homer then added to.

How do you look after your voice?

Good quality sleep is a singer’s best friend, and warmth and humidity are very important. My warm-up pre-performance routine involves plenty of steam followed by a gargle of apple cider vinegar, honey, lemon, and hot water.

What makes Ian Moss happy and what makes you unhappy?

Let’s focus on what makes me happy: good music, an excellent quality Shiraz and a great rump steak.