Jon Stevens talks new music and surviving the 80s pub rock scene

Jon Stevens has everyone who attended his gigs over the years to thank for who he is today.

“All those years rocking out in the pubs in the 80’s, what a great training ground for any musician,” Stevens said.

The former Noiseworks frontman said it was a time where people were crammed in to gigs like sardines, drinking, going off, fighting and carrying on.

“It was a great school to learn your craft because you had to survive. It was a great time for Rock and Roll in the 80s.”

With more life experience, more to talk about and more to write about 55-year-old Stevens said he is performing now better than ever.

“I’m way better than I was back then in all aspects.”

Speaking to Starts At 60 from Melbourne, Stevens said he had always likened himself to an old blues man,

“When I get to about 70 I’m going to be really bloody good. I just have that feeling in my soul, I will still be sitting there playing songs on my guitar.”

Stevens first moved to Australia from New Zealand in 1981, seeking adventure in his youth, and a warmer climate. He has since travelled the world many times and said he still loves it here.

His latest album, Starlight, brings a mix of the world together, with a few familiar names involved. “It’s from the heart, it’s real life.”

Starlight is a collaboration with Dave Stewart, Eurythmics guitarist turned music producer.

Stevens described the experience of creating the album as organic, sitting around writing songs and playing music together with Stewart in LA.

“We were hanging out like old mates.”

Aussie singer living in the US, 35-year-old Vanessa Amorosi, pictured below with Stewart and Stevens, is also featured on the album in a duet with the song Something ‘Bout You.

Stevens’ rapper son Levi features too, with a song they co-wrote together called All About The People.

Perhaps a highlight for Stevens is former Beatle Ringo Starr, pictured below on his birthday with Stevens and Stewart, picking up the sticks for the song One Way Street.

“Its got a bit of everything and I have a Beatle on there playing drums. He wanted to play on the record, and I’m so honoured.”

While Stevens loves technology and is embracing the changes, his new album also takes a step back in time, available on vinyl as well as the usual digital download and CD.

“There has been a resurgence of vinyl all around the world.”

He said the great thing with vinyl is the 12 inch covers, the artwork, and the details of who played on it and who wrote the songs.

“You get none of that these days, it sucks.”

Following the March 31 album launch Stevens will now continue to tour, with gigs planned for Australia and the UK.

In today’s fast paced world Stevens feels more and more people are turning back to music, and enjoying live music, to escape and feel something real.

“That is why Adele is so massive… You can feel her soul. You can hear it in her voice. Then when she talks, you love her.”

It is the live music where you can find the real artists, with Stevens saying a high percentage these days rely too much on technology for their sound.

“It is an authentic experience, what is better than a live gig?”

With live performances Stevens loves that every night is different on stage.

“That one moment in time you share with the audience. That moment in time, that is what is special.”

What is your most memorable live gig experience?