SIMPLY SIX: 8 Ball Aitken

8 Ball Aitken is a singer/songwriter from Australia.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

I used to work on a farm all week, then party all weekend. An Aboriginal elder was visiting my town, and we were talking on Sunday morning after he had been watching me play guitar all weekend. He sat me down and told me off sternly – ‘I will be really disappointed if I visit next year and see you still here drinking and smoking, just wasting your talent and your life away,”. That was the light bulb going on moment in my mind that made me pack my bags, grab my guitar, and hitch-hike south to the big city of Brisbane. It was a ‘time stands still’, life-changing experience. From that point on, I have stayed true, and followed my dream of making music and taking it out to the people.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

The roots of blues, bluegrass and country music as well as The Allman Brothers Band, Daddy Cool
Tony Joe White & Neil Young.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

‘Outback Booty Call’ is a song I wrote about regional romance and dating in the bush. I was touring in USA a few years back when I found out about the booty call phenomenon. I thought to myself, we have booty calls back in Australia, it is just that we have a lot further to travel between love interests because of our small population on a large island. This song is practically a documentary. You can see the clip at -- www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RYcXmuZqDY

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

I honestly believe that music can change the world. Songwriting is creative and can promote a positive outcome and cause listeners to take action. I have witnessed powerful movements start in peoples back yards first and then go on to great things. To me, a good song can bring light to the world whether it is played to twenty people in a bar or a million people on television.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

I think that the access to affordable recording equipment for independent musicians and having the internet as a marketing tool has made it possible for more musicians and bands to find an audience than ever before. It is exciting times for me me, touring all over the world as an independent and making a living from playing music without a major record company running the show means freedom, fun and a career doing what I love to do the most... Play music.


6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Probably red crocodile (or alligator for USA) skin cowboy boots with 8 Ball inlays.