The story of Sydney’s own Caravana Sun is one of a journey. Whether exploring new sonic landscapes or physical ones like the European continent, which the band did for a third time in 2014, Luke Carra, Ant Beard, Alex Dumbrell, and Kenny Allars are always on the move.
Indeed, it can take being away from home, long hours spent in transit, a lack of sleep, and warring with language barriers to help you realise how good life is in Australia, which they will traverse once again during their forthcoming Under A Southern Sky 2015 summer tour.
To find out how the Caravana Sun journey began, we spoke to the band’s vocalist/ guitarist Luke Carra, who shared some of the records that most impacted the band’s personal journey, both sonic and spiritual, and first set them on the road that they travel to this day.
Rage Against The Machine – Rage Against The Machine
1992, Epic
When a friend introduced me to Rage, I was 13 years old and full of rebellion… It was a match made in heaven! Those cutting Tom Morello guitar riffs, pumping rhythm section and Zac’s ball tearing screams!
I started my first band in 1999 and we started covering Rage songs. We actually performed ‘Killing In The Name’ at the school talent quest….played it exactly the same. Got in a lot of trouble after the four minute mark. Changed my life!
City And Colour – Sometimes
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2005, Dine Alone
Hitting me at the ripe old age of 15, this album was the catalyst for my love for expression through music. Hearing this man speak so honestly, giving insight into the most personal feelings really inspired me to move further towards writing and performing.
In 2012, I went on a pilgrimage like adventure to southern Ontario, Canada, To soak up anything I could. Only looking back now do I realise how much of an influence that experience had on my life.
Fat Freddys Drop – Based On A True Story
2005, The Drop
Never had I had an album exist within my life for so many years and never cease to grow old.
Whether I’m cruising in my 1974 coaster bus, prepping for a gig or enjoying a meal with family, the skank will always “be the rock in my life”
Dhafer Youssef – Birds Requiem
2013, Enja Records
Introduced to me by our newest member Ken, this album has only been in my life for a short amount of time but truly reinstating that you don’t have to know someone for long to realise you have a real deep connection.
This music speaks from the soul and now resides in a place within me that can only be described as bliss!
John Butler Trio – Three
2001, ATO Records
John Butler Trio is the sound of Australian landscape. Heading on long drives to distant surf breaks or observing open plains from Darwin to Broome with songs like ‘Money’, ‘Betterman’ and ‘Media’ in the background.
This changed my life and connected me closer to the roots of Australian culture.
Django Reinhardt – et Ses Rhythmes
Date & N/A
In 2009, I toured France solo and headed to southern part of the country in a place called ‘Toulouse’ and met some crazy Gypsies. They took my under their wing, drinking cheap spirits, playing barefoot football on the street and introduced my ears to ‘Gypsy Jazz’.
We jammed for weeks and I learnt all the songs by ear. At the airport in ‘Toulouse’, I found this album in one of those discount cd bins by Django Reinhardt ‘Et Ses Rhythmes. This record always brings back memories of out of control experience that shaped the inspiration of Caravana Sun.
Tour Dates
27-30TH DEC – WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL, WOODFORD, QLD
TUES 31ST DEC – HOTEL BRUNSWICK, BRUNSWICK HEADS, NSW
FRI 2ND JAN – YAMBA SLSC, YAMBA, NSW
SAT 3RD JAN – DIGGERS TAVERN, BELLINGEN, NSW
SUN 4TH JAN – GREAT LAKES WINERY, WOOTON
THURS 8TH JAN – MOJOS, FREMANTLE, WA
FRI 9TH JAN – THE CIDERY, BRIDGETOWN, WA
SAT 10TH JAN – RIVENDELL WINERY, YALLINGUP, WA
FRI 16TH JAN – PIER HOTEL, ESPERANCE, WA
SAT 17TH JAN – BOSTON BREWERY, DENMARK, WA
SUN 18TH JAN – ROSEMOUNT, PERTH, WA
THURS 22ND JAN – SHEBEEN BAND ROOM, MELBOURNE, VIC
FRI 23RD JAN – WESTERNPORT, SAN REMO, VIC
SAT 24TH JAN – TORQUAY HOTEL, TORQUAY, VIC
SUN 25TH JAN – RAINBOW SERPENT FESTIVAL, LEXTON, VIC
THURS 29TH JAN – FRESH ON CHARLES, LAUNCESTON, TAS
FRI 30TH JAN – THE CINEMA, BURNIE, TAS / FREE ENTRY
SAT 31ST JAN – FESTIVAL OF KING ISLAND, CURRIE, TAS
FRI 6TH FEB – SOLBAR, MAROOCHYDORE, QLD
FRI 13TH FEB – MOTOROOM, BRISBANE, QLD
SUN 15TH FEB – HOEY MOEY, COFFS HABOUR, NSW
FRI 20TH FEB – TWILIGHT AT TARONGA, SYDNEY, NSW
For tickets and info visit www.caravanasun.com
