Embarking on a double headline national tour throws up a few curve balls, especially with two talented solo musicians like Crooked Saint’s Tim Wheatley and Ashleigh Mannix.
The main question being thrown up every night is: who plays first?
Think back to a somewhat famous rock n roll story from Monterey Pop in 1967, The Who’s Pete Townshend and Jimi Hendrix refused to go on after each other. So to end the stand off they tossed a coin that saw The Who play before Hendrix, including their customary destroying of instruments.
In a slightly less competitive and playful approach, according to Wheatley, the decision for himself and Mannix is decided by a game of rock paper scissors.
The competition might not be as fierce but it’s certainly an easy way to avoid egos getting in the way, not that it seems this would be an issue.
As Wheatley states, both himself and Mannix have been getting along like a house on fire, and you would want to with such an extensive tour.
Speaking with the Melbourne singer-songwriter it’s clear the challenge of a long headline tour is met with anticipation rather than apprehension.
“This time we’re branching out a lot further and headlining so it’s putting a lot more pressure on us to pull the people and get the name out there,” says Wheatley. “It’s good, it’s the only way you’ll move forward.”
Playing predominantly in the way Crooked Saint first began, Wheatley is accompanied on stage only by his guitar.
“It’s the cheapest way to send the name out there. One man and a guitar, the show runs itself. Just need to show up, do a quick mic check and away you go.”
One could imagine that touring solo can obviously get a little lonely, and Wheatley is quick to recognise the advantages of a double headline tour.
“The upside is that I’m touring with Ash Mannix, I’ve got company on the road, on the Sweating Bullets tour I was by myself.” Admittedly Wheatley would prefer to be able to have his band play with him at every venue, but put simply, “it’s more of a fiasco.”“It’s like the shampoo ad – it’s not going to happen over night but it will happen,”
Touring off the back of Crooked Saint’s latest double A-side Hot & Heavy/ Outta Sight, Outta Mind, it’s the first time Wheatley has taken the whole band into the studio. Something that, unlike hitting the road, conjures different feelings.
“I’m always a little bit more nervous about going into the studio, particularly with new and untried songs,” Wheatley admits, repeating the sentiment that the studio is more nerve racking than touring.
He questions why and comes to a quick conclusion: “Well you could get home and realise that the song you’ve just recorded is crap, that’s what I’m nervous about.”
Studio anxieties aside, touring and hitting the road is obviously where Crooked Saint prefers to be. Whether it’s a matter of being in control of what happens or simply the lifestyle.
“I absolutely love doing the touring,” concurs Wheatley. “So far I’ve basically woken up most days at a different beach. It’s hard to justify, it’s also like a spring/summer holiday.”
Endless hours in the touring van, countless cities and late nights may deter some but it obviously suits Mr Wheatley very well, especially a tour over spring.
The advantages of playing solo are obvious with the lack of band equipment and logistical nightmares, however it doesn’t come without its challenges.
“You learn a lot, once people have clapped, if you’re lucky enough to get a clap, then there’s dead air and one spotlight,” reflects the singer-songwriter; “you’ve got to fill that out, so I’m doing my best Bob Hope as well.”
Unfortunately not every joke and piece of crowd banter has gone to plan, admitting that some have most definitely fallen flat, but Wheatley wouldn’t have it any other way, “it’s a baptism of fire.”
As Crooked Saint continues to grow in the live setting, as previously mentioned, it has also evolved in the studio as well. While Wheatley performs the majority of this tour in solo mode, the double A-side single was launched with the full band in Sydney in October, and having cemented the band’s line up they’re now influencing the sound.“I’ve basically woken up most days at a different beach. It’s hard to justify, it’s also like a spring/summer holiday.”
“I’d like to still see it as my baby, but those boys have definitely added so much to the band.” Wheatley continues speaking about their impact on recording, “that was really exciting and I think it paid off too, I personally feel like it was a big step forward musically.”
Another big change for Crooked Saint has come in the form of forced time off. Obviously not one to sit around and wait for things to happen, Wheatley has made the most of friendly connections and now shares his time in Australia with stints in Los Angeles.
The often drawn out process of releasing music, getting it played on radio and waiting for the right time to tour has not resonated with Wheatley. However, instead of letting it become a negative aspect, he’s turned it into an opportunity to secure residencies in iconic LA venues like the House of Blues.
“It’s like the shampoo ad – it’s not going to happen over night but it will happen,” chuckles Wheatley. “I hope that’s the case, however much time I can spend working over there is a blessing.”
The vibe of the city has also played a part in allowing Crooked Saint to start developing a name in the US. “It feels like when you’re there you’re sort of a little bit more alive, the romantic notion of lightning striking there. You feel like there’s opportunity around the corner.”
One can only hope that Wheatley is able to equally share his focus on Australia and the US, and to date there’s nothing to suggest otherwise.
Prompted on what’s coming up over the summer, Wheatley is simply too busy to have thought of what’s next for Crooked Saint yet, but not doubt you’ll be seeing his name in the coming months.
“You’ve just reminded me to get cracking on some shows over summer because no one’s asked me what’s happening over summer,” he says, jumping to attention; “guaranteed I’ll be playing around, I’m not one to sit still.”
Hot & Heavy/ Outta Sight, Outta Mind is out now. Crooked Saint is currently on tour with Ashleigh Mannix, check here for full dates and details.
