Whistle Dixie Wildfire Interview

Blast Off

Whistle Dixie have released their new single 'Wildfire' off their upcoming album Blast Off, set for release on 5th July. The Newcastle-based band have been dazzling audiences since 2015 with rich harmonies, smart songwriting and a unique approach to country music, and 'Wildfire' is no different. The melodic, heartfelt track shines a spotlight on the band's honey-like vocals and will reach into your soul with an authenticity that's sure to captivate any listener.

'Wildfire' was recorded at Impromptu Studio Tighes Hill in Newcastle NSW. It was produced by Mark Tinson, who has worked with local acts including Silverchair, Screaming Jets and Sue Cruickshank, as well as Angry Anderson, Angels, Doug Parkinson and The Cockroaches.

Whistle Dixie have opened for some of the country's biggest names over the past four years including Diesel, Karise Eden, Troy Cassar-Daley, Russell Morris, The Whitlams and Phil Jamieson of Grinspoon fame. They were also finalists in the 2017 Country Music Busking Championships and had the opportunity to play live on Triple M and ABC Radio as they grew in popularity.

With a new album being released in the coming weeks, Whistle Dixie are set to perform around Australia this year with their old and new material. They'll be playing the Deni Ute Muster, Gympie Music Muster, Burning of the Barrel and the Groundwater Country Music Festival before the end of the year and will no doubt be gaining a lot of new fans as they do.

Interview with Sheldon

Question: How would you describe your music?

Sheldon: Our original style encompasses a variety of genres including rockabilly, bluegrass and vintage country. The Whistle Dixie sound highlights the rich history of country music through our harmonies and story telling whilst maintaining a modern flare and presentation.


Question: What inspired Wildfire?

Sheldon: Wildfire was a song written whilst reflecting on the mass impact that bullying can have not just in the physical sense but also in the social media world. One false word can be spread about another person and it can tear their whole world apart. We wanted to bring light to this issue as well as encourage those going through a similar situation that they have the opportunity to come out stronger on the other side.


Question: Can you tell us about Blast Off?

Sheldon: Blast Off is our debut album and an absolute labor of love for the band. It features 12 of our original songs and was recorded at Impromptu studios Newcastle and produced by the incredibly talented Mark Tinson. It's a very diverse album and has a collection of Folk, early County, Rockabilly and Americana influences throughout.

Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Sheldon: My favorite song would have to be Dancing Tonight, it's a song that we usually use to close our shows and it always is such a lovely upbeat song to end on. You can't help but dance to this song.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Sheldon: Probably my mum, she passed away when I was 12 but she is one of the main reasons that I started singing, I think she would be pretty proud.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Sheldon: Definitely performing live, I love to meet people and also just the chemistry that the three of us have on stage is amazing and nothing can beat it.


Question: What is the story behind the band name?

Sheldon: It was John who came up with the name originally. It really represents our love of music from the American South. Whistle Dixie has become such a massive part of all our lives and the name is so special to us.


Question: How did the band come together?
Sheldon: John was originally looking for a singer to join Whistle Dixie and we me through church and started playing music together. Kyla and I had always been connected through school and music, however when John and I started to search for another singer to join Whistle Dixie I called Kyla. When we all got together we knew straight away that she was absolutely perfect for us. We really do feel like a big family.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Sheldon: Different things at different times motivate me to write. Sometimes when I'm feeling certain emotions I try to let them out through songwriting. Other times I hear others writing songs that inspire me and that motivates me to write.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Sheldon: The Pistol Annies, Luke Combs, Lennon Stella, Civil Wars, Glen Campbell to name a few.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Sheldon: I admire artists who go out of their way to make people feel valued and important. Troy Casser-Daley really impressed me when we met him backstage at a show we opened. He makes sure that you feel valued and appreciated. I hope to be an artist who encourages people to be the best that they can be and make them feel valued.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Sheldon: Marren Morris.

Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Sheldon: Definitely confidence. I have been in so many different circumstances when it comes to my musical career and in many of those experiences I have come out feeling torn to shreds in terms of confidence and self-esteem. However Whistle Dixie is a band where I have felt as if I could be myself completely and really grow and flourish as an artist.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Sheldon: Pretty normal. I have a part time retail job which keeps me busy, and when I'm not working I am with my beautiful husband and two kids.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Sheldon: The song-writing. Authentic, quality song-writing is something I am so passionate about and strive to produce. It is such a rewarding feeling when you complete a song and share it with the world.


Interview by Brooke Hunter