Nashville-based singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton, a Kentucky native, recently achieved a long-awaited milestone: his first-ever Australian tour. Despite boasting an impressive collection of accolades, including 10 Grammys and 14 Country Music Association awards, performing for his Australian fans remained unchecked until now. His recent string of sold-out arena shows along Australia’s east coast delivered the much-anticipated experience.
"People are so warm and friendly and seem genuinely excited to see us, and we're excited to be here," Stapleton shared in an interview with Saturday Night Country’s Beccy Cole. He also remarked upon the "really nice" weather and "great" coffee.
The tour marked a significant moment for Australian fans of Stapleton's unique blend of gritty, heartfelt country music, a sound that resonates with classic southern rock and soul. However, balancing a demanding tour schedule with family life, including five children, had previously posed a challenge. "We miss our kids a lot," Stapleton admitted, explaining the family’s decision to leave their high-school-aged children at home.
Central to Stapleton’s musical journey is his wife, Morgane Stapleton, who not only performs as a backing singer but also plays a vital role in his album creation since his 2015 debut, "Traveller." "We've been married for 17 years, it'll be 18 years this year," he said, emphasizing their close personal and professional partnership.
A Band Beyond a Solo Act
While Chris Stapleton fronts the stage, he firmly believes his live performance is a product of his whole band. Explaining his philosophies, he said “we operate very much like a band, and the guys that are on stage are on the record for the most part, From day one, it kind of operated that way”. Before headlining stadiums, Stapleton honed his craft as a songwriter for established artists like Kenny Chesney, George Strait, and Luke Bryan. This experience taught him the importance of team collaboration and creating an invested musical environment.
"I always have considered myself a songwriter, and always think of things that way," Stapleton states, highlighting the foundation of his artistry. He also express's that even while playing or singing, his core objective is always to serve the song.
During the Australian tour, amidst the whirlwind of performances, Stapleton found solace in local guitar stores. "I may have bought a few," he confessed, revealing his “guitar habit.” He finds instruments inspire him. “They all feel different and make you do different things. They all have stories, you can hold them, and they're transformative in some ways. They take you to different places.” The experience also provided him and his band with a moment of camaraderie. "There's a kinship among musicians from all places in the world, you can kind of find that bond over these things with six strings on them," he said.
Finding Inspiration in Silence
Stapleton's musical influences draw heavily from blues, southern rock, and R&B, and he returns to the classics when seeking personal listening pleasure. “My wife's more of the discovery person in the house, and I'm still listening to the records I was listening to when I was 17." He enjoys those older classic artists, like Freddie King, Tom Petty, and Willie Nelson.
Beyond musical influences, Stapleton values silence as a crucial element in his songwriting process. "I do enjoy silence a lot," he explained. "I think it gives you opportunity to… put the antenna up in the sky and see what comes down."
With his inaugural Australian tour a resounding success, Stapleton expressed his eagerness to return. "I don't see why we wouldn't come back," he affirmed, promising to include Australia in future tour plans.
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