Standish913.com has been blessed to do an exclusive interview with...
"MURRAY COOK"!
Let's get into some exclusive questions...
STANDISH: Since you were born in Sydney, what are 3 things you'd love to share about Australia?
The beaches - I'm a mad body-surfer, the "fair go" attitude, and of course the incredible, diverse, and thriving Australian, independent LIVE MUSIC scene.
STANDISH: How did you come up with the name "Soul Movers?"
Deniz Tek (from legendary Detroit/ Aussie rock outfit "Radio Birdman" did).
Deniz (lead guitarist) founded the band with Lizzie - He wrote and recorded the first album and I stepped into his boots four albums and twelve years of live shows ago.
STANDISH: What was your inspiration behind starting "Murray Cook's Soul Movers"?
It helps the OG Wiggles 20-somethings find us on the big festival stages - we do heaps of interactive songs and our set is retro rock & roll with a splash of Aussie Rock.
STANDISH: How many instruments do you play?
Bass, Guitar, Mandolin... and the fool, occasionally :)
STANDISH: Have you ever wanted to DJ for a specific country? Artist/band?
I just do my own things really - it's all about the crowd and making sure thaey are pumped and having a rave - saying that, Canada is looking good for 2025 - I have a lot of love in Newfoundland, apparantly!
STANDISH: Do you have any untold tales from "The Wiggles" that you can share with Standish913?
If they are untold, it's probably best to keep them that way ;)
STANDISH: Do you have a favorite song from "The Wiggles"?
Hot Potato is a ripper tho Georgia's Song is very special to me - it celebrates my first born who has brought so much love and laughter into my life.
STANDISH: Can you tell us about the signature index finger wagging move?
Sure - Anthony, Jeff and I saw it on a lawn bowls show when we were on a country tour and started doing it to each other on stage as a bit of a lark - it stuck - and then became our iconic sign-off!
STANDISH: After you went through your major surgery, were you scared you couldn't perform again? What helped during your recovery?
Never scared - it's not in our family ideology. My dad was a senior "top cop" (policeman) and we were taught to suck it up and get on with it. Of course, I followed my fantastic doctor's orders, but with support from my family and best mates. I did the re-hab and met my goal of being back on stage with The Soul Movers six weeks later.
STANDISH: Who are your mentors?
Slim Dusty, Russel Cook, John Foggerty - in a way! And of course all the great Aussie Rock artists I got to see play live and close up as a teenager - The Rolling Stones included!
STANDISH: Did you ever have stage fright? If so, how'd you overcome it?
I can get a bit anxious when I am worried about my gear - if pedals are a bit glitchy or one of my guitars are acting up it can make me worry a bit. Then Lizzie gives me a nudge, we crack a joke and on stage all is forgotten.
STANDISH: Do you have a specific routine before a performance?
Try to make sure everything is working, have a beer with the boys and make sure I have my stage shirt on at least two minutes before we are on - I can forget!
STANDISH: Have you ever broke a guitar on stage?
Naaah - they are too expensive - what's the point, anyway? It's been done before by legendas of the 1970's. I also hear that sometimes guitar smashers regret it. I have ALSO heard that sometimes stage hands put out the wrong guitar to smash... lol
STANDISH: What's the biggest/loudest place you've performed at?
I would say Maddison Square Gradens in NYC - 13 sold out shows in a row - we felt like we had moved in!
STANDISH: How do you choose your band members?
Skill and vibe/ musical taste - they have to be Motown/ Stax artists and music lovers - if it ain't funky - you ain't on stage with The Soul Movers! Know any good bass players? Ours is taking a family break after January next year - and he is INCREDIBLE - will be a VERY hard seat to fill!
STANDISH: What's on Murray Cooks playlist?
All the classics -including of course, AC/DC, our mates The DZ Deathrays, Bad Dreems, a dash of ABBA, and of course by new signle with "Sherbet" legend Darryl Braithwaite - "One Summer"
STANDISH: Name 3 people you would like to have dinner with, dead or alive?
John Grisham, Keith Richards, my best mate, Mark (he's too busy still!).
STANDISH: What else does Murray want to accomplish in life?
Peace and happiness - and more family time. I've reached my highest dreams with The Wiggles, now I just want to keep making great live music until I'm pushing up daisies and of course balance it with more family adventures - I'm still making up for lost time!
STANDISH: What are your social links?
Links:
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-soul-movers/343488226
https://www.soulmoversband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/soulmoversband/
https://www.instagram.com/soulmoversband/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0HEQOQK2Ct4rbqU3UK9R0Q
https://soundcloud.com/soul-movers
Muz DJ Tik Tok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@djmurraycook?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSoulMoversBand
https://youtu.be/Odc1WH5IYO8 Evolution Music Clip
https://youtu.be/pRXb9_wFFZs Hot Sauce Music Clip
https://youtu.be/U6ZEtYHiOgQ Circles Baby - OG Wiggles Workout Remix – Music Clip
STANDISH: Anything you'd like to include?
New single - just dropped last week - Sony Music should be pumping it https://www.instagram.com/djmurraycook/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DDLfuSNv6yo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
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