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| One of Australian’s most loved artists and nominated by revered music legends as one of the great voices of Australia, Guy Sebastian was born in Malaysia to a multicultural Sri Lankan family, which moved to Australia where all sons became involved in music through their Para |
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One of Australian’s most loved artists and nominated by revered music legends as one of the great voices of Australia, Guy Sebastian was born in Malaysia to a multicultural Sri Lankan family, which moved to Australia where all sons became involved in music through their Paradise church in Adelaide. Guy’s elder brother Oliver Sebastian has written many recorded gospel songs, while Chris, a younger brother has also commenced his musical career.
At 4, Guy taped and sang along to his favourite songs. Eventually, despite several setbacks in his teens, he became a drummer in a band and only after a couple of years when he found the band another drummer was he permitted to sing. Finally the urge to make his own music became so strong that despite his own familys disapproval he gave up university and commenced classes as a vocal coach, while he also studied music and music technology. During this time he was also part of the great Australian band, The Planetshakers, with whom he travelled Australia and overseas and also recorded. There is also a track or two available with SA Youth Alive albums. Early in 2003 Guy Sebastian submitted the song “NO MORE” for an Australia wide competition held by PilotPen and was awarded the winner’s prize.
In 2003 he was talked into attempting to try out for the inaugural Australian Idol contest, which format was completely new to Australia. During the competition, when he re-arranged songs into his own unique format which also displayed his almost 4 octave range, musicians and critics of reality shows – and the judges – were vocal in their appreciation of his superb musical talent and it was no real surprise when he won, despite the very great talents displayed by the other competitors. Some comments included “I think your voice is the most beautiful instrument I have ever heard” (Marcia Hines, celebrated US/Australian artist), “I simply never tire of hearing you sing, a true joy and privilege - you are a sublime talent” (Mark Holden, musician/singer and writer of numerous No. 1 hits), “You’re the best unsigned talent I’ve ever heard – you’re destined for enormous success” (Ian Dickson former marketing director of BMG record company).
Guy Sebastian was given “Angels Brought Me Here” as his debut limited edition single, which almost broke all speed barriers in sales, and his DEBUT ALBUM “JUST AS I AM” , which features three of his own original songs, reached almost 7 platinum, due to the frenzy of obtaining something of his voice. It sold over 2 ½ platinum in the first week. (However, there are many other tracks available from pre-competition, including two solos and of course “No More” for those lucky enough to obtain that). He not only had no.1s in Australia but also in New Zealand and several Asian countries, where other singles reached the top 3.
It appears that no-one was quite prepared for the incredible whirl of fame that continued in 2004. Guy toured with the group to huge sell-out crowds in entertainment centres and theatres, he appeared in Asia and New Zealand to continuous accolades, took part in his church’s recording of GOSPEL ALBUM “PARADISE LIVE – ADORE” cd/dvd album (in which he sings the major part in three tracks, on of which he wrote with his Pastor). He even flew back from Malaysia to take part in an Easter Gospel Festival at Toowoomba, before flying back again to Malaysia the same day. He was then sent overseas to write for the 2nd album, writing with such well knowns as Robin Thicke, Beau Dozier, David Ryan Harris, Brian McKnight etc. Unfortunately, the timing for the 2ND ALBUM BEAUTIFUL LIFE (October 2004) coincided with the amalgamation of Sony/BMG record labels and while the launch was tremendous, and overseas interest was immense (see www.alexa.com), that very successful tour was rushed and lost momentum (only 4 weeks from the announcement of the tour and its start, and the album), with New Zealand and Asia ignored, they felt snubbed.
Guy continued to tour and write for his 3rd album, and meanwhile he was in huge demand for private corporate gigs and TV appearances, barely able to field everything that was offered. Guy again took part in the recording of the 2nd Paradise GOSPEL ALBUM – PARADISE – SET ME FREE (cd/DVD) and toured Asia with that group.
He also became a World Vision Ambassador as well as being a McDonalds ambassador, and was nominated for Young Australian of the Year.
In 2006 Guy Sebastian’s star was continuing to rise even higher and he was asked to appear in the series “It Takes Two”, where he showed Australia once again why he is considered such an innate artist. A well known journalist penned an article, the gist of which was while Guy brought his extraordinary talents to the show which was greatly enhanced by his presence on it, he was simply too ‘big’ and ‘too popular’ to take part in such competitions. The TV media however continued to ask him to appear whenever they could.
At the finale of that show Guy sang an inspirational song penned by him, Gary Pinto and Phil Turcio, “Taller Stronger Better” which received such huge acclamation that it was decided to make it the first single off the 3RD ALBUM (CLOSER TO THE SUN). However, while it may have been cool to play similar songs by ‘gritty bands’, radio was loath to play it as Guy is a committed Christian and has a major ‘nice guy’ image which they apparently felt was not cool enough. And yet during this same period those same stations might play “My Sweet Lord” by the late George Harrison. However, even despite the lack of airplay the single went gold and is generally considered around the world as one of the true anthems of recent years. It is available on the World Youth Day Album 2008
So much is he in demand that quite often around the busier parts of the year he will be doing two gigs per night, especially at Christmas time.
Guy Sebastian’s stunning shows early in 2007 set a new height for artistic and musical integrity, pulling in even more fans. The Australian Philharmonic Orchestra approached him and he had two shows at the Sydney Opera House and one in Melbourne, which again showed his continued evolution as a musician / singer. UK conductor Gavin Sutherland accorded him the highest label of ‘a musician’s musician’ as an artist, and gave him the accolade of ‘streets ahead of the rest!’ During these shows different groups and individuals in the audience would simply be overcome and gave standing ovations, with finales reaching a peak of seven standing ovations by the entire audience at the end of the shows in Sydney. Unfortunately due to new prior commitments Guy was unable to do more of these shows, as after a world wide search by the WYD organisation, his song written with Gary Pinto had been applauded as the theme song for the World Youth Day 2008, with all the recording, filming and appearances that was thereby entailed. The song “Receive the Power” is available from the WYD08 site and Itunes, and the song and video are open to the public on many sites. The WYD 2008 ALBUM, “RECEIVE THE POWER” is available from Sanity.
Guy travelled to the US, and was accorded the absolute honour of recording with (Booker T and) the MGs house band at Ardent Studios, where they recorded with 14 tracks out of the 15 as first takes, including his own “I’d Like to Get to Know You”; jammed with Steve Cropper and Duck Dunn at BB Kings Restaurant, following Sheryl Crow and her father; sang in New York to an explosion of applause as people rushed the stage and tours with his legendary band the MGs. Steve Cropper describes Guy (see youtube) as “mind boggling”. John Fry of Ardent Studios is so impressed with his 4TH ALBUM “THE MEMPHIS ALBUM” and Guy that he is already suggesting that it be placed in the Stax Museum in the Here and Now. The Memphis Album has already gone 2P in 10 weeks.
Spoken fondly of as “the coolest guy”, “the nicest guy on the planet”, the “most beautiful person I’ve ever met”, and “my favourite person in the whole world” by the cool media, Guy Sebastian has only just started to soar! We look forward to his own 5TH ALBUM (expected around mid 2008) and he has been writing with David Ryan Harris.
THE MEMPHIS ALBUM has been reviewed as astonishing and authentic, oozing freshness and excitement, technically amazing, fresh, electrifying, an awesome jam session and superb, while Guy’s supreme talent and gravelly voice shows joyous individuality. Even the Memphis Flyer bowed down!
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Discussion Topic
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Creator
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AWARDS in Reviews - the most
important Awards of all
The Weekend Australian
pulling astonishing, authentic soul
performances out of the depths. While his
vocal performances are technically amazing,
more impressively he has absolutely nailed
the rhythm and spirit of the material,
sounding for all the world like he means
every lusty word.
Sunday Herald Sun
Sebastian nails the tunes. He's respectful
yet unafraid to inject them with a joyous
individuality.
Melbourne Bay Side Weekly
Trendy inner city types may scoff at
Australian Idol, but not even the most ardent
local rock pig could deny the talent of the
show's inagural winner Guy Sebastian.
News.com.au Entertainment
The tracks are joyful, funky and of course,
soulful.
To record an album packed with such
well-known classics can be a risky business,
especially with all the self-proclaimed soul
experts lurking on every corner. But luckily
for Guy Sebastian he’s supremely talented and
revived the tunes for another modern audience
to enjoy for a while.
Woman's Day Magazine
If anyone needs proof Guy Sebastian is a
vocal superstar, listen to this album.
The Surf Coast Echo
Unlike other cover albums Sebastian has
respected the original composition but still
managed to add his own flair to it with the
final result satisfying fans of the original
tunes and opening a new audience to the soul
sound. The most decent cover album to come
out in a long while.
The West Australian
BUT even the hardest followers of songs caked
in Memphis mud should bow generously to the
subtleties in band performance and the
singer's deft use of falsetto and depth of
feeling. In fact, the latter two are
highlights, notably throughout Greens'
Lets stay together.
Kid Zone
The Memphis album, takes a step back in time
and sounds like one awesome jam session with
extremely talented musos from America.
TV Week Magazine
Hot Diggity Dog, how good does Guy sound
singing soul classics? The Fro-ster's
gravelly soul voice comes of age on this
album and is the perfect fit for these fab
classics.
Brisbane Sunday Mail
Even true Memphis buffs are crowing about
Sebastian's excellent work on songs such
as Soul Man, Hold On and In the Midnight
Hour.
Townsville Bulletin
But despite the familiarity of the material,
Sebastian's trademark vocals unleash
something new and pleasing
Adelaide Sunday Mail
He tackles Al Green, Sam & Dave, Wilson
Picket and many more with expertise that,
frankly is astonishing.
Lojiks.com
Hearing Guy’s amazing voice interpret
timeless songs such as Soul Man, In The
Midnight Hour, Hard To Handle and my personal
favourite, Otis Reading’s I’ve Been Loving
You (A Little Too Long) is nothing short of
breathtaking.
Doubleday Music Club
Guy puts those stunning vocals to brilliant
use on The Memphis Album, a selection of
classic songs set to appeal to fans of every
generation.
The result is a modern take on some of the
most evocative soul classics of the '50s
and '60s, a passionate reinterpretation of
timeless tunes, and a thrilling showcase for
Guy's extraordinary talents.
Evil Wombats Lair
‘The Memphis Album’ is still easily the best
album I’ve heard in quite a long while; in
fact, I’m retroactively making it my album of
2007.
If anyone reads this that actually doesn’t
own the album…well what are you waiting for?
Guy Sebastian has well and truly come of age
as a singer, songwriter, performer, and
pretty much anything else he wants to be.
Forget what you think you know about the man;
I know I have. Instead, just go and pick this
album up, give it a listen, and enjoy a
musical experience which harkens back to the
heyday of Soul music while still managing to
have its own modern vibe.
And a few words from other parts of the world
biggrin.gif
Poland. The Last Stand
he refreshed original artists but put in his
own soul. Has brought together technical
grace of our time with classic style. Only
one word can fully illustrate this action and
that is “ honour“ Each track was performed
with ease and lightness care and not
overdone. .
Respect for predecessors pours with each
note, every single sound. Surprisingly, how
well you can feel in someone else’s
repertoire, while maintaining one’s own
image. It is as if all the compositions were
written specifically for him. Not only does
it give him an opportunity to demonstrate
vocal ability but above all, it’s the picture
of his interior. Guy’s music here is simple
unity.
The Middle East. Gulfnews.com
He has recorded excellent versions of some of
the classics of soul music, including Otis
Redding's (Sittin' On) The Dock of the
Bay, Let's Stay Together and Knock On
Wood. Other highlights include Under the
Boardwalk and Soul Man. However, perhaps the
best track on the album is Guy's version
of In the Midnight Hour. It is
electrifying.
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