"As Melbourne puts on it?s gloves and beanies, Sneak Peek is breaking out warm hearty Blues, Roots & Folk
on Thursday May 29 to keep the frost at bay! We have some of the hottest emerging talent in town from this
age-old but now exploding genre. Thurs MAY 29Th 2008 BLueS/rooTS/FoLk"
Chris Liesis - Sneak Peek

One of the Bands playing Thursday May 29 at the Evelyn is Tracy McNeil...

Chris spoke to Tracy...

#1. How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it?
Alt-country accusational love songs...with honesty, humor and a dash of sarcasm.

#2. How did you get together & who's in the band?
Up until now, it's been a bit of a revolving cast of characters...I have a habit of poaching various musos from the roots community here in Melbourne. Currently though, I'm working towards settling down with a consistent crew that can grow into something solid.

#3. What made you decide to play music? Influences??
I come from a musical family, my various parents and brother are all songwriters and musicians so it's been something I've been around since day one.

#4. Who writes the music/lyrics?
I do.

#5. Where do you usually play? What would be your ultimate gig?
Since arriving in Melbourne, I've had the chance to play in most of the local venues...the retreat, the gem, wesley anne, the lomond, edinburgh castle...the standard, the drunken poet, the nash, the carringbush....the corner hotel...the list goes on.
ULTIMATE GIG: would be a virtual gig...live feed, with my brother on mandolin at the Cameron House in Toronto and me and the guys in Melbourne...friends, fans and family at both venues going wild...and together we share a global sonic exchange.

#6. Best & worst moment on stage?
Fake eyelash getting stuck in my tutu in the Nutcracker...yes, that's it..the ballet. I was a dancer for the first half of my existence.

#7. Describe what you look like when you're playing. Got any sweet props or antics?
I guess I move a lot...can't seem to stand still...must be the dancer in me crying to get out. It's too late now though..I've switched to the land of late nights and beer drinking. You won't find me in a tutu.

#8. What's the game plan over the next 12 month? Any activities, recordings or shows we should know about?
Currently I'm recording Fireside Bellows debut album - my country duo with Melbourne songwriter Jordie Lane. We met on the Superhighway approximately a year ago and have recently been co-writing a slew of old time country ballads - two part harmonies and a heap of heartache.

Tracy McNeil are playing at the Evelyn in Fitzroy on Thursday May 29 as part of "Highway 9's" Sneak Peek event... You can read more about her on myspace.