By PETER DOUGLAS
THE Selby Folk Club has hosted some fine musicians in its time, but not many more talented with a guitar than Justin Bernasconi.
After first rising to prominence with folk group The Stillsons, Bernasconi has been impressing audiences with his debut solo album, Winter Pick.
The accomplished guitarist will now unveil more solo material at the Selby club on Friday 5 February, with doors opening at 7.30pm (tickets $10).
Bernasconi was born in London but arrived in Australia in 2004 and he told the Mail it was a life-changing move.
“I headed to Australia to uncover the renowned Melbourne music scene,” he said.
“There was always an affinity with Australia for me.
“When I was younger, everything changed for me when I heard AC/DC.
“Most people were into rap around that time but it was AC/DC who inspired me; I was too young to know the lyrics but their energy grabbed me.”
He formed The Stillsons with Cat Canteri and Ben Franz in 2006 and they released three highly acclaimed albums.
But in more recent years, Bernasconi has been finding his feet as a solo artist.
Interestingly, he felt the decision was not all of his own doing.
“The songwriting I was doing probably led me that way,” he said.
“Sometimes you don’t know where the song will lead you, sometimes you’re not in control, my songwriting led me to going solo.
“It has taken a while for the solo show to develop, to get used to not having a band around.”
His influences range across many genres, including folk, bluegrass, ragtime and blues.
But Bernasconi said it always came back to the guitar.
“Guitar is still the love of my life … I started about age 9, bugging my parents for a guitar,” he said.
He felt his technique has changed slightly since his work with The Stillsons.
“The past three years in particular, I feel like I’ve had more time to practise, to focus in different areas,” he said.
“My love of guitar has never changed, the more, the better – a new practise regime.”
To celebrate Bernasconi’s performance in the Hills, the Mail is offering a double-pass giveaway.
For you chance to win, simply email editor@mailnewsgroup.com.au and include your name and contact details.
