Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Leslie D. King & the Trembling Shakes bring the fuzz and the funk. Leslie D. King made the move to the city from his humble little country town of Cobden, bringing a swag of big, soulful, rock n roll music along with him. In his travels, he made his way along Victoria’s South-West coast, showcasing his music to every bar, nook and cranny he could find, in turn catching the eyes and ears of his now 7-piece band, Geelong’s Cam ‘The Ron’ Jerabek on Keys, Manchester’s soul queen Amy Powell on backing vocals, Aireys Inlet’s Matt ‘Thundercat’ Bourke, Lara’s Conor Walkeden, and The Melbourne East Golden Boys Ben Williams & Victor St Clair on Trombone and Saxophone.
Of the band’s most recent single, King writes, “This song is a full bodied, burner of a track, telling a story of the troubles you find yourself in when share-housing in a new city with strangers and finding your feet while dealing with the hustle bustle of the big city.” In our interview, King told us about his musical influences, the profound connection between music and his family, and his favorite concert memories.
Who are some of your musical influences?
A big influence for me is Nathaniel Rateliff, his songwriting and the way he delivers his music is so unapologetic and raw, you feel every single word he sings.
I’m also a big fan of St. Paul & the Broken Bones, he is a great showman, his delivery of a live show is electric.
Always, since the first time I picked up a guitar, Dan Auerbach and the Black Keys have been a huge influence, his creative way of writing fantastic songs from such simple arrangements is a talent I haven’t seen in anyone to date.
Honourable mentions to Alabama Shakes, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Houndmouth, all fantastic artists in their respective genres.
Name a perfect song and tell us why you feel that way.
“These Days” by The Black Keys. This song always takes me on a journey, again his way to write something so simply beautiful just amazes me. Always takes me on a ride back down the highway home to see my family.
Explain the title of your single “The Standard Dream.”
The song title represents that dream we all have of finding the perfect life, whether that be something like living your dream, to something simple finding something like a nice place to live. And both being just as hard to achieve as the other.
Tell us about the first song you wrote.
The first song I ever wrote was when I was about 14, I wrote it for my brother who sadly passed away from cancer. To be honest, it wasn’t a very great song, but that was the moment when I realized how much I loved music and how much I needed it.
What are some of the best venues you’ve played? Why?
The Evelyn Hotel in Melbourne, the fella who runs the show always looks after you and have had some of my fondest memories there.
Tell us about your favorite show you’ve ever played.
My first ever show with this project, it was our single launch at a small venue called The Wesley Anne, we sold it out and there was a moment where when we played the single we released, everyone sung it back to me, it was the first time I actually felt like I’d made it.
Leslie D. King & The Trembling Shakes’ self-titled EP is streaming on all services now.
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