Where the heart lies

NINETIES crooner Rick Price has a lot to celebrate on the cusp of the 30th anniversary of his seminal hit album Tamborine Mountain.

Price stole hearts as a breakout pop star in Australia in the early 90s and, 15 years later, decamped to Nashville.

From his studio haven in the hills, he reflected on the power of roots and the creative opportunities his home in the US has afforded him.

“I’ve been able to make a lot of my records, and produce a lot of people, and having great access to incredible musicians has been a bonus,” he said.

“I came out on tour with Tommy Emmanuel, and we toured around the states and Europe – I extended my visa, got a green card, and the rest is history.

“I was just really following my nose. I needed a change, and it seemed like a good idea.”

Price’s 1992 debut record, Heaven Knows, reached No.3 on the ARIA Albums Chart and begat two iconic Top 10 singles in the eponymous single and Not a Day Goes By.

His sophomore release was a homage to his Tambourine Mountain home and long-time inspiration.

The latest album, Hometown, is on a staggered release on digital platforms and follows an enduring theme.

“Anyone can find themselves in that song in their way, but it’s a salute to my hometown, growing up in the country, playing at the country dance halls and singing in church and at my grandfather’s hotel,” Price said.

“My memories of the dusty road, swimming holes, blankets on the ground all the time, songs and sing-alongs are very much alive in me and were my apprenticeship into music.

“When you leave a small country town, and you have a lot of big dreams, it’s great to come back around later and feel comfortable there.

“I’ve lived a lot of my dreams and taken a lot of excursions around the world, and I no longer have that feeling of like I’ve got to bust out and make good – when I go home, it warms my heart.”

Despite a volatile US political and social climate, Price is focused on his inner world and processing the themes he loves in the sanctuary of his studio.

“It’s a low-key and quiet place, and up in the woods is great for my creative process,” he said..

“There are always things going on Earth that are alarming, and I try not to get too tied up in the politics because they all ebb and flow and change.

“I like solitude, and my studio suits me – it’s how I love to work.”

Price has just signed the first artist to his new label, Clarice Records, named after his mother.

“She was the reason we were able to flourish as musicians,” he said.

“My mother drove me and my siblings around to all our shows, and the reason we were able to do what we did.

“She was always in the background and supported me as a musician, and working with other artists, it feels great to share that.”

The 40-date tour also features Melbourne-based Issi on many dates, Price’s first label signing.

The two have recorded Heaven Knows as a duet, released on July 11.

“I love working with other people, seeing the lights come on and sharing some of the things that I’ve learned over the years,” he said.

Rick Price plays Twin Towns on September 30. For tickets, visit twintowns.com.au/events/rick-price .