By day he’s Dunedin’s Hamish Calder. By night he’s Wax Mustang, the self-proclaimed “six-foot stallion”. We catch up with him ahead of his Rhythm & Alps festival gig.
I would have to say Bones. It's usually at the end of my set so the petrol tank is near empty at this point. I have to give it hell and the crowd usually reciprocate that back at me.
5 What can the Rhythm & Alps audience expect from your performance at the festival?
A window into what the new-age Mustang looks like. Refined and polished, without leaving the mayhem behind.
6 Which other acts on the festival bill do you most want to see?
I haven't had a chance for to see Fat Freddy's Drop live yet! That's a must and excited to hear what Benee performs from the new album.
7 What does success as a musician mean to you?
I think it comes in many forms but the ability to create as my 'fulltime job' means the world to me. It changes with time also - I remember the first verse I wrote and recorded (awful stuff) was incredibly fulfilling and exciting. It's a combination of small victories I think. 8 What would you tell a young person wanting to be a successful musician?
Make your own formula and do it for the love of the art!
9 Who or what excites you most about music right now?
I've headed back in time recently. There's something special about finding a gem via vinyl or just digging through YouTube that gets me incredibly excited. Right in this very moment Chuck E's in Love by Rickie Lee Jones has me in a headlock.
10 You can only fit one album by another artist on your device - what is it?
Reasonable Doubt by Jay-Z and What You Won't Do For Love from Bobby Caldwell burned on to the same CD. There's always a loophole.
The line-up.
• Wax Mustang will perform on December 30, day two of Rhythm & Alps at Cardrona Valley. The festival is sold out, with registration for tickets for Rhythm & Alps 2021 opening January 7.
