CMC Rocks Q&A: Morgan Evans

Having played the festival’s very first outing, Australian country singer Morgan Evans is no stranger to CMC Rocks. However, this time around will be a new experience for Evans, as he will take the stage as a headliner for the first time.

Before making his return down under, Sounds Like Nashville sat down with the Aussie crooner to get the scoop on playing a headlining show for the first time in years and how fans can get involved with the rebuilding process for Australia after the devastating fires.

CMC Rocks Festival takes place March 18-22 in Ipswich, Queensland. For more information, visit cmcrocks.com

Check out our Q&A with Evans before his gig below.

Sounds Like Nashville: You’re headlining this year’s CMC Rocks Festival in Australia – how does it feel to return home for this special event?

Morgan Evans: It’s a big deal to me for sure. This festival was started by my late manager and is now run by his son, who is like family to me now. I played the very first CMC Rocks Festival and, since then, have watched it grow into the biggest stage for country music in the Southern Hemisphere. To go home and headline, as an Aussie, alongside the biggest names in Country Music will be really special. 

SLN: What are you most looking forward to with CMC Rocks?

ME: The show! It’ll be my first full headline show with a band in over four years! It’ll be the first time any of the songs from Things That We Drink To have been played live with their full arrangements. Rehearsals have been so fun. I’m stoked for it! 

SLN: For fans who have never traveled to Australia before, what recommendations do you have of things to do or see?

ME: Well firstly, I always recommend trying to swing as much time as possible. It’s a really hard question to answer, it’d be like someone saying “Hey, if I came to the USA what should I see or do?” I usually ask a series of questions before I recommend … are you a city/culture/food type or an adventure/outdoors type? There’s something for everyone, for sure. For more info DM me! Ha!  

SLN: Any travel tips for the long journey?

ME: Ha! Not really! On their first few everyone trips tries to do the time zone math, they try to eat and sleep accordingly, etc. After more than 35 trips I’ve learned just to sleep whenever you can and enjoy the sunshine when you get there! 

SLN: Since moving to the states, you’ve gotten to play for a wide range of international audiences. What is the difference between playing for fans in Australia versus the United States or Europe?

ME: There’s subtle differences in musical taste and the way they like to enjoy music, but I think what I’ve noticed above all else is that country music audiences all over the world are very similar. They’re passionate, loyal and they LOVE to have a good time! 

SLN: Is there a dream venue you’d like to play in Australia?

ME: We actually got to play two nights at my dream venue on last year’s world tour, Sydney’s Enmore Theatre. That said, I have a feeling that headlining CMC Rocks is going to pretty hard to beat! 

SLN: Australia has obviously been in the news lately for the devastating fires. Do you have any words you’d like to share with your friends, fans and family over there? How can your international fans help?

ME: It’s been a horrific time for a lot of Australians lately, both human and animal. If people would like to help in the rebuilding and regeneration efforts there are lots of ways to donate. The Australian Red Cross or the Australia Salvation Army are both great causes, and the WWF is looking out for the animals too. Kelsea adopted a Koala, he sure is cute! Go check out their websites for more info, and if you can help, on behalf of everyone down there, thank you! 

SLN: What else can fans expect from you this year?

ME: We’re taking the new band on the road this summer playing a bunch of festivals all over the country and we will have NEW MUSIC! No details yet, but stay tuned!