By BEN CAMERON
VELVET-voiced drifter Eddie Cole will charm Gembrook music lovers later this month.
Monbulk’s Cole, performing under the name of Yellingbo, will launch his new EP Invisible the Chains of Orbit at Gembrook’s Forest Edge on Sunday, 16 November.
The new record follows his previous album, Groove Eddy Overload, which was an ABC Radio National album of the week and was described by PBS radio as “stunning”.
Cole said the new tracks were inspired by family, experience and travels to East Timor last year.
Describing his music as “mongrel folk” (“basically it’s roots folk”), Cole was inspired to strum a guitar by a childhood friend, and a primary school teacher to sing.
Curiously, he shunned a privileged upbringing to be a “rambling man”.
“I spent some time drifting in my younger years, not fulfilling the expectations of my parents and background,” he said.
“Formal education and professional qualifications were not my aspiration or even achievable for me.
“My craft has been music and my main occupation is as a guitar teacher.”
However when he became part of a Christian Church, it changed his view of the world and his faith became a “great outlet for music”.
“At the time I was just about to become a dad so I had to get my act together,” he said.
“A little house in the hills was what we could afford and it was a great place, especially for kids.”
He said he jumped at the chance to play on Forest Edge’s open stage.
“The hills are a beautiful area and the name reflects my connection and love of the area.
“I hope this music connects with people and that it’s a base for further creative endeavours.”
