Based a world away in New South Wales, Pat Capocci first formed a band in his teens. Now 35, the seasoned guitar whizz continues to prove his credentials on the international rocking circuit. From the UK’s Rockabilly Rave, Hot Rod Hayride and Rhythm Riot, to Spain’s Screamin’ Festival, Germany’s Waldorf Weekender and Viva Las Vegas, the dynamo from Down Under never fails to bring a fresh perspective to the US/Euro roots scene. Authentic, yet confident in his own distinct musical identity, Capocci thrills and kills with trademark thunderous guitar, savage rhythms, and a stack of smoking, self-penned songs, an inspired blend of Western swing, country and blues – even a snatch of jazz. No surprise then, that he’s grown to be widely regarded as Australia’s best modern practitioner of rockabilly. In the past 10 years, the prolific performer’s released a handful of adventurous albums on labels including Press-Tone, Wild, Devil Wind and Ruby. Latest offering (a blinder, as usual), is double-whammy single Hot Hot Heat/Where The Eagles Fly (Sleazy Records). Over to the ultimate Aussiebilly to tell us more…
Congrats on your latest 7”, Hot Hot Heat, with what sounds like shades of Ronnie Dawson in there… do you ever consciously channel great guitarists when you play?