Paying homage to Australian artists and bands, O’Neill Fernandes is set to release his 50th album is a double album with side A: ‘Great Southern Land’ and Side B: ‘Shades Of The Shads…Vol.4’.
DMR: Can you tell us briefly about your background and what inspired you to pursue music?
O’Neill: I was born in India (Bombay) and migrated to Perth Australia with my family in 1972. I was influenced by my late father, Austin. He harbored a strong love for the art and gave me early exposure to music. I immersed myself in sing-along sessions and picked up my guitar, which is how I started. Between 1992 and 2001, I also honed my craft as a mobile DJ.
DMR: How did you first get started with producing music, and what has your journey been like so far?
O’Neill: During a family sing-along in 2010, I realized how much I enjoyed the musical scene. So, I taught myself to play the guitar again and my wife Linda suggested I record my music. Soon I started experimenting and creating my versions of the songs I played as a DJ. I also taught myself the intricacies of music production through trial and error. Every Album taught me more about music both as a guitarist and producer.
DMR: How has your sound evolved since you first began creating music?
O’Neill: . Initially, my music featured a near-acoustic softness and uplifting melodies. Then I incorporated more diverse elements and explored various genres.
DMR: What’s your creative process like when you start working on a new track?
O’Neill: I often start with a spark of inspiration which might be something that catches my interest. Then I craft the melody around what inspired me, forming a backbone for the project. I try to experiment with different sounds and instruments to find the perfect blend. Once the melody is set, I focus on writing lyrics that complement the music. Then I use various techniques and modern music ‘plug-ins’ to enhance the sound and I spend time refining the track. I take suggestions from my wife sometimes and then shift my focus to final mixing and mastering.
DMR: Do you have a favorite instrument or tool you like to use in your music production?
O’Neill: Yes, I have a particular fondness for electric and acoustic guitars. I also like using the saxophone and modern synths in my compositions.
DMR: How do you find inspiration for your compositions, and what keeps you motivated to keep creating?
O’Neill: I draw inspiration from a variety of sources. They can be my personal experience, or the music, and artists that I love. One of the key factors that keeps me motivated is my desire to bring joy to people’s faces through my music.
DMR: Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
O’Neill: My music is deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Australian pop and rock history and is a homage to the iconic sounds of Australian musicians. Some of my biggest influences include Australian Crawl, Little River Band, The Beatles, Queen, Cliff Richard, The Shadows, Electric Light Orchestra, Engelbert, etc.
DMR: Your music has a unique style. How would you describe it to someone who hasn’t heard your work before?
O’Neill: I view my music as a vibrant blend of classic rock, instrumental covers, and reimagined hits. My style includes soulful guitar work and experimenting with diverse genres.
DMR: Do you have a particular genre or vibe you aim for, or do you prefer to experiment with different sounds?
O’Neill: I have a strong foundation in pop, classic rock, and instrumental covers. But, I don’t limit myself to one genre.
DMR: Can you tell us about your latest release and what listeners can expect from it?
O’Neill: My 50th Album is a double album with Side A dedicated to Australian Artists and Bands. The 8th Australian Album (Great Southern Land) from the project dedicated to Australian Artists and Bands covers the period 1965 to 2005. The music of the Shadows is what got me interested in learning to play the Guitar. So, ‘Shades of the Shads…Vol.4’ comprises 28 tracks that cover the period 1960 to 2024 and is Side B of the 50th Album.
DMR: Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
O’Neill: I have had many invitations for collaboration from artists across the globe but have declined them due to the unpredictability of my state of health.
DMR: If you could collaborate with any artist, living or past, who would it be and why?
O’Neill: I have a few. Hank Marvin, Cliff Richard, ELO, and Queen.
DMR: How has your experience been sharing your music on SoundCloud?
O’Neill: This platform has allowed me to reach a global audience. So, the experience has been good.
DMR: What role does your fanbase play in your creative process, and how do you engage with them?
O’Neill: I value their feedback and often draw inspiration from their comments and suggestions. I engage with my listeners on SoundCloud, YouTube, and Facebook.
DMR: Are there any memorable comments or feedback from fans that have particularly resonated with you?
O’Neill: Yes, sometimes they tell me my music has uplifted them at a time of sadness, which keeps me going.
DMR: What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist, and how have you overcome them?
O’Neill: Apart from health struggles, the sheer volume of work involved in producing and releasing music independently is what I felt challenging. This is why I maintained a disciplined approach.
DMR: What do you hope people take away from listening to your music?
O’Neill: A sense of nostalgia and joy.
DMR: What are your goals for the future, both as an artist and in your personal life?
O’Neill: I want to create and release new music, explore different genres, and perhaps collaborate with other musicians.
DMR: If you could describe your music career in three words, what would it be?
O’Neill: Passionate, Prolific, and Resilient.
DMR: What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
O’Neill: One surprising fact about me is that I am entirely self-taught. I did not have any formal music education, but my dedication has allowed me to now become a composer, guitarist, producer, and even a mobile DJ.
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