O’Neill Fernandes is an exceptional pop artist who has been making instrumental versions of various popular numbers. His music is romantic and fresh. There is a certain positive vibe that his instrumental numbers carry always. This pop music artist from Perth has a tremendous amount of energy that he shares with all his listeners through his songs. He is presenting more instrumental pieces for his listeners to indulge in. We have thoroughly enjoyed the musical pieces of the album ‘The Next Time’.
Hello! We congratulate you on your latest released music. This must be quite a journey from a self-taught guitarist to releasing your 30th album. We would like to know a little better about the nostalgic music that you make. So,
1. Tell us more about this new album that was released on 26th January?
Ans. ‘The Next Time’ is a very romantic music Album which has special memories for me, and I wanted to encapsulate those memories through the songs and the music of the Album. The Album contains songs from 1959 to 2003 and encompasses different generations and genres. This Album is my 30th Album and I wanted to do something special in recording my favourite songs, some of which I have redone to bring it up to another level of musical harmony.
2. Please share the most vivid memory that you have of music.
Ans. Well, this one is special…During my time as a mobile DJ, I was hired to do the entertainment for a wedding. The venue was at a rural property not far from Perth. This was the one and only time where I had the amp volume turned up to the max of a 300-watt RMS per channel. The music was so powerful, I could feel the vibration of the music behind me, and the audience dancing were absolutely loving it…it was like they were in a musical trance. The song that was being played was ACDC’s ‘Thunderstruck’. I’ll never forget the moment, it was electrifying…
3. I have found this to be an extensive album containing completely enjoyable songs. So, any memory that you would like to share while recording these songs?
Ans. The Next Time is a very special song that has an emotional connection to me. I first recorded the song on my first Album ‘Shades of the Shads’ in 2012. This new version is exactly how I wanted to express myself through the music. It relates to the relationships in my life and that in the unfortunate event you lost your partner how would life go on, when you love someone so deeply…
Other songs like ‘Have I Told You Lately’ is a song I recorded for my wife Linda as we often joke to each other asking “have I told you today how much I love you” and the answer would always be…No, but you can always tell me again…
I could write a story about every song (some of it is too personal) on the Album but it would take a very long time to detail the memories, suffice to say, that the title and words of the song will relate to the memory. So let your imagination run wild….
4. Who is your musical inspiration?
Ans. Good question…If you asked me this question when I first started this journey, I would say that Hank Marvin and the Shadows would be my musical inspiration. But that is no longer the case, as I get my musical inspiration from a more Spiritual source. Ideas, thoughts, and suggestions come to mind all the time and often the songs that I have on my list may not necessarily end up on the album. The answer I feel is that I am being guided by a higher source and I am very in tune with the music I create.
It’s hard to explain to someone what you’re experiencing when the words are not able to capture the true meaning of the experience. It’s like the knowledge is coming from deep within and you just know the answers without knowing why or how.
5. Do you have any plans of collaborating with other artists of this age?
Ans. I would say No at this moment mainly due to health issues…I don’t need any more stress or pressure in my life to cater to deadlines or timelines. I also value my independence and creativity and not sure how this would pan out. But if the right conditions came along, anything is possible.
6. ‘I’ll be your Baby Tonight’ and the title piece ‘The next Time’ are both exceptionally nostalgic numbers that will make anyone fall in love. Any particular stories that made you choose these songs?
Ans. As stated before ‘The Next Time’ is a romantic song between Linda and me and our deep love for each other and how it would affect each other if we lost each other. ‘I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight’ is an old favourite of mine which I use to love singing whilst driving in the country. So, this brings back memories for me and I always wanted to do my own cover version.
7. What’s next in your bucket for your audience?
Ans. My Next Album is called ‘Born to Rock and Roll’ and will feature 20 great tracks across generations and genres. I’ll be starting this project shortly for completion sometime in March 2022.
8. Please share what made you realize that music is the forte that you will build your career on?
Ans. I was introduced to music at a very early age as my late Father (Austin) had a strong love for music. My friends were also music lovers, and this soon led to learning to play the guitar and sing-along sessions.
I was a mobile DJ from 1992 to 2001 and that was also a very positive experience in my musical journey.
My next stage was in 2010 when I started to learn to play the guitar and when I got cancer in 2015, I had a year-long break from music. It was music that I was drawn to for my healing process and which helped me get through my darkest days.
I don’t feel that I would have survived if it wasn’t for the power of music and its positive effect on my physical and mental state. Every Album taught me more about music creation and production. Feedback encouraged me to continue and here we are celebrating my 30th Album.
9. How are feeling about your musical achievements?
Ans. I feel very humbled…my greatest delight is being able to bring joy to so many people around the world with my brand of music. I have been encouraged to bring to the focus songs I grew up with, songs that have an emotional attachment and special request songs that has brought many a tear or smile to so many listeners. I feel very blessed in being able to do this.
To give credit where its due…the Music Promotion Club team has also been instrumental in helping me get my music to listeners across the globe and for that I am ever grateful.
10. Are you willing to share your voice along with your instrumental pieces in the future?
Ans. No, I can’t sing…so I won’t torture listeners with my voice at this time…
11. Are you willing to arrange a tour for your fans and admirers?
Ans. If you mean am I going to do a ‘live performance’ the answer is ‘No’. If you mean, am I willing to meet fans or admirers the answer is ‘Yes’. I’m happy to do that through a coordinated appointment.
12. Say something dedicated to your fans.
Ans. I want to thank all my listeners around the world from the bottom of my heart for supporting me through this amazing journey…it has made my life so much more complete…
Follow him on all social sites:
https://www.facebook.com/oneillfern
