Aloe Blacc on the Red Bull Beat Suite

Aloe Blacc will be swinging back to Melbourne for the Red Bull Beat Suite, where he takes to the Melbourne Recital Centre stage with a fifteen piece orchestra and some of Australia’s best electronic and hip-hop artists. We talk music and Melbourne with the US soul singer who’s come a long way from needing a dollar but he is after a home-cooked meal if you’re interested. 

As the headline act for the Red Bull Beat Suite, what are you most looking forward to?
Hearing the special arrangements of my songs that have been prepared in a new and unique way.  Also experiencing the songs as they are presented by different instruments is very exciting.  I like doing things differently every once in a while to keep things interesting.

Has classical music played a big part of your journey as a musician and performer?
As a young child and teenager I played trumpet in symphonic orchestras and marching bands. During this time I played a lot of classical pieces and learned to love the movement of an orchestra.  Symphonic music is special to me because it tells stories without words and we have all learned to interpret these stories through the characters of the different instruments and various rhythmic changes.

You've been to Melbourne before for the Red Bull Music Academy. How was that experience?
I thoroughly enjoyed it and I encourage anyone who has the chance to apply to take it seriously because it is an amazing experience.  I had the chance to meet and make music with budding producers and musicians from all around the world.  I also got to see some of my favorite artists speak about how they have navigated their careers and become legends.

Is there any particular place in Melbourne you liked best while you were here?
There's a bar called Miss Libertine that I like.  I have been there a few times and have some really good memories of that place.  Not sure if it's still around, but that could be a nice visit.  Last time I was in Melbourne I bought a few vintage scarves on Chapel Street, so I might go hunting for some other things.

What are you most looking forward to doing while you're here in Melbourne when you’re not up onstage?
It would be nice to hang out with Lance (from the Bamboos) again and maybe make another tune together. I know that Melbourne is considered the artistic capital of Australia and I have yet to visit a museum to see some of the local art.  A good museum visit would be nice, as well as a nice home cooked meal if anyone is interested in having a special guest stop by.

For full event details head to the Red Bull Beat Suite event listing.