About Carl Riseley

Carl Riseley has always been musical, but rather than with singing, his adventure began as a trumpeter – in The Royal Australian Navy band. It was only a recent switch to singing for the navy rock band that saw him focus on his singing, and then decide to give the Australian Idol auditions a crack.

There was a mixed response by judges to his audition, aside from Marcia Hines who immediately saw Carl's potential. "You have chops," she told him.

Marcia was proved justified in pushing him through to the Top 100, where he thrived, and continued to improve every week. By the time he made it through to the Wildcard round his dazzling swing-style performance of The Everly Brothers' "Bye Bye Love" he had won everyone over, and the judges placed him in the Top 12.

"I'm a trumpet player, I've been doing it since I could walk," he says of making it into the Top 12. "I can't believe I'm here." Carl's first job was mowing lawns and even admits his favourite film is Love Actually. The 24-year-old says the highlight of Idol has been "hanging out with the most talented individuals I have ever met."

Q&A with Carl

Q: I first realised I wanted to become a professional singer when…

A: I first heard Stevie Wonder's "Natural Wonder Album Live in Tokyo". To front a band like that would be the ultimate!     

 

Q: What is your favourite genre of music? Please tell us why you love that particular style.

A: Swing of course! Or Jazz as a whole, but I definitely enjoy all types.      

 

Q: Which previous finalist do you find most inspiring and why?

A: Bobby Flynn - The guy has the groove.      

 

Q: Have you auditioned for a previous series of Australian Idol? If so, how far did you progress? What motivated you to audition this year?

A: No.     

 

Q: Describe your feeling at your first audition?

A: Well… I was fine, quite composed until of course they said 'No!' and I had to come up with something good... and fast!     

 

Q: Obviously, it's important to have a strong voice, but what other aspects give a performer 'star quality'?

A: I believe in maybe what you might like to call a "NATURAL FEEL" or "NATURAL GROOVE" - that either you have or you don't.      

 

Q: Idol shows often follow a special theme like Disco, Rock or Big Band. What would your 'dream theme' be and why?

A: A great theme would be "Turn This Rock into a Swing Chart!" Hehe! I'd like to see that.      

 

Q: What would you call your debut album?

A: "Crazy Carl croons the Classics" Ha! No, I don't know what I would call it.      

 

Q: Why do you think Australian Idol is an important part of our local music industry?

A: Discovering hidden Aussie talents.      

 

Q: Which artist (dead or alive) would you most like to perform a duet with and why?

A: Donny Hathaway, now that's a phat voice!     

 

Q: What's the best thing about being on Australian Idol?

A: Hangin' out with the most talented individuals I have ever met!     

 

Q: Who is your favourite judge and why?

A: Marcia for sure! She's got soul. I really do like 'em all though.      

 

Q: How do you prepare yourself before a performance?

A: Ha! Well… I play the dominant scale in the song I'm singing on the trumpet a few times, get the key centre in my head. Then sing it as well.      

 

Q: What's the best bit of advice someone has given to you?

A: Whatever it is you may be doing, never get distracted - always be in the moment.      

 

Q: If you win, who would you thank first?

A: My little brother, for being my inspiration. "Natural Wonder Album Live in Tokyo". To front a band like that would be the ultimate!