Simon Asquith hails from Byron Bay, one of Australia’s best known tourist destinations and famous for its surf, endless beaches, and laid back lifestyle. Listening to Simon’s music it’s easy to see how living in Byron for ten years has influenced his music.

His unique vocals compliment lyrics that communicate his outlook on life, and are delivered with the help of his melodic acoustic and thumping stomp box.

I caught up with Simon as he was preparing for a marathon four hour set at the Central Hotel on Sunday night, his last night in Port Douglas after spending the last ten days or so entertaining the Carnivale crowds.

“I’ve been to Port Douglas once before, so this year I got in contact with Carnivale organisers and have been playing at the Carnivale Club on the Sugar Wharf, and a few other gigs around town.” he said.

It’s hard not to like Simon’s work. It’s a brand of music that makes it impossible to think about anything else other than having a great time. It makes the tense relax, the worrisome carefree, and the naturally talentless guitar player (I’m speaking about myself here), envious and rejuvenated at once.

Simon first picked up a guitar at a young age and, influenced by ACDC, began his musical career in rock before moving into grunge bands as he got older. He studied at the Conservatorium of Performing Arts in Lismore where he honed his skills as a singer and song writer. “I hung around with members of Blue King Brown (another talented Australian band) and was just inspired by their passion for music.”

Simon sees real potential in Port Douglas for street festivals similar to those he plays at all around Europe such as the Barcelona Busking Festival and the Berlin Street Art Festival, two of his favourites. “In Australia the pubs are the places where most gigs happen, but in summer in Europe people just want to be outside enjoying the sun, not stuck inside, so all the action is on the street.”  he said.

As Simon’s four hour session drew to a close, Carnivale wound up for another year which raised the question ‘How do we continue to grow the live music scene in Port Douglas so we have quality acts like Simon all year round?’  It’s pretty simple really. Turn off the TV, get some friends together, and get out there and support local and touring artists like Simon Asquith.

For more information on Simon’s music jump onto www.myspace.com/simonasquithmusic.