Roger Murray
Professional Musician/ Performer, Independant/ Freelance
Written by Stephanie Audet on 2009-10-09
Roger Murray is a musician and live performer who has entertained Brisbane audiences for over 25 years. Throughout the length of his career, Roger has performed at various popular music venues both as a solo artist and a member of a band. He also independently composes, records and produces his own music. Currently, Roger is a regular performer on the Kookaburra River-Queen Restaurant.
In your opinion, what is the most prominent trend in the live music/ entertainment industry at the moment?
Well as much as I hate to say it, I’d have to say Hip hop. Also rap, to me they are the same but I am told they are different things. Music is also becoming definitely more electronic. We are seeing more DJ’s than there used to be as well which is probably due to this electronic trend.
What do you think about the relationship between traditional media and new media?
They are very competitive, in some ways the new media has probably enhanced the old because you can view the old media on new media tools such as the Internet now. For example, I can go on Youtube and watch a video from artist who was around 20 years ago. I would also say that new media, has just taken over old media big time. That actually upsets me a bit, coming from the ‘retro era’ I still enjoy the idea of reading your newspaper on your lap instead of reading of a computer screen and listening to Cd’s or records. I do believe that there will always be people who will remain faithful to traditional media though.
How has the live music industry changed since you first began over 35 years ago?
In some ways, from my perspective, not much has changed. You still go down to the corner pub and you see a solo guy playing with a guitar because the pub does not want to afford a whole band. He is just doing covers of what is on the radio and popular songs. The wages haven’t improved much, they were never good. The big shows are bigger now, that is the international acts have become bigger in sense of audience and performances. I also think the audiences now expect more from the performer, they now want to see a show and something that is more visual rather than just hear the songs. I think that is because of the video clips, every song seems to have a video clip now.
What changes do you see happening over the next five years in the live music/ entertainment industry?
Well I think the whole industry is becoming less live. There are fewer venues for live entertainment and like I said before even when you find a venue for live entertainers it is usually just a solo or a duo act because the venues can not always afford a band. The industry will become more electronic and more visual as in video clips and stage props. Once again the expectations from the audience will grow because of them being used to the visuals in video clips.
What are the biggest challenges you face as a member of the Brisbane media community?
Well the wages are not good which can be a challenge. There is no superannuation plan for musicians unless you put it away yourself, and again there are less live venues so it is getting harder to get work. As I get older that also lets down the odds somewhat. As much as the young people seem to accept and appreciate an older entertainer, when confronted with one they would not necessarily choose to go an see one and would go see an act within their own music genre.
What has been your most memorable achievement or experience working as a part of Brisbane’s media landscape?
That is a hard question as there have been many. I once backed the American band The Drifters, that was quite an experience. They were very professional and it was quite an achievement for a young musician to back a famous band. By back I mean we didn’t support them, we actually played their music while they sang over the top of us. Also, the recording that I have done over the years, you really feel like you are achieving something because you have a product at the end. But, I think the thing that stands out the most is the audiences over the years, their reactions to the entertainment and some of the incidences that happen because of them. I would have to say that the audiences are definitely the most memorable thing.
What would you recommend to anyone who wishes to follow a similar career path you have?
Be versatile, it is the only way I have managed to earned a living out of it. Being able to both sing, play a few different instruments and various styles of music. Be organised and remain professional and as said before, put something away as savings because the music industry is not set up for that. Any other career you would get superannuation taken out but not in the music industry. Also, be sure it is what you want to do because I must say after 35 years it has been a very hard road. Having said that, I love it and I wouldn’t want to do anything else.