Dewayne Everettsmith
Pop-soul singer and guitarist Dewayne Everettsmith releases his debut UK single ‘It’s Like Love’, a collaboration with the classical viola player Jasmine Beans, that will be the centrepiece of Tourism Australia’s international marketing campaign this autumn.
‘It’s Like Love’ is a song Dewayne describes as being one ‘that allows you the space to reflect.’ Aiming to connect with people on a deeper level, the song takes the listeners on a journey through Dewayne’s own backyard and helps them see how easy it is to fall in love with Australia.
Dewayne is spoken of as a rising star and a future great of the Australian music industry. He has travelled and performed in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York as part of G’Day USA, supported two of his idols - John Farnham and Archie Roach - and performed a duet with Australian legend Paul Kelly during the Melbourne International Arts Festival.
In 2011, Dewayne toured throughout both Australia and Europe as Gurrumul’s special guest bringing his talent as a songwriter and performer to a new audience.
From his childhood appearances within his own Tasmanian Aboriginal community, through many festival stages around Australia and across the Pacific and his audition for Australian Idol on which he performed a song written in memory of his aunt, one thing has become very clear - Dewayne’s a very special performer.
One with a natural gift, he simply tells his story to a crowded room and most individuals listening feel as though he’s singing just for them.
Raised in an adoptive family descended from a well-known Tasmanian Aborigine, Dewayne’s heritage might help explain where his musical style originates but his music can’t be so easily pigeonholed. Not only has it been influenced by his heritage, it has then been shaped by his tough early years and love of so many musical styles and great singers.
The Gurrumul tour also gave an insight into Dewayne’s life and self-awareness. Before singing ‘I Got No’ he explained, "I was taken from mum, who had a 20-year addiction to speed, when I was young and I was adopted by two wonderful people."
When his mother tried to apologise for abandoning him, he stopped her. "It was the best thing that could have happened to me - who knows where I’d be if it hadn’t happened."
"Dewayne Everettsmith, a uniquely gifted singer with hints of the soul of Marvin Gaye and the sunny beauty of Johnny Nash. His short opening set, full of memorable songs and glorious harmonies, was spellbinding." Bruce Elder, Sydney Morning Herald, August 2011. High praise indeed from Australia’s pre-eminent music critic.
Dewayne has been appointed national ambassador for the official ‘Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal’ - clearly a conscientious character whose love doesn’t stop at making music. A track called ‘Make It Feel So Right’, has been written solely for this appeal and proceeds from this song go directly to funding efforts to save the Tasmanian Devil.
Never doubt it - Dewayne Everettsmith, a name and a voice you’ll be hearing for years to come.