WHEN Neil Gibson performed in an intimate venue in small-town Sheffield, Tasmania, he didn't expect a world renowned musician to be there.
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As he took to the stage, lead singer of the Tea Party Jeff Martin sat back and enjoyed while the folk blues artist entertained him.
"After finishing my set, I went to see Jeff Martin play at another local music venue and was privileged to hear Jeff praising my earlier performance to the audience," Gibson said.
Following the show, plans were made for Gibson to travel to Byron Bay and record an EP in Martin's studio.
Gibson said a genuine creative working relationship was formed during the recording process, and it was decided to not only record a five-track EP, but a full-length album.
"It was pretty amazing to be honest," Gibson said.
"I was lucky that Jeff and I got along really well and I found the whole process what comfortable and relaxed."
Entitled Leave A Light On, the album was recorded during two weeks with nine tracks penned over the span of three years.
Gibson said he was grateful that Martin was able to push him out of his comfort zone to create an album he was truly proud of.
"He's obviously a very creative guy and he brought great ideas to the whole process and pushed me out of my comfort zone.
"Mostly what I do is acoustic but we started playing around a lot with sounds and different techniques.
"Sonically we were kind of aiming at blues that was not overly produced but that had different textures.
"It took me by surprise how much fun we were having."
Based in Tasmania, Gibson is a blues, folk and roots musician best known for his heartfelt lyrics, guitar skills and his ability to take an audiences on a musical journey.
Predominantly performing as a solo artist, the musician's style relies on his unique voice, adept to performing gutsy style blues pieces to softer compositions of love, loss and life.
His fine musicianship is demonstrated through his ease of playing acoustic guitar while also using a stomp box to create a back-beat to his music.
"I have a massively eclectic taste in music and I draw my inspiration from anything and everything," Gibson said.
Neil Gibson will perform at Babushka Bar on August 14.
