Steve Cal pumps out his latest single, Way Out West, featuring Robbi Zana
By Alan Shipston for Country Music News International Magazine
Steve Cal and Robbi Zana belt out this much loved song with a rich bravado that captures a rebellious spirit. The song begins with a steel guitar and concertina playing off an electric guitar riff as Cal sings,” Way out west where the rain don’t fall, got a job with the company drillin’ for oil.” This duet describes living and workin’ on the land as the singers leave their nine to five grind behind to discover a brand new life. The subtle twist is that Way Out West tells the story through the eyes of a woman leaving her wife to start anew. The change underscores the timeless message that everyone deserves the freedom to be themselves.
Robbi pushes into the second verse with, “They give you a house made of fibro cement, you don’t need no money, cause you don’t pay no rent,” as Cal and Zana join in on a robust chorus featuring a repetitive cycle of La-La-La’s. The solo returns to the intro figure with its loping gait reminiscent of Home on The Range. “There’s nothing much to do on a Saturday night, but get into some booze or maybe a fight,” continues weaving the lyrical story of how tough it is working on a oil rig.
Way Out West has been around for quite awhile when The Dingoes had their debut cut in 1973, charting at number forty in Australia. This was followed by James Blundell and James Reyne version in 1992 who took it all the way to No 2. There have been several other covers of this popular Aussi tune. Chris Stockley, Broderick Smith, Michael Bois, Kerryn Tolhurst and John Lee are credited with composing the song.
Based in Melbourne, Australia, Steve Cal is a veteran of the country rock market known for his powerful vocals and heartfelt delivery. “This is one of my all time favourite songs. Although it has been covered before, I felt that giving it a different slant would open the listening audience from Aus music lovers to all lovers of music. I hope it is accepted as it is delivered – honest and inclusive.”
Bassist and front woman for Shadowqueen, Robbi Zana has been electrifying audiences and proving her talent is at the top level. Zana’s vocals on Way Out West bring an earthy edge blended with enough grit to take the listener for a wonderful sonic ride.
Way Out West – a new take on an old classic available now on RTC Records.