Scotty Baker’s probably the star travelling the furthest to hit the Rockabilly Rave in 2026, and also the act you’ll be kicking yourself for skipping! We caught up with the singing sensation to see what’s happening on the other side of the world.

What inspired you to get into rock n roll? Were there any artists or bands you particularly connected with?

My parents had a record collection that was mainly easy listening, certainly not rock ‘n’ roll. But they did have one 45 that caught my attention. It was Johnny Bonds version of Hot Rod Lincoln. I believe it was an early 60’s recording.

The rolling guitar in the intro and throughout the song really grabbed me. That is definitely the song that started everything off for me. I would play that song over and over and over. I guess I was about 11 or 12 then.

When I was about 13, I met an older guy who showed me some guitar chords. He was an Elvis, Johnny Cash and Hank Williams fan, so once I learnt a few chords he showed me how to play some of their songs.

They became the artists that I really looked into and later really looked up to. They are three of my main influences to this day.

How is the rock n roll scene in Australia?

It’s definitely a smaller scene than in the UK and Europe. I guess that’s partly a result of our smaller population. But also we did not have the rock ‘n’ roll revival you guys had in the UK in the 70s and 80s.

I would say each of our capital cities have a small but strong scene. A big issue tho is the cities are literally hours (or days) drive, or a few hours flight away from each other, so it’s a big effort to get to a festival interstate. So we don’t often get to see our Rockin friends who live interstate.

It’s an older scene over here compared to the UK and Europe.

There is not as many young kids into it and there certainly is fewer younger musicians…

That is not to say there is no younger people involved, there is, it is just noticeable when I perform overseas how many young people are at the festivals, both on stage and in the audience.

Cars are a really big part of the scene over here and I’m sure you know I’ma car guy myself. That being the case I have written a lot of car songs across all 4 of my albums and they are very well received here.

How have your experiences been playing in the UK?

I absolutely love playing in the UK. The people in the scene are so friendly and welcoming.

I’ve made many many friends over the years I have been coming over and performing.

Another thing I have found is how well my original songs are received.

Some of my songs have some humour in them and the jokes are received well by the UK crowd. It seems the English and Australians have a similar sense of humour.

I have to say, I really do feel at home performing in the UK. I have been warmly embraced by the rockin crowd over the years and it is such a pleasure to play for you guys.

What have been some highlights of your rock n roll career so far?

I have been very lucky as a performer and have played at many festivals all over the world.

I have found myself performing in some amazing places, such as incredible mediaeval city centres in France, some beautiful places in the UK countryside, at some amazing beach’s in Spain and in legendary places in the USA.

Not only that, but I have also been very fortunate to play with some of the best and acclaimed musicians within the scene, both here in Australia and the US, UK and Europe.

I have had an incredible ride and sometimes, when I think about what I have achieved I almost have to pinch myself.

One of my biggest highlights in my musical career was playing in the USA on the main stage at the famous Nashville Palace in Tennessee, as part of the Nashville boogie Festival.

Artist such as Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Jerry Reed, Dale Watson and Johnny Cash have all graced that stage at the Nashville Palace.

Standing on the same stage as these country music giants, singing my own original songs that I had written in my bedroom back in Australia was a surreal experience, one I’ll never forget.

It was truly an awesome experience.

It never ceases to amaze me that because I write my own songs, I have found myself doing these incredible things

My favourite song of yours is ‘Ladykiller’…tell me more about that one!

I actually wrote LadyKiller on the flight back to Australia after the Nashville boogie.

It’s definitely not an autobiographical song, my luck with the ladies is famously bad!

I guess if I was being analysed by a shrink they may tell me that’s what was behind the song!? The idea of being the guy who wouldn’t be hurt by a relationship anymore..

And then, as I do with a lot of my song ideas, I took it to the extreme.

I recorded that song in England at Embassy Studios as part of my third album of the same name.

I had Gordon Doel on drums, David Doel on bass and Darrel Higham on lead guitar in that song and they all played their part in shaping the song.

It really took shape when Graham Dominy the sound engineer, said he had an idea and asked if he could please have his way with the mixing of the song.

He added all the light and shade, echo and effects etc. Without his for sight and talent it would not be the great song it is today.

It’s one of my favourite songs I’ve recorded too.

You’ve collaborated with the Doel Brothers before…how did that come about?

I guess that all came about after the second Rockabilly rave I played in 2014. After that gig I met the boys and we talked about the possibility of playing together the following year, which is what we did. Since then we did a European tour as well as a small UK tour.

Playing with those guys is such a pleasure. I always know when I walk out onto the stage, no matter how much time has passed since our last gig, that they are well prepared and the gig will go well.

I have been very lucky to have those guys as a regular backing band in the UK, we’ve played all over the world together, sharing that Nashville palace experience too.

I have become great friends with all of them and their families.

I hear you might have a new album in progress….can we get any spoilers?

Yes, recently I recorded my fourth studio album with the guys, again at Embassy Studios in the UK, (with a few extra songs recorded back here in Oz) that I hope to be released in time for the Rockabilly rave in 2026.

I would say it is a typical Scotty B album with songs about cars and girls but I have to say I think this album is my best yet.

The title track, Silver Fox, carries on the Lady killer legacy of a strong, handsome ‘James Bond like’ character, calling the shots in his love life.

Again, not autobiographical, even though I am becoming quite silver these days haha!!

Are you looking forward to the Rockabilly Rave next year? What can we expect from your set?

I am very much looking forward to returning to the main stage at the Rockabilly Rave. It is always such a pleasure to be back there amongst friends. And I love working with Jerry Chatabox, if it wasn’t for him booking me at my first Rave back in 2013, I wouldn’t have had all the international success I’ve had.

I will be adding a number of songs from the new album to my set list, as well as some of my favourites from the other 3 albums. I might even do a couple of my favourite covers that we recorded at the Silver Fox sessions that will be released at a later date.

What else is coming up for you?

I guess the big one is releasing Silver Fox early 2026.

It will be on the English label Ponderosa, the same guys who released Pop the question on 45 a few years back.

It’s been more than 8 years since my last album Lady Killer, so I’m excited to work with Ponderosa again on this release.

I’m lucky to have a number of local gigs on the horizon in 2026.

As far as international gigs go, other than the Rockabilly rave in April , I will be playing in Sweden at a festival called ‘American days’ in June and I’m working on a possible Spanish gig later in the year.

If Scotty Baker was asked to give advice to any up-and-coming musicians/singers, my advice would be start writing your own songs. The only reason I am where I am today is because of my own original songs.

I still remember the festival I was playing at in Australia back in 2012 where Jerry chatabox from the Rockabilly Rave was visiting.

After my set he come to talk to me and said he would love to book me for the following rave. But he told me I need to do a set of my own original songs. He said “we have any amount of great musicians doing covers over there, but nobody is in your songs”.

So I would definitely advise people to just start writing. Don’t be like I used to be, thinking no one would be interested in what I have to say.

I have since found it is a very big world and many people will identify with what you’re singing about.

Just put pen into paper and start writing about things in your life. Then get out there and sing them in public!

Kate Allvey