When your music career begins on a farm and continues on to include Phil Jamieson, Tim Rogers and Josh Pyke, you're bound to have some stories along the way.
Long-time Tallai local Phil Bathols has been rubbing shoulders with Aussie and international superstars throughout his 25-year career in the entertainment industry.
I had the privilege of chatting with Phil about his work, living in the Gold Coast hinterland, and what it feels like when Julie Andrews knows your name.
Let’s talk about your background. How did you end up in the entertainment industry?
I grew up on a farm in South Australia and was interested in the arts from a young age. When I left school, I ended up taking an acting course at Murdoch University in Perth. There I ran the bar at a show we put on. The bar actually made more money than the show’s ticket sales, which intrigued me.
I’d always been interested in the world of business, and I soon discovered producing – the intersection of entertainment and business, or the best of both worlds.
Perhaps a bit naively, in 1998 I decided I wanted to work for myself – and that’s how Spiritworks was born.
How did you cope with taking the risk of starting your own company and working for yourself?
I had the idea, then I took on the venue booking, artist booking, and marketing, and then I'd hopefully sell enough tickets to pay for it all.
In the beginning the risk was scary, and it still is, but I have more capital behind me now so there is more of a buffer.
I also feel like I have more experience measuring risk, so I know when to pull the plug on a project if need be.
What projects has Spiritworks been working on recently?
We have ‘The Man from Snowy River’ live in concert to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the film coming out. The film is screened with the Southern Cross Symphony Orchestra performing the award-winning score live at venues across Australia.
We also have the White Album Concert, where Chris Cheney, Phil Jamieson, Tim Rogers, and Josh Pyke are joined by a 17-piece rock orchestra to perform all the tracks from the Beatles famous White Album.
Australian legend Russel Morris will be performing with a 54-piece orchestra and a 10-piece band across the country soon. There is a lot happening!
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
There have been so many highlights – it’s truly a calling rather than a career.
Spiritworks toured Julie Andrews for the very first time in Australia in 2013. She stepped off the plane and greeted me beautifully by name, which was a surreal experience that I will never forget.
I also organised the 2015 William Shatner Australian tour, which was another big highlight.
How do you build relationships with other professionals in your industry?
It happens by osmosis. It was much harder in the beginning when I was trying to prove myself, but once your reputation is established it gets easier.
I know lots of artists and they know me – it’s a small industry.
I used to go to a lot of opening nights and functions to network proactively, but I don’t need to do that so much anymore. My shows are my calling card.
What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career?
Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, and don’t ever give up. You will eventually have your breakthrough.
There is a percentage of my shows that don’t work out, but that hasn’t dampened my passion for this work.
What advice would you give Gold Coast young people who are starting out in the entertainment industry?
Get as much hands-on experience as you can. Study is great, but experience is better as there are some things that can only be learned by doing.
You pick up so much knowledge by getting practical experience.
You’re a Gold Coast local – what do you love most about living here?
My family and I lived in Tweed for about 10 years before moving to Tallai, where we have been for the past 10 years in our dream family home.
My children go to a local school in the hinterland, and we love the lifestyle and community out here. The area is beautiful and there is a lot of nature to enjoy.
I’ve always said that the only way I am leaving the Tallai house is in a wooden box.
Do you work a lot from home?
We built a studio about 50 metres from the main house where I can work and where my wife, who is from the Himalayas, can practice meditation. It’s an ideal set up.
I travel in fits and bursts as I have shows all over the country – I love seeing the crowd interact with the talent at shows, but I also love being home in Tallai.
You can check out Phil’s upcoming shows and learn more at spiritworks.com.au