Hussy Hicks are no strangers to the road. Over the years they’ve earned themselves a reputation as one of the countries most treasured and renowned musical duos, tackling thousands of gigs across the country and abroad.
We caught up with Leesa Gentz and Julz Parker to chat all things music and trips, and what a day in the life on the road looks like for such a busy, travelling duo as they hit the road for Oasis Afternoon in St George on April 13.
What does a typical road trip look like for you? How do you prepare?
More often than not, road tripping for us means heading to a gig, so we always make sure the van has plenty of oil, freeze a bunch of ice bricks and try and make sure we are well stocked on the strange things we like to eat and drink that aren’t immediately available everywhere.
"We’re so used to doing long drives that we usually just catch up on some admin - one of us acts as secretary, and then listen to tunes and stop for lunch somewhere. Then it’s usually sound check and get ready for the gig. That’s the part that we love the most."
What strange things would those be?
We are kind of weird and really into fermented things so we usually have a cooler bag full of krauts and Kvaas and Kombucha.
What else do you travel with?
We travel with an AeroPress coffee maker and some nice coffee and tea because you can’t always rely on good quality morning drinks when you’re really regional. Also, a pocketknife is essential - and a range of different weather clothing options. Spare strings and a basic tool kit for any touring equipment or (hopefully not) vehicle repairs. Oh, and some battery fairy lights for whenever vibes are needed.
So, what does a day in the life on the road look like?
We like to take time for coffee in the morning and a wander around if we’re not in a rush. We’re so used to doing long drives that we usually just catch up on some admin - one of us acts as secretary, and then listen to tunes and stop for lunch somewhere. Then it’s usually sound check and get ready for the gig. That’s the part that we love the most.
Do you have any secret food finds from your Outback travels?
We spent a bit of time in far north QLD in 2021 and it was all about the pineapples. They are so good it’s almost like eating sunshine. We try to search out seasonal foods and get amongst good fresh produce wherever we can find it. We also really get down on a good pub lunch on occasion!
Ok, so what’s the best pub in the Outback?
We got to hang out in a tiny town called Urandangi for a while and the local pub there was an institution. Some incredible memories from that place.
Are there any places you’d recommend people to visit in Outback Queensland?
We recently hiked the Carnarvon Gorge and it was totally magical. We camped on top of a plateau with a 360 degree view and watched the sunset. Unforgettable.
As such seasoned road-travellers, can you tell us the longest drive you’ve done to date?
That’s tough... we like to limit the hours per day where possible, but it’s not uncommon for us to drive long distances for many days in a row.
Once you get to where you’re going – do you stick around for a while or straight back on the road?
It’s awesome when you have some time to chill and get to know a new place and make new friends, but it’s not always the case. We try and maximise the enjoyment of being on the road by taking time to have some real experiences wherever possible.
Do you have any pre-show or post-show rituals?
Nothing exciting to share actually... we do love to drink good wine after a show, it’s a lovely way to de-frag.
Where can we find you on the Outback Trail?
We’re playing the Oasis Afternoon with Karl S. Williams and Jem Cassar-Daley in St George on April 13. We’re so happy to be sharing the lineup with these two incredible artists!
