PERFORMING on the weekend at Warrnambool's Fun4Kids Festival was a far cry from Australian Idol finalist Dan England's regular gigs.
But the 22-year-old said he enjoyed the experience and vowed to return to Warrnambool, which he said reminded him of the Sunshine Coast.
``It's definitely a different crowd to what I'm used to mainly because I've played to older crowds, but it's fun,'' England said.
The ``eclectic'' singer performed his single Stay, which will be released in September, at the festival on Saturday.
England has signed a three-album deal with independent record label Jellyfish, based in Melbourne.
After his exit from Australian Idol England had several offers from record companies, including a promise from judge Kyle Sandilands to sign him, but England feared he would lose creative control with a major label.
``I always wanted to sign with an independent label because I didn't want to release a rushed album,'' England said.
``I don't have to make a million dollars, I just want to be a long-term artist.''
England said life after Australian Idol was ``pretty hectic''.
``I've got a lot of work to do, but I'm having fun.''
England's advice to aspiring singers was to be prepared.
``Idol is a massive stepping stone,'' he said.
``If you were to pay for all that advertising yourself it would probably cost $1.5 million.''
England's exit from Australian Idol was controversial, with Queensland's Premier Peter Beattie claiming he was voted off in a ``daylight saving robbery''.
But England has no regrets.
``There were two other contestants on the show from Queensland and I don't think it affected them,'' he said.
England arrived in Warrnambool on Friday night and left for Melbourne on Saturday night.
Good to lnow he is getting some gigs.
Thanks for that
Thanks, that is such BRILLIANT news. Can someone post this on Original Melody? (I don't want to steal anyone's thunder). Forum members will all be stoked. We've known it was happening, but it's good to read an article like this with all the details, and the name of the company.
Hes doing some more shows with Shannon as well. I think I might be able to catch one again.
