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"TAREE is stunning. I love it, it's really pretty."
Guy Sebastian might be an acclaimed Australian singer who has performed for sellout crowds both nationally and internationally, but he still appreciates the simple things.
"I took a nice picture as I was coming across the bridge on my last regional tour and put it on Instagram. Driving along that bridge is really pretty."
The singer is due back in Taree in January to perform his You...Me...Us tour to what looks like will be another sellout audience.
"It's been a couple of years since my last regional tour."
It is his third concert in the Manning with his previous shows in 2012 and 2013 attracting full houses.
2015 has been a huge year for Guy.
He has played sellout arena tours in Australia, performed at the Eurovision Song Contest and completed an acclaimed European tour (and is back in Europe for a few shows between now and Christmas).
"I loved doing the arena tour - it's what dreams are made of as an artist.
"But something I definitely missed from those regional tours is the intimacy. It's tangible when you are in a smaller venue.
"I also love getting out and meeting people.
"Some of the characters I come across the regional Australia are just some of the most interesting people and stories I have met.
"I'm really looking forward to this tour and stripping back some of the elements and making it all about the music."
Guy said small venues are really fun.
"For the musician in me there is more room to breathe.
"I can play a lot more instruments, including the guitar and piano and I can be a bit more creative."
Guy also has a new song, Black and Blue, which he's excited to showcase for the Taree audience.
"It will be a fun show. It's a bit different to how people have seen me before."
He will be on his guitar and using his drumming loop station while also joined on stage by two singers, a drummer, bass player and guitarist.
Taree is one of more than 30 venues Guy will visit on tour, and constantly being on the road can take it's toll.
So much so that Guy admits to "morphing into a grandpa" for the duration to protect his health and his voice.
"Being on the road for me is a little bit different than other people.
"The other night I had a show in Brisbane and Ed Sheeran had a show in Brisbane and we were staying at the same hotel.
"He texted after the show and said to come and have a drink in his room. He was so jovial and fun and everyone was having fun."
Guy said it was very different to how he follows up a show.
"After a show I can't be like that. I'm so stressed I'm going to lose my voice the next day.
"On a regional tour I pretty much play, and I don't drink much (alcohol) at all. Actually, I don't drink at all. I pretty much go straight to bed after it and rest up before driving to the next town."
Guy also completely changes his diet while on tour.
"A singer's worst nightmare is acid, so I avoid anything heavy.
"I hate to say I turn into a grandpa.
"I do relax a bit but I'm pretty pedantic about keeping my voice."
He appreciates that people have spent their well-earned money on a ticket so he is focused on ensuring he can hit his notes every time.
"After the last show I'm a wreck".
He also lets his hair down to relax.
"I drink for Australia," he laughs.
Guy Sebastian first shot to Australian fame in 2003 when he won Australian Idol.
Since then he has carved a successful career in the music industry.
He is the only Australian male artist to have ever achieved six number one singles and two number one albums in chart history.
He has won ARIA awards, achieved more than 11 top 10 singles, multi-platnium albums, platnium and gold certifications, more than three million album sales and is now receiving acclaim internationally and expanding into the European market.
Guy, who is also a judge and mentor on X-Factor Australia (which just wrapped its seventh season), said when it comes to career success in the music industry there is certainly a place in Australia for getting your start on programs such as X-Factor and Australian Idol.
"Look at all the people who won or who are in the top 10. There's Samantha Jade, whose now on Home and Away and is touring; there's Nathaniel, Taylor Henderson, Jessica Mauboy...
"There's a fairly good strike rate when it comes to shows when compared to the normal route.
He adds that it is hard to define what makes a successful career in the music industry, saying it is "multi-faceted".
"Don't be a huge tool. Don't treat people badly. It's important to treat people kindly."
He said that people obviously need talent and good songs.
"A lot of people fall away because they don't write their own songs.
"If you're not a songwriter in Australia, it's not like in America where there are huge stars like Rhianna and Bruno Mars who have songs written for them.
"It's really the songwriting thing. No one's really pitching their songs like in the US."
Guy Sebastian appears at the Manning Entertainment Centre on January 16.
Tickets are available through the Manning Entertainment Centre's website.
lauren.green@fairfaxmedia.com.au