Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your musical journey and background?
I always considered myself an Ok singer, average guitarist and even more average keyboardist. The reason being is that I was never able to full commit to any of these skills until after I retired from workforce in 2019. My music journey has always butted up against the need to earn and income and the other callings in my life which I have served along the way. But music is in my DNA through my father and his father. There were a few periods in my life when I was able to leave paid employment for periods where I found I was able to write songs and in writing these draw upon my own experiences and observations of life in the mainstream. So whilst Im nothing more than musically competent I bring diversity of life and experience to my music and consider myself a multi-dimensional song writer with a slight leaning to the meta physical side of things. I guess if there is a strength and uniqueness to my music, this is where it lives.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound and style?
As kid growing up in the musically fabulous 60s and 70s I was hooked on listening to top 40s music. I had a passion for memorizing every song I ever liked and all of these are seared into my musical hard disk. I loved the harmonies of the Bee Gees, the biting lyrics of John Lennon, the raunch of The Stones, the mystery of the Moody Blues, the easiness of The Eagles, the wistfulness of Cat Stevens, the magical Simon and Garfunkel, the earthiness of Creedence Clearwater Revival, country comfort of John Denver, growing up with Elton and Bernie. Whilst not one single artist or group stands out as a dominant influence. all of these artists and many more are etched on my hard drive and put the hand up from time and tell me something. But it is not just musical influence it also other artists in particular where a great book or memorable phrase can lead to creation of a song.
Can you share a specific artist or album that has had a significant impact on your music?
There is no single artist or album that stands out, but having no choice my most favorite song of all time is the single Bridge Over Trouble Water for its depth, power and beauty.
What’s your creative process like when you’re composing or writing a new song?
The first things is that you must have the feeling of wanting to write a song – the drive. You must feel the creative urge. Without that you get nothing. Next is making sure your guitar is nearby at all times as well as a recording device so that nothing falls through the cracks. After that the genus of a song can start from a melody that emerges from a verbal phrase or a series notes or rhythm from the guitar. I often see phrases whilst reading and they stick in my head eg reading a Margaret Attwood’s, A Handmaid’s Tale I saw the words ‘careful she might hear you’ and that resonated with me – hence the song of that title.
Among all the songs you’ve created, do you have a personal favorite? If so, what makes it special to you?
Ask any songwriter what is their favorite song and they will balk at replying possibly saying that it’s like asking a parent which is their favorite child. No it can’t be done. But perhaps like parenting the song that has just been born does shine a bit brighter for a period of time before it joins the others in the gallery – all quietly waiting for recognition from the outside world
Can you share the story or inspiration behind that particular song?
Let’s talk about your latest song. What’s the title, and what’s the story or message behind it?
I am now working on material for my fourth album so none of my recent songs are on this my first released album. My first album does include songs written in 2019 to 2022 as well a couple from earlier periods. OK I’ll pick the single All in the Groove from my first album. This is my protest against people who protest all the time and want to tear down existing social institutions. I’m not on board with destruction and anarchy and I’m not in the the groove with a lot of educated people who think that it is not cool to believe in the basic virtues of intellectual honesty and personal decency and personal accountability.
Share a memorable or unique experience from one of your live performances.
As a potential entertainer I have always been hamstrung by chronic shyness. So performing live is not something I enjoy doing. I did try a few times in bands and whilst that worked ok the compromises needed when working with others is to difficult to cope with. As a solo artist I doubt that it will ever perform live – hey but you never know.
Beyond music, do you have any hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about? How do they influence your music?
Beyond music I have dabbled in numerous things over the years from home restorations, classic car collecting and numerous other things. They all come and go and the come back again.
Is there a dream collaboration you’d like to pursue in the future?
I don’t really have desire to work with other musicians I think its because the music is a bit too personal. But if I did need to get a show together there are some local guys near where I live in rural Australia that would make a decent back up band.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting their journey in the music industry?
People will follow their own star and perhaps that is all you need to do. You could end up in a group doing great cover songs (or even ordinary cover songs), or you may end up a being a mega star, whatever, just be true to yourself and play to your strengths – if you get pleasure out of it, do it. The will be many who will knock you along the way but just push through anyway. Use the experience of hard times as rocket fuel for future projects. And remember that you are not alone in the journey and support will always be there for you from loved ones, caring advisers, hard assed music people and a personal God who walks with you through the journey. Try not to let success go to your head, in the end you are just doing what you are supposed to be doing if it was not meant to be, it would never of happened
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or new music you have in the works? What can your fans and listeners look forward to from you in the near future?
In addition to finishing off future albums I want to get more experienced in marketing my music as well as putting together my own videos. As a non live performer I’m thinking that good videos may be a legitimate alternative to being on stage … we will see.