Q: Where did the interest in music originate from?
A: I have always had a love of music from as early as I can remember.Both sides of the family were musical; not professional, but keen and passionate.
Q: Were your parents supportive of your musical ambitions?
A: My parents supported me in the form of lessons and there was always music in my life growing up, but I really have kept my ambitions to myself.
Q: Growing up, what artists had the greatest impact on you in terms of influencing your work?
A: Growing up, most of my influences came from radio, and the mix of all different styles and sounds. The Beatles, Elvis Presley in the '60s, and in the '70s bands like the Doobie Brothers. I was drawn to their rhythm and blues, rock style, and I think as a result, their music has influenced my music as it is groove based. The Little River Band in the '70s were also a big influence. Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf were the beginnings of my journey into the blues.
Q: Did you receive a formal education in music? If so, where?
A: The only formal music education was piano, piano accordion, and finally guitar.
Q: How would you describe the music scene in Australia?
A: The music scene in Australia is quite healthy at the grassroots level. The scene is mostly dominated by the indie-pop youth market, with most other genres making do with whatever exposure they can manage to drum up. Radio and advertisers are still babying baby boomers! On the creative side, the isolation of living in Australia, and living in the country, takes a lot of determination, but the process is cathartic, helping to distill ideas.
Q: How would you say you have musically evolved?
A: My maturity as a musician has closely followed my enlightenment as a person. Overall, I have consumed a lot of music, and musical styles but to get to this point, I had to have a template. I cited John Fogerty's example, a style rooted in blues and country but with an evolved concept that worked. I had to develop my own way of practically expressing myself in an artistic fashion to satisfy myself and ultimately be able to present a quality product. It has been a journey from early pop, country, rock, and blues to roots.
Q: Many musicians I’ve spoken to in the past find it difficult to retain a positive attitude towards the industry after a while. Is it the same for you?
A: I have had moments when it all seemed too hard, but I am at a stage where it has all tipped, and I am getting more secure and comfortable with my lot. I do try not get too excited or take the music business too seriously, though. Fortunately, I still love writing, playing, recording and enjoy meeting new people along the way.
A: I have always had a love of music from as early as I can remember.Both sides of the family were musical; not professional, but keen and passionate.
Q: Were your parents supportive of your musical ambitions?
A: My parents supported me in the form of lessons and there was always music in my life growing up, but I really have kept my ambitions to myself.
Q: Growing up, what artists had the greatest impact on you in terms of influencing your work?
A: Growing up, most of my influences came from radio, and the mix of all different styles and sounds. The Beatles, Elvis Presley in the '60s, and in the '70s bands like the Doobie Brothers. I was drawn to their rhythm and blues, rock style, and I think as a result, their music has influenced my music as it is groove based. The Little River Band in the '70s were also a big influence. Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf were the beginnings of my journey into the blues.
Q: Did you receive a formal education in music? If so, where?
A: The only formal music education was piano, piano accordion, and finally guitar.
Q: How would you describe the music scene in Australia?
A: The music scene in Australia is quite healthy at the grassroots level. The scene is mostly dominated by the indie-pop youth market, with most other genres making do with whatever exposure they can manage to drum up. Radio and advertisers are still babying baby boomers! On the creative side, the isolation of living in Australia, and living in the country, takes a lot of determination, but the process is cathartic, helping to distill ideas.
Q: How would you say you have musically evolved?
A: My maturity as a musician has closely followed my enlightenment as a person. Overall, I have consumed a lot of music, and musical styles but to get to this point, I had to have a template. I cited John Fogerty's example, a style rooted in blues and country but with an evolved concept that worked. I had to develop my own way of practically expressing myself in an artistic fashion to satisfy myself and ultimately be able to present a quality product. It has been a journey from early pop, country, rock, and blues to roots.
Q: Many musicians I’ve spoken to in the past find it difficult to retain a positive attitude towards the industry after a while. Is it the same for you?
A: I have had moments when it all seemed too hard, but I am at a stage where it has all tipped, and I am getting more secure and comfortable with my lot. I do try not get too excited or take the music business too seriously, though. Fortunately, I still love writing, playing, recording and enjoy meeting new people along the way.
