What inspired you to become a musician?
Every Wednesday after school, my grandma would pick me up, take me home, sit me at the family piano and try to teach me something more complex than chopsticks. She was a wonderful pianist and still plays every day. Unfortunately, at age 9, I wasn’t very keen to learn. I decided to “transition” to guitar mainly to get away from grandma slapping me for not reading the music!
By 16, I had got decent enough to start a band with mates from school. We couldn’t find a singer, so I drew the short straw and learnt to sing. We played 2 gigs together, but then the bass guitarist got a girlfriend. Things went downhill quickly for the band after that…
Much later, I was heading off to Uni (for the second time) and needed a job to pay the bills. I dusted off the old acoustic guitar and sent a few demo’s around. Luckily a couple of pubs took me on as a soloist. After a few solid months of gigs and the odd function, I signed on with EAO.
So that’s what inspired me to become a musician—a checkered musical past, and a cash flow problem.
Who is your favourite/inspiring artist and why?
I have always loved the band Switchfoot, ever since I got my first CD “The Beautiful Letdown”. I listened to that thing on repeat for 3 years! Their music is like home every time I hear it. Music is amazing, lyrics are inspiring!
If you haven’t heard “Dare You to Move”, I dare you to look it up.
Who is your go-to artist or what is your go-to playlist on spotify?
When I’m feeling nostalgic, I get into some alt rock from the 2000’s. Kisschasy, Boys Like Girls, New Empire, Linkin Park, Evermore, Jet…
I always find it refreshing listening to that stuff. Then again, a lot of Triple J artists are slappin’ right now. Benee, The Kid Laroi, Amy Shark…
First concert that made the biggest impression?
My first ever concert was Linkin Park, at Newy Entertainment Centre. The sheer volume and energy of it was incredible! Chester’s vocals were amazing the whole time! He sang everything with the exact same passion he does on their records. It was seriously impressive. I just left that concert wondering how the heck I could get involved in something like that.
Most amazing gig moment you’ve had?
I’ve had a few really special moments; the whole crowd singing Teenage Dirtbag with me at Queens Wharf Hotel; celebrating the end of a wedding reception with all guests belting out The Horses, watching a few lonely dancers at the farmers markets really connecting with The Beatles.
I can’t put my finger on just one, but that’s what music is all about. People connecting with one feeling, at one time, all together.
Most embarrassing gig moment you’ve had?
Plenty of these too, lol.
Probably the most embarrassing moment was from a wedding early in 2021. Towards the end of the night, the Aunty of the bride wanted to do some karaoke with me. I can’t remember the song she sang, but halfway through, her performance got interesting… It started out G rated, but progressed to MA15+ pretty quickly.
It was the only time I ever cut a song short due to health and safety concerns.
What are you working on at the moment?
Right now I’m learning new songs to take into 2022. A few of these are songs for upcoming weddings. Some I’ve always wanted to learn and play with my loop pedal. The pursuit of good tone is never ending.
What is the career milestone you have reached so far that got you really excited?
Partnering with EAO was definitely an achievement. For me it meant a stable income from music and the ability to continue doing the thing I love.
What other milestones are you aiming to reach?
I would love to put out some of my own music. I haven’t released anything before, but I would love to get some of my ideas out there 🙂
Stay tuned I guess?