Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?
I am currently based in Cairns, Queensland which has a growing music scene recently stoked by developments around the city such as new performance venues, music bars, resorts and the ever-expanding list of big name artists now regularly performing in Cairns.
How did you first start playing music?
When I was fourteen I had chest surgery at the Royal Children’s Hospital which put a stop to my motorbike and football passions so I picked up the guitar. By sixteen I had already performed to crowds of thousands at various music festivals with my self-made music video featuring twice on Channel Ten. This solidified my love of music and from then on I knew what I wanted to do with my life.
What’s been happening recently?
I have been playing gigs like crazy promoting this new single and forthcoming album as well as rehearsing with my new band for the release show which we will be filming live on the 29th November.
Your new single ‘Moving To The City’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting for this track?
Lyrically, the song speaks of loss and the beginning of something new and was almost a form of encouragement for myself on the cusp of adulthood.
But because the lyrics dip in and out of darker themes, I thought it would be good to offset that with upbeat happy music to help deliver my message in a fun and evocative way.
How did you go about writing Moving To The City?
I began writing ‘Moving to the City’ when I was sixteen years old and I was planning on leaving my rural home to go and study music in Melbourne.
I initially had this quirky G major riff which I contrasted with an Em chorus, the song almost wrote itself. Then I went back and forth changing and re-arranging parts of the track until I was happy. It is definitely the most ‘pop’ song I have ever written and a great floor filler.
Where and when did you record and who with?
I recorded at The Studio Hutch with producer Kris Hutchinson.
How did you approach the recording process?
I initially had ten demo versions recorded before heading into the studio. I recorded basic ‘scratch tracks’ before getting a drummer in to lay down some beats and then Kris and I meticulously worked through the songs one by one, track by track recording and re-recording until I was happy.
Please tell us about how the music video for Moving To The City came to be created:
The clip for ‘Moving to the City’ was inspired one day while I was waylaid by the flu I wanted to create something light-hearted, raw and fun, that doesn’t take itself too seriously in order to reflect the sunny, lively feel of the song. So, I borrowed some lights and a camera, roped in a few extras and started filming.
Where and when did you film and who did you work with?
The music video was a DIY project filmed in August and September by myself, my brother Jayden and my friend Skye with a budget that only catered for fake moustaches and drag. It was filmed around the Cairns area featuring Elixir Music Bar as the main scene with local theatre professionals playing extras.
You have a new album coming out within a month, please tell us about the album and what it means to you:
This album is a representation of my time growing as a person and an artist featuring songs I had written ten years ago to ones I finished two minutes before a take. It is a roller-coaster of emotion and energy anchored by interesting riffs and creative progressions. I love every track on this record and I am proud to showcase this aural reflection of myself and I am sure people will be able to relate to and be moved by the songs.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I have been listening to a lot of Violent Soho, I really like those guys.
What do you like to do away from music?
I really like to spend time in and around nature and hanging out with animals, whether they are wild rock wallabies or my friend’s fat cat, I don’t mind.
You have an album launch show coming up, where and when are you playing and what do you have planned for this show?
The Album Launch Show will be held on 29th November at Elixir Music Bar. I will be showcasing all the new songs from the album with my band supported by Benny & The Clones and Talitha Jae. The entire show will be filmed and recorded live. Tickets are nearly sold out already!
What’s planned for the remainder of 2019 going into 2020?
Gigs and more gigs. I will be showcasing the new record solo and with my band around Queensland before branching out further south targeting Sydney and Melbourne as well as the festival circuit
Favourite food and place to hangout?
My favourite food would have to be Thai Green Curry. My favourite hangout is Elixir Music Bar in Cairns especially at the Wednesday open mic nights.
