1.Growing Up

I grew up in the Sutherland Shire, listening to my parents sing and play piano. My dad composed the music that my mum walked down the aisle to, which I reckon is pretty cool. They got me started on the trumpet but I finally convinced them after a few dramatic arguments (maybe even tears) to get drum lessons. I started playing guitar after I finished school and reading a lot, growing interested in pairing words with music.

2. Inspirations

Willy Mason is one of my favourite songwriters. His no-nonsense, unaffected vocal style and turn of phrase has always been an inspiration to me. I was lucky enough to meet him last year while he was in Australia. He played an unadvertised show in Marrickville in a small bar with about 12 people in the room. Paul Kelly is royalty, enough said.

3.Your Band

I’ve been playing with my bassist for about five years now: his name is Cam Whipp. We met at a café we were both working in at the time. I actually fainted at the register on my first shift and he jumped off the coffee machine and helped me up. I knew he was a keeper after that: he’s had my back ever since! Rob Turner bangs on the drums, and young-gun Monty Richmond plays guitar. I’ve never met a bloke with so much conviction and drive. Rob, Monty and I live together in Glebe, which makes rehearsals easy. We occasionally steal each other’s avocados from the fridge but apart from that it’s all smiles. I’m blessed to have such a talented bunch of lads playing with me.

4. The Music You Make

I’d call it a blend of folk / rock. It’s never really moved much away from that, although a rap career is a dream of mine: maybe in another life.

5. Music, Right Here, Right Now

I think the Sydney scene is alive and kicking at the moment. There’s a pretty strong sense of community with other bands and venues working together to get things happening again. There’s always a strong vibe at SlyFox on a Thursday night. There are some sick bands in operation too. I’m a huge fan of Morning TV, the strong pipes and writing of Georgia Mulligan, while Eddie Boyd and blues legends Narla are killing it. The boys from Borneo always put on a show. The Middle Kids are phenomenal! Things are in safe hands.

Tom Stephens releasesWhat Lies In The Differenceindependently on Friday September 23.

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine