1.The First Song I Wrote
The first song I remember writing was called ‘Leave Again’. I was about 13 and I can’t remember how it went now, but I’m sure it was the biggest pile of garbage ever dreamed up. It got me on this path though! Everybody has to start somewhere.
2.The Last Song I Released
I released my fourth album Home State in August last year, and the last song on that record is called ‘Wedding Song’ – so I guess technically that’s the last song I released? I kept it a secret for nine months after I wrote it, so I could surprise my now-wife with it on our wedding day.
3.Songwriting Secrets
It helps to read and listen widely, and work hard at it – it is a craft after all. Other than that, I think you just have to be present and ready when the inspiration comes.
4.The Song That Makes Me Proud
I think maybe ‘Travelling Shoes’ – for no other reason than it was a turning point in my writing and sent me off down a whole new path. I remember writing it and thinking, “Where did that come from?”
5.The Song That Changed My Life
It’s so hard to pick just one! I’m going to go with Dire Straits’ ‘Romeo And Juliet’. I heard it as a little kid, before I played an instrument or had been in love, or any of that stuff – but it came on the radio in the car and it hit me in the chest. It made me feel so much in such a short amount of time and I remember thinking, “I want to do that.”
Home State is out now through The Curly Co.Jack Carty playssupport for George at the Twilight at Taronga, Friday February 17, before his Paddington Uniting Church gig on Friday March 31.
