1. Growing Up
Growing up, my strongest childhood memories are playing music by a beach campfire with my friends and family, after a day in the ocean. That memory inspired the Saltwater album’s first single, ‘Saltwater In My Hair’. It’s my favourite way to play music: with good company and woodsmoke all through our clothes! I think that connection with people is the key reason I tour – its all about relationships. I am thrilled to be touring with my sister again: I am in heaven when she lays down those bass grooves and sister harmonies.
2. Inspirations
I think if I had to choose one favourite all round musician it would be Arlo Guthrie. I am deeply inspired by his mastery of storytelling, weaving insight and humour into seemingly simple but clever stories with a hilarious twist at the end!
3. Your Band
This three month national tour is the first major tour where I’ve reunited with my sister on bass in ten years. Robyn learnt the bass when she was just 13 because my brother and I were starting a band and we needed a bass player. Robyn has gone on to be a sought-after musician in her own right and played in a lot of different bands. There’s something special that happens when we play together.
4. The Music You Make
I play indie folk, so I think The Waifs are the closest contemporaries in Australia to what I do. Also, think Sheryl Crow and Jack Johnson. It was amazing to work with producer Shane Nicholson on the Saltwater album, as well as Bill Chambers and Matt Fell on the new bonus tracks. Our show is about solid grooves and harmonies. It’s about songs and stories that make you cry one minute and belly laugh the next.
5. Music, Right Here, Right Now
We’re touring with my new single ‘Diesel’. The song is about finding a way, despite the odds, to keep your passion on the road. Music has always been about relationships – both with our audience and our music community – and that’s true more than ever. The most inspiring artist I’ve seen in Sydney lately was Liz Martin at The Newsagency and I’m also excited to see Brett Robin Wood play again at our Camelot Lounge show. I love that place!
