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.
