Can you share your musical journey with us, from when you first discovered your passion for music to where you are today as an independent musician?
I remember as a primary school student being complimented on my singing voice. It all came very naturally to me from a very young age. I could immediately identify with Paul McCartney and The Beatles during the 60’s. One of the most influential songs from that era to me, was a Herman Hermits song called Sentimental Friend – I could identify with the melody and the melancholy and the emotion being expressed.
From that point on as a young teenager to the present day music has been a part of my aura, my energy, my being. All sorts of styles- I have played many different live gigs as the main vocalist and bass player, Solo vocalist guitarist and as an accompanist bass player and guitarist. I really enjoy working in an ensemble, though most of my original music has been only my own creations. These range from ballad and acoustic based tunes through to heavy rock, think Chili Peppers and Deep Purple. I do recall at the age of 16 after the sudden accidental death of my father writing my very first original tune called Fire Inside. The muse appeared and the melody and lyrics came very easy and in some way, soothed and help to heal my damaged self. In many ways when the creative process takes place there is no control over when and where the music comes to me. From an inconsequential phrase or an earworm type melody that is stuck in my head, I have developed and learnt how to transpose these ideas into fully formed tracks.
What motivates you to create music, and how do you stay inspired to continue making new and unique music?
I seem to be motivated by an energy within my being that needs to be expressed through music. It comes very naturally to me. I could not imagine a world without melody and meter.
I get a lot of satisfaction from audio stimulation be it my creation or other music. Like some people like to ride a jet ski on the weekend I find 24/7 my world is filled with song.
As an independent musician, you wear many hats – from composing to marketing. How do you balance these different aspects of your career, and what challenges do you face in the process?
I don’t balance my music and marketing very well. My music is always at the fore of my thought but marketing does not come very easy to me. I am confident that my music is appealing in the right circumstance but have always found it difficult to be motivated to search, promote and approach my music with a business hat. I have been well rewarded financially over the years, primarily through my ability to perform live. I have always had the mantra, like the Adam and The Ants song, Stand and Deliver – that when you perform you give. I have also been able to receive, which has enabled me to continue my live performance as a working musician.
Could you tell us about your creative process? How do you come up with new ideas for songs, and how do you go about turning those ideas into finished tracks?
There are many different roads that lead to my song creation, but a very strong connection to an original tune, I find I make when I am in an almost subconscious state. Very often I will slowly wake from sleep with an idea for music in my minds eye. I regularly make notes early morning via my voice recorder or paper and pen. Often, I will return to sleep but as I mentioned the muse seems to come to me at that twilight time between sleep and waking, and many of my musical ideas are born or enhanced at that time. I sometimes will hear the next lyric line to a phrase, that I can’t let go. Alternatively, I have a melody in my mind that I need to hum or sing into an audio device that I later revisit. Like many song writers in our modern aged my phone is filled with many, sometimes minor fragments that I can develop into a song. I have often thought that I could write a song a day but I do have other duties to attend to but I never go very long without a new creative idea. From the early four track cassette recordings to the 24 track digital recorder in my studio, like all of the tunes on my new album, Charmed By A House, I demoed the tunes playing all instruments and drum tracks in my studio. I do seem to enjoy my own company! I then work in the larger studio with a co-producer and my musician friends to take these ideas to a higher level and to present the finished tracks.
Independent musicians often face financial challenges. How do you manage your finances to sustain your music career while also covering your personal expenses?
I have been able to cover the cost and finance my original recordings by performing live as a professional musician – most of my financial return has come from performing cover music at functions. Up until covid and for the previous 25 years I performed in the house band of a large function centre in Melbourne, Australia, performing mainly at debutante balls. Prior to that period, I also performed with a piano player in a duo around the clubs and pubs of Melbourne, again performing cover material. This was a very good way to develop my song writing craft as learning and performing songs from some of the greatest artist including Nat King Cole, The Beatles, The Stones, Johnny Cash, The Carpenters, Jeff Buckley, INXS, Elton John, Crowded House. Along the way I learnt the nuts and bolts of song writing and arranging and have used this learning process to continually develop and strengthen my own song writing ability. I hope this is reflected in my new album Charmed By A House. I have never had any formal training. I have learnt on the job. I have always trusted my ear, which comes very naturally to me.
Can you share a particularly memorable or challenging experience from your journey as a musician that has had a significant impact on your career and personal growth?
As I mentioned when my father died unexpectedly when I was 16 years of age my world caved in. I somehow dug myself out of this cave and the experience of it all, through music. I channeled all of my aura into self-expression and this somehow helped to release my grief. From that point on music and song was not only a crutch, a support mechanism and a healing process but an avenue that I took great satisfaction from and enjoyment as my career grew and moved forward. My music has taken me to many exciting, exotic places throughout the world, and I have met many interesting and diverse people. Music has enabled me to experience life as a live performer.
With the rise of digital platforms, the music industry has changed significantly. How do you navigate the digital landscape, including streaming services and social media, to promote your music and connect with your audience?
The digital landscape is not an easy terrain for me to navigate. I kind of missed the digital revolution. I have basic skills with the computer but find it challenging to promote my music via the digital platforms. There are professional services that I have engaged to assist me with these challenges. People and organisations that specialise in making full use of all of the opportunities that the internet and social media and platforms can provide. These external services help me to connect with many people throughout the world.
Collaboration is a key part of the music industry. Have you worked with other musicians or producers, and how have these collaborations influenced your sound and career?
I have worked with many, many musicians over the period of my music career. I think when you create music with other people you are in the moment and you combine your energies to form a greater sum and result. I also believe that those moments in time are etched into my soul and that when I create a song or tune, I am also bringing together all of those moments in time that I have shared with many other musicians, primarily on a live stage. It is interesting to note that all of the musicians I used on my new album Charmed By A House are artists that I have performed with live and I know that they have the ability to create an energy that transcends and connects with an audience. Though recorded in the studio as opposed to a live show recording, the energy from my fellow musicians on Charmed By A House is very evident to me. I consciously sought input from fellow performers that I know have done the hard yards and wonderful positive musical experiences, and have the stand and deliver mentality, that I have already mentioned.
Your music likely reflects your unique style and perspective. Could you describe your musical identity and what makes your sound stand out in a crowded industry?
I have a family background of British and Greek Cypriot heritage. Born in Australia I believe my music has a very colloquial and immediate connection with my peers and audience. Quite an Australian twang and, dare I say, witticism to the lyric. I have often been told I would have been a good performer as a legal representative in a court of law. I seem to be able to think on my feet and have a very quick repartee response. My melodies have been recognised as very strong and unique. Many of my songs are built around similar structures as other song writers but I have a slightly different take or presentation of these scales and modes. I have a distinctive sound that moves from very melodic ballad areas to full on four on the floor rock and roll.
What role does live performance play in your music career, and how do you approach planning and executing your live shows, especially in light of recent challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic?
Live performance is a large part of my continuing music career. From before COVID I have been the lead singer and bass player for my band The Urban Souls. We perform very regularly as a live four-piece band, including drums, guitar, Hammond organ and my bass and vocals. Playing the best of British, American and Aussie 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and beyond. COVID and the lockdowns were very severe on the music industry and the opportunities have diminished since the pandemic has been quelled. We work very hard to secure our live performance gigs and enjoy connecting with our audience.
Many fans are interested in the stories behind the songs. Could you share the backstory or inspiration behind one of your recent tracks that holds special meaning to you?
The title track of my new album Charmed By A House was primarily conceived whilst I was renovating and redesigning my current house. Long days on the tools, paint brushes, shovels, drills and rubbish removal the lyrics, especially of this tune are connected directly to that experience over 18 months of toil. The opening lines “If the walls ain’t falling down, down. You’ve got a roof over your head. You know we all want our house.”
This is very satisfying for me to conjure up a tune and lyrics that describe my every day experience during this period. Nothing too serious, no real hidden meanings in this song, just a fun way of expressing my thoughts whilst banging nails into wood.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations as an independent musician? Are there any upcoming projects or exciting developments in your career that you’d like to share with your fans and the audience?
Having completed my new album Charmed By A House, that was 12 months in the making I am now very excited to present my tunes to the cosmos. We are currently preparing for some live shows and audiovisual recordings of my current album tracks. I hope this will compliment the already completed YouTube videos that I have produced to promote the release of the new album. I am very keen to see how this record is received and I at this point I feel very satisfied with the feedback I am receiving. To quote a recent review from Hippie Nation Magazine, “I love this album, Charmed By A House reminds me of a southern blues mix of pop and rock 80’s album. Such a unique sound. Definitely sound track worthy.”
