You’re launching your debut, self-titled album at Bella Union on Friday June 5. Can you tell us a bit about it?
The album is a collection of songs I’ve written that are dear to my heart. Produced and recorded by Nick Huggins, the album also features many other talented artists.
The album took a lengthy two years to complete. What was this process like?
Over the two year period there were a lot of external circumstances that influenced the songs, including periods of grief. My studies in indigenous studies and anthropology also spurred a love of Australian history, and that comes through in the songwriting.
Not rushing the album meant that special care was taken in the writing and production process.
How does folk fit into the modern music scene, and how has it changed since the early ’60s?
I think its changed dramatically in the sense that folk really was a vehicle for political, social and economic protest by artists like Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie, whereas today I think as folk musicians we sing more about our personal experiences, for example relationships, love lost, and almost a nostalgic look at the past.
What are the perks and perils of being an independent artist?
It has been a huge learning curve, but it has only helped my ability to navigate my way in the music industry. The perils are you’re left to fend to yourself in a David and Goliath industry.
TOBY ROBINSON plays Bella Union on Friday June 5. His self-titled album is out now.
