If you could no longer be a musician, what other occupation do you see yourself in? If I weren’t a musician I would be acting, but I imagine both would get eliminated simultaneously so I’d love to be an astrophysicist. I’m too dumb but this is just a questionnaire so I’ll say whatever I want.
Do your dreams ever influence your music? I don’t think so – but a lack of sleep basically always does. If you mean dreams like ‘ambition’ then definitely yes – especially when they’re crushed.
Do you remember the song that was playing when you lost your virginity? I think it was just deafening silence, followed by severe disappointment and a series of muttered apologies from yours truly.
If you could play any instrument in the world, what would be it? I’d love to be able to play the guitar better. but if it were any instrument in the world I’d play the violin. I think it’s great for your ear and would help everywhere musically.
Would you rather be able to play any instrument in the world naturally but be unable to write creative lyrics, or write the most beautiful lyrics in the world but be unable to play any instrument? Play any instrument – you can sing “la-la-la” and it would be great – otherwise you’re just a poet. *just a poet is also fantastic don’t get me wrong.
How did you all meet? What was it that brought the band together? It’s just me really – but Jane Patterson and Gerard Carroll play with me on the album and we all did the musical Once together a few years back.
If you had to play a completely different genre of music to what you do now, what would it be? Jazz; I love jazz and it’s endless and undefined more than any other genre.
Is there anything you would change about the music industry? I’d change how money is distributed around between artists, aggregators, labels and distributors. Also give me a few million dollars tomorrow.
Would you continue to play music if there was absolutely no money in it? What do you think I’m doing now? And if there was even less – yes.
If you could have anyone review your record or gig, who would it be? I’d have my mum review anything I did – she’s got no critical theory experience but she really likes me so that’s great for a review.
Would you rather have someone write up an honest review about your music that was negative, or a positive one that wasn’t truthful? A positive one that wasn’t truthful. I’ll get better at writing music over my lifetime anyway, I don’t think I need a kick in the balls from some person I don’t know. Plus it’ll hurt my feelings.
Which rock star do you think you could keep up with in regards to partying? Dean Martin (is he a rock star?) because apparently the drinking was for show and he mainly read books – my kind of party. I also don’t mind a whiskey.
If your music was going to be used as a soundtrack to a film, who would you want directing it? I want Tarantino to direct anything me related, but with the style of my music, I’ll say the Coen Brothers.
How do you prepare for a show? I pee about eight times because I’m afraid I’ll want to go while I’m on stage and I have a few sips of whiskey.
Have you ever had a strange experience with a fan? Nah – my 26 fans are really nice.
What do you think is the best way to promote your music? Keep playing it and keep improving.
What has been the biggest fuck-up you’ve made during a live performance? I always forget lyrics – my lyrics. Usually I just laugh and try to remember. I saw Tom Brosseau in LA and he punishes himself by forcing himself to sing a song he doesn’t like if he stuffs up a lyric. Maybe I should try that.
Talk me through your first ever live show. It was in Melbourne. Behind the stage there was no bathroom and I have a nervous bladder, so I had to pee in a bottle before I went on.
What do you think it means to be a successful musician? You make better music than you did yesterday.
What is the best advice that has ever been given to you? If you give up you’ll definitely fail.
What do you think it is that sets you apart from the rest of the Melbourne music scene right now? I can’t make a joke in this one. Really, I think I connect more with people than most shows out there right now. There’s nothing flashing or loud. It’s really just me, a guitar and a single microphone. I think the music is built for that and so am I. People really connect to it.
Has your music been your biggest achievement in your life? Yes, it really has. I’m genuinely proud of myself for creating something, labouring over it, and finessing it into what it is now. I promise I’m not this into myself usually.
