“I’m 25 now so I’m extremely comfortable in my own skin,” states Walters. “I think if you wanted to learn about yourself you should make a record and play in front of huge amounts of people! It sounds crazy for someone who was so socially awkward, but it really works,” he grins. “I’ve discovered that I’m the opposite when I perform!
“I started supporting bigger people than myself and that’s how I learned to stand on my own two feet. Especially in the beginning, I was never confident about my music or what I was doing, and I was always seeking other people’s opinions because I was so insecure. This record is a statement that I’m ready for the next chapter.”
Aptly-titled Farewell Youth, Walters’ debut full-length is a bittersweet affair. Giving a nod to a restless and somewhat confusing period of the singer’s life, the album also closes an important chapter in Walters’ journey, while opening the door to next exciting phase of his life. “From the age of 15 to 20 it’s a tumultuous time,” he states.
“I personally put myself through a lot of negative stuff with issues like substance abuse. I dropped out of uni and worked full-time before I realised I was interested in being a songwriter. It’s been an incredible journey so far, though – because right at that time this amazing opportunity came along which was both a blessing and very terrifying at the same time.
“In 2008, the record company flew me to London to record and they set me up with a great producer who had just done Jason Mraz’s album… But I just realised the balance wasn’t right, I just didn’t feel the songs were right. This album was actually finished last year because I went through a tough time making it. I couldn’t find anyone who felt right on a musical level in terms of producers. I had a stab at doing it in London, then I tried Sydney, then another stab in Melbourne… Until I found Paul [McKercher].”
In fact, Walters hopes for another chance to work with the renowned producer when it comes to his next album, whether or not that means he’ll have to return to Australia once he relocates to the ‘States…
“I played at CMJ [music festival] and that was a pretty good time!” enthuses Walters. “I love Australia, but people in the US respond to you differently. Over there it’s not really a big deal for someone to come up to you after a show and tell you ‘oh my god, I really love your music!’ Australians are very good at respecting people’s personal space and I think it’s hard for them to open up and say how they honestly feel. But in America, I had so many people come up to me unexpectedly and talk to me about which song they loved and which part of the lyrics really got to them…
“I’ve just done a publishing deal over there,” he adds, “so I think I’ll be spending a little more time in the ‘States. I’m looking to move in the next couple of years, as much as I love living in Melbourne, I have to give it a try.”
