How does it feel to be part of the Melbourne Guitar Show 2025 lineup?
It feels insane to be asked to play among such Australian musical royalty. An absolute honour to get to share the stage with such heavy weights. I’m constantly gobsmacked at how high the calibre is of the music that is coming out of this country.
Have you ever customized your own guitar? If so, what modifications did you make?
You caught me, I’m a tinkerer that’s for sure! In the early days of touring I would be swapping out and adding pickups to my old Maton, forever searching for more ways to add more layers of sounds. It’s safe to say it didn’t stop there. Currently I’m sitting in my studio surrounded by a bunch of old vintage pickups around. Everyone always talks about the old crazy cat lady, no-one every talks about the old crazy pickup lady haha.
How has your choice of gear evolved over your career?
It’s never ending quest! As you all know you can never have enough guitars! I started off primarily playing acoustic guitar. My old Maton (Django) which is an EBG808C six string split (Jeff Lang style) with a sound hole pickup to an 1×12 amp for the overdriven tones. I sported that for many years until starting the next stage of my guitar journey. I ended biting the bullet and purchasing my dream guitar; an old 1956 Gibson ES-295 Goldtop which really kicked things into gear for me as I got deeply invested in slide guitar playing. That guitar has taught me so much sonically and I’m certain forever will. It’s safe to say though that it tickled my love for vintage guitars which is ever so rewarding but bad for my wallet, ha! Ah well… Now what were you saying? We should head to Norm’s Rare Guitars?
If you could only use one effects pedal for the rest of your life, which one would it be?
Ooh, definitely my Delay Llama by Jam Pedals or my Mjolnir Overdrive by Mythos Pedals.
What do you think makes the Melbourne Guitar Show such a special event for musicians and fans?
Whether you’re an artist or a punter, to be all under the same roof with such similar interests is electrifying.
Do you prefer writing alone or collaborating with other musicians? Predominantly I write mostly by myself and enjoy doing so. Although sharing music with your best mates is pretty darn special too! I had the honour last year to be featured on the amazing Hussy Hicks’ new album ‘Swimming In Uncertainty’ on a track called ‘Fool on the Hill’ – which I just found out is nominated for Song Of The Year in the APRA Music awards. I got to play some slide ‘guitarmonies’ on the old Les Paul with Julz Parker on her beast of a Tele. Both Julz and Leesa are mammoth musicians. The Hussies know what’s up!
Who were your biggest influences when you first started playing guitar?
Sarah McLeod, Matt Zarb, Hussy Hicks, Joe Robinson.
Do you ever write music away from the guitar and then translate it later? Absolutely! There’s nothing quite like long road trips to the next gig with the steering wheel as your drumkit. That’s endless amounts of fun to let your subliminal self spit out whatever is backflipping through your mind.
How do you know when a song is “finished”?
For me, it’s when it becomes second nature – that there is no way you could or would change a single note or passage.
What’s the most memorable live show you’ve ever played?
That’s such a tricky question as I have so many memorable shows that come to mind for so many different reasons! Byron Bay Bluesfest pops up in my top list, to share the lineup with your heroes is beyond unreal and the energy that you have coursing through your body for your festival set is such an unexplainable feeling.
What’s next on the horizon – Tours, releases, anything.
I’m currently working on laying down my new album which I’ve been sitting on for a few years. I finally feel like it’s ready to be out in the world. Then It’s time to tour with a whole new show full of new tracks!