In today’s A-Z challenge, we find out all about Talkradio and his music!
A song that made you want to make music?
Is that a thing? I can’t really put my finger on one song. I actually started playing music before I even had a reliable memory.
Best rider you’ve had?
I’ve never drunk alcohol at a gig. I prefer feeling and remembering every sensation. I think alcohol would ruin the calmness I feel when performing.
Craziest moment you’ve had in the band?
Probably the time a bunch of girls tried to strip me on stage in mid song.
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
All my songs have very personal lyrics. I tend to write about experiences, both good and bad. Come to think of it, there is a lot of bad, lol. The lyrics in “Down” and “My Time” are probably the most emotional.
Easiest song you wrote?
I wrote “Let Me Out” in my head while driving home over 20 years ago. The drive was around 15 minutes. That one is on the album “Timewatching”. Not one of my favourites but the vibe isn’t bad.
Favourite song in your set?
“No replay” is my current favourite.
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
Dave Grohl or Eddie Vedder.
Hardest thing about being in a solo artist?
Being by myself is probably the hardest thing. It’s a huge amount of work. I even create all the artwork. Playing all the instruments in the studio is pretty exhausting.
Key to writing a song?
I don’t believe there is one. If I get a melody in my head that sparks an idea, I try and work on it. Sometimes it pans out, sometimes it doesn’t.
Longest distance you’ve travelled to play a show?
A 4 to 5 hour drive has been the furthest I’ve travelled for a gig.
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
From a songwriting perspective, it would be The Beatles or Foo Fighters. From a vocal perspective, it’s Chris Cornell.
New band you’d recommend?
I’d say Twelve Foot Ninja, but I think they just broke up. The other (recent) band I was really into was Nothing But Thieves, but after the first two (great) albums, they kind of lost me.
Opening for this band would be ideal?
Foo Fighters or Pearl Jam.
Place you’d most like to tour?
From what I’ve seen, and for my type of music, I’d probably say some South American countries, the UK, Netherlands and possibly Germany.
Quote that you’d like to pass on to our readers?
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.
Reason for the title of your recent/forthcoming release?
I called the latest album “Choose” because I realised that most of the lyrics were about the choices I’d made in life and where I’ve ended up as a result.
See me live at?
Given I’m a solo artist, I can’t play these songs live.
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
At the risk of sounding like an old person, yes they were. I’m still out there gigging in an acoustic duo and can actually see it. In the 90’s there was a live music venue on every corner and they were always full. Now, most of those venues have turned into poker machine bars with TVs everywhere. They get a handful of people who are usually only interested in watching the football on the screen. I never understood why anyone would go out to watch sport on some random TV instead of just watching at home with friends (where the alcohol is cheaper). We’ve actually been asked to turn down because we were disturbing the people in the next room on the slot machines (remember, it’s an acoustic duo!)
Unusual merchandise?
I don’t have merchandise. I barely have time to do what I already do.
Variations you’d like to do on any of your songs?
In the early days, when I used to get other musicians to play for me in the studio, they would not only play their parts how they thought was best (which was fine by me), but they would sometimes make changes to the actual songs. In the end, the version that was recorded was not what I’d originally written. I didn’t have the confidence back then to say “no, this is how the song is going to be recorded”. One song in particular I wish I could re-write and re-record is “Somewhere Else” from the first album “Timewatching”. It actually got played on commercial radio once (around 2002 or 2003) but it’s not as good as it could be. I’ve always felt it was a song with huge potential and it’s a bit of a regret that I feel it’s not as good as it can be.
What do your fans mean to you?
Fans are one of the main reasons we do what we do. I create in the hope that it has a positive effect on someone. We all know what it’s like to have a song improve our mood or mark a special moment in our lives that is forever linked to that song.
X-rays or any treatments needed for band related injuries?
Nothing major. I once practiced on a guitar so much that my fingertips peeled and bled. Oh, and I also got a cut lip when someone (drunk) dancing toppled into my mic stand and my mic smacked into my mouth.
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
I’m alone, no-one else to blame.
Zoo animal that next describes the personality of your band?
Is this a thing as well? Um… I can tell you I’m a fan of the rhinoceros. Does that count?