David: When did you first perform?
A: 8 years of age.
David: That's very young.
A: Yes, I was.
David: When was this?
A: When I was was very young. A school gig.
David: From what I've read, you've had and are having a successful career.
A: If you mean in terms of wealth etc, my career has been non existent.
David: In what way?
A: I have made next to no money. It's not unusual. However, there have been many occasions that money has not been forthcoming. Someone gets the royalties, however Im yet to see any from past releases even though certain albums are still selling around the World.
David: Why is this?
A: That's the big question and to bring the subject up is like asking too much. I didn't become a musician to make money and so far, this is one fact I can be certain of. Someone gets it... fucked if I know how and in the real world is considered theft. I have other things to think about such as writing and continuing. Though, it is very disappointing to think that a colleague or so you thought is pocketing hard earned flesh and blood. It's rife in all aspects of life. Another may feel superior or simply be an arse-hole. I do everything myself these days and am far better off for it.
David: Why did you become a band member when you'd done so many solo works?
A: It seemed like fun at the time. I was wrong.
David: How so?
A: Big question. My feeling were team oriented. I loved the idea of pushing boundaries with other musicians. Somehow it always came down to a particular songwriter and I found this very restrictive musically. Particularly when it was the band that put the ideas into place and expanded the songs. Of course everything was credited to the particular artist and once again, there was no money. No session fees. As on the surface it was a band. I regret that. The years of playing and developing different skills were never respected....more controlled by a manager or an artist. Selfish and deliberate. No one talks about it until you die and worst of all it's accepted.
David: I noticed, you play many instruments. Write and perform your songs. Not forgetting that you record and produce all your material?
A: Yes, that's correct. It seems to come to me somehow and what's more, hiring musicians can be not only expensive but at times a total waste. That's why I built my Studio. Call it what you will, if I stuff up it lands squarely on my shoulders.
David: This must take it's toll, surely?
A: Yes it does as there are so many facets of personality required to attune yourself not only to the instrument but creating a band feel. Mentally it's always a challenge and I'm not one to leave something that doesn't work. I do on occasions leave mistakes as they are the more ethereal parts of the music. In fact, I like it as it's far more spontaneous. Who cares. Most folk don't pick it anyway. If the feel is on, that is what I'm communicating and I'm having so much fun... I'm not going to let it go.
David: You have played in many bands in Australia. You must have found this to be exhilarating.
A: Well....not really. There were occasions. However the road work takes it's toll. I wasn't stimulated as much as I could have been by a lot of the music. The most positive was the constant touring. Playing at the highest level and hoping to hit that stage where you kind of levitate. You think... did I play that? Man, how cool was that? So the road and playing under all kinds of conditions lifted your game as it was a constant learning curve. Eventually, volume and poor fold back.... stuck between huge Amps which were at ear level really did some damage both mentally and physically. If I hear someone say otherwise..... it's obvious they have never sat behind the kit when dynamics are simply blasted over. Musicality became a real issue for me. No dynamics or listening equals absolute trash. Can't hear your vocals, drums.... madness.
David: Speaking of madness. Your life hasn't been free of it. Regarding mood disorder.
A: No it hasn't. I kept it quiet as no one was prepared to listen or interested. A real stigma remains as to Mood Disorders such as Bi Polar, Depression and the whole bag. I look at it as wiring. Most of us have some form of disorder. Whether you are aware of it is another thing.
Winding down can be intolerable and of course Alcohol and Drugs become a way of coping. I hear people talk that they might only smoke dope etc. Interesting to have a good look at the long term effects of any substance. Very judgemental. Most think they're doing ok. Yet have a conversation with them and there a signs of some form of disorder. Perhaps one day we will be left alone by herbs, liquids as a means of socialising and simply be ourselves. In reality, who cares if another may diminish you in the name of there own lack of self esteem. All I know is I wouldn't want to be anyone else but the person I am. If that's not enough for another that's their loss.
David: Your new album is titled Disconnected. How did it evolve?
A: Like everything else, it came about. I don't sit down to write a said song. I may write a poem this way or book. Music for me seems to deliver itself. I then am stimulated to carry on. If not, I get bored. To me me, if I'm getting bored.. so will the listener. Over the last three years I have amassed almost 200 songs. Of those 200, there are about 50 I can live with and enjoy playing. If not, I don't see the point. Particularly when I'm going to employ others to play. I want them to be able to stretch and enjoy themselves. So bloody boring if another musician cannot improvise on a theme without playing all over it... I have a more open way of playing. I don't want anything to be so rigid that the machinery becomes stilted. Plus I have met a couple of musicians I really like. They haven't lost there passion for music. More the point they have become a little isolated as they find it a drag to go and play covers for $50. It becomes a 9 to 5 type of music to please. Please yourself and get out and test it. Nothing better. On the other hand the gigs have all but dried up. You have to pay to play. If you don't pull enough beer money through the door... guess who cops it?
David: Do you have other interests apart from music?
A: Oh yea. Film Making and Photography. Making odd instruments. Model Building has always been a interest. Painting is a large part of remaining sane and refreshed. After six years of recording... you have to get out and about. A hobby is such a great escape and requires a different mind set. Also I involve myself with those who have become burdened with health issues. So many people are troubled. I'm not as involved as I was as I don't have the skills. But I have a common denominator. If it saves one life or draws a smile, I to am lifted from my own thoughts.
David: I noticed on your web site a Link to Beyond Blue.
A: Yes, a wonderful organisation reaching many World Wide. I got so sick and tired of off hand comments about a person being a Candidate for whatever. It made me think if any person feels another may be in trouble, Instead blathering a denigrating lot of garble, why not speak to the individual. A couple of minutes listening can save a life. Not some callous and condescending comment. Perhaps one day you may need another to share some confusion or pain. Statements like the above are rife and always made in hindsight. Hardly any help to anyone.
David: Where to from here?
A: First a shower then more work on the studio. I haven't got the isolation needed to prevent noise from above or through doors. Another thrill as then I hope to get a couple of mates around for some relaxing recording. A cup of coffee and generally shoot the breeze. Now what more could you ask for?
David: Certainly not I. The Coffee and chat has been most enjoyable.
A: Oh... ya just saying that. You haven't tried the cake yet. A bit tricky over the phone.
David: Thanks Iain. I do wish you well with the new Album and Life in general.
A: Hmmmmm..... a General Life? I think I can deal with that. Thanks to you also David.
David Bronnan - Independent Music Journalist (13 Nov 2008)