I co-founded Dinosaur City Records, which is a five-year-old independent record label. We've put out some amazing records from artists here in Australia and around the world. This year I also co-built and opened a recording studio in Bellambi, Illawarra, called Stranded Recording Studios.
Stranded has become a great new place for artists to write, record and rehearse in. I also write and release my own music under my full name and sing in a band called Big White who've released a couple of albums. All these things are sometimes full time, part time or no time, but they are always keeping me busy.
Why do you do it? There are multiple reasons. The record label was initially just a way to put together all in one place the great music my friends were making around me at the time of inception. It has grown from that, but I think many of the ethos are the same.
It is good to be encouraging, and to be able to help people achieve what's important to them. It's also nice being able to have time to work on projects myself, it gives a sense of purpose to the age we live in.
With these current lockdowns a lot of the fun elements have been removed, such as hanging out with friends, watching great artists and enjoying the moments we are in. I am very keen to try and bring back these elements as soon as we are able.
For people to be able to express themselves around their peers, talk, make music and be entertained is integral to all of our happiness.
What do you love about the city you live in? I live in the Illawarra, Wombarra, in fact. It's a lovely part of the world. Tucked away under the escarpment.
There are many great artists and musicians here and I think there is a certain relaxed ethos in the town that makes me feel like I'm on a summer car trip. People are really willing to help one another and get to know their neighbours.
Where did you go for your last holiday? The last holiday I went on was to Crescent Head. We camped south in one of the back beaches over summer. It was the kind of holiday I like; phones off and sunscreen on.
What's your favourite item of clothing? Currently my favourite item of clothing is my Body Type hoodie. It has diamontes which I like. And it is super warm for my winter lockdown.
What was your favourite TV show when you were a kid? When I was a kid I lived in a country area with little TV reception. Until I was ten years old I only had WIN television.
WIN television probably had the least kids shows of all the networks. I literally, except for renting VHS's, was relegated to waiting for 'Hey Hey It's Saturday'. I didn't actually like the show, it was just the only thing on tele. I would walk to my neighbours house though and watch 'The Simpsons' on a cracked Austar dish.
If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go? I would go to the Newport Jazz Festival in 1958. Watch Chuck Berry and Thelonius Monk amongst others.
Actually, maybe I'd go to a really good dance party, maybe something at the Hacienda in the late '80s. I think I'd pick that one right now. Seeing lockdown is very much the opposite of either of those things.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? I'd probably make some pasta from scratch, if I had time and the conditions were right I'd go diving for crayfish and make a really nice seafood dinner.
What's the best lesson you've ever learned? To listen and be aware of the feelings and intentions of others around you.
Tell us one thing about yourself that nobody else knows... I'd probably choose greek yogurt over ice-cream omg.
Are you happy with your work/ life balance? Yes I think so. All the different things I work on give me enough variance to feel fresh with each day. Since lockdown I've been surfing everyday; that's also amazing for the balancing.
How do you define success? Success is always morphing. It can be short term, long term, personal, spiritual, false, real, unrecognisable when you see it, recognisable well afterwards and sometimes never attainable.
With the shifts in life as we grow, our ambitions change. I think most of all it's best to stand back from success and look around and know that the people in your life make you feel love and excitement for the world we live in.
What's your spirit animal? Um, I don't have one, but if I had to choose maybe a water lizard like a goanna kind of thing.
