Aussie As: An Interview with Golden Guitar Winner Matt Scullion

When he’s not writing number ones for other artists, Golden Guitar winner and award-winning songwriter Matt Scullion works on his own music. From Newcastle to Nashville, he’s pretty much seen it all. Now he’s celebrating the release of his latest single, Aussie As with a tour while he puts the finishing touches on a new album.

Congratulations on the recent release of your new single, Aussie As. It’s been well-received thus far. Why do you think people have such a connection to it?

I think ‘cause Australia in general is a very proud nation and Aussies like to be reminded of how beautiful this place is.

What normally inspires your song writing?

It’s hard to put my finger on one thing. Song ideas come from so many different places. Things people say or do, things you see. I travel with a note pad always and write all my ideas down. A well know songwriter gave me some great advice once. He said, ‘If you feel like you’ve got writer’s block, get out go for a drive and go live your life ‘cause that’s where the real stuff happens.’

 

You also released Shout The Land a Drink with The Hay Balers in order to raise funds for Australian farmers suffering from the drought. Why was that so important to you and how do you feel about the overwhelming support the single received upon release?

I travel a lot and I get to play to a lot of country people. Just seeing the land so dry and the desperation on people’s faces in drought-affected communities really hits home. I wanted to do something.  I couldn’t make it rain but I thought maybe I could raise a little money to help out. I was absolutely blown away by the response the song received, but to tell the truth I wasn’t surprised; Aussies look after their own.

 

 

Can you talk me through the writing and recording process of Aussie As, which you worked on with Paul Grierson (Simply Bushed) and Shane Nicholson?

I had the initial idea and had written down a few things. I was at Paul’s place visiting one day and happened to mention the idea to him which he loved. It took us many writes and edits to finish it as we had to dig real deep to find different things to say.

I’d already recorded Shout The Land A Drink with Shane Nicholson, so the choice of producer for this track was obvious. Shane’s a magician in the studio.

 

How indicative is Aussie As of what fans can expect from your upcoming album?

The new album will be called Aussie As. All of the songs on there are about this beautiful country, our culture and our sense of humour. It’s what I see when I look around me. There’s only one song on there not about Australia and that’s a love song to my wife.

 

You’ve written quite a few number ones over the years, for both yourself and others. What normally comes first for you, the music or the lyrics?

Usually a song title or a lyric idea. I think it’s really important to have a good grasp on the story.

I need to see the music video in my head before I put too much pen on paper.

How does writing a song that turns out to be a number one for someone else compare to when you’ve written one for yourself? Are there any songs you regret giving away?

I don’t regret giving an away at all.  Most of the hits I’ve written for artists have been tailor-written for them, so they wouldn’t suit me anyway. It always feels good to get a song in the charts regardless of whether I’m singing it or not.

 

You’ve received numerous accolades and awards for your music. How does that make you feel in an industry that is often dominated by commercialism?

It feels wonderful to be excepted by the industry that I’ve spent years banging on the doors of. Still, at the end of the day, it’s the people listening on the radio and coming to my shows that matter most. Connecting with my audience is number one.

 

You’re taking Aussie As out on tour very soon. What do you enjoy most about touring?

Going to new places, meeting new people and getting ideas for new songs.

 

What do you want people to take away from seeing one of your live shows and listening to your music?

Hopefully they get an insight to who I am and where I’m from and just how much I love what I do.

 

What does an average night on stage look like at one of your gigs?

Lots of chatter, a few beers, a few laughs. Oh, and a few songs too (laughs).

 

Is there anywhere in particular you’re looking forward to performing?

I’ve got some shows coming up in Winton and Blackall in central QLD which I’m really looking

forward to. If I could though I’d love to sing Aussie As at the NRL grand final.

You’re also part of the Hats Off to Country Festival line-up. How does performing at festivals affect your set-list?

At festivals people are there to hear original music. It means you don’t have to add to many covers to your setlist.

 

Is there anyone in particular you’re looking forward to seeing live?

Always love seeing Paul Kelly and John Williamson live – two of the best in the biz.

 

Can you tell me a bit more about the Scullion Sessions? How did you come up with the idea?

I actually borrowed the idea from a concept I first saw in Nashville. It’s three songwriters on stage going song for song. You get to hear the songs the way they were first written and the stories behind them.

 

Generally speaking, what do you prefer: intimate gigs or festival sets?

‘Cause I work on my own mainly and my songs are lyric driven, I’d have to say intimate gigs.

I love it when people sit there and listen to my stories, I don’t do too many dance tunes.                                  Still, in saying that, a lot of festivals these days cater for acoustic artists, so it depends on the

festival.

 

What have you taken away from those experiences?

The successful artists don’t always know what they want to say but they know what they don’t want to say which is just as important. They know their audience and they always go with their gut.

If you could work with anyone in the industry, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Definitely Paul Kelly or John Williamson. They’ve both mastered their craft and they’re an inspiration to listen to. I reckon I’d be bloody nervous though.

 

What are the highlights and lowlights of your career thus far?

Getting my song Giddy Up on the Paul Hogan movie Charlie and Boots and having a small cameo appearance in it. Lowlight would be not fulfilling my songwriter dreams when I lived in Nashville – but hey, I came back with a wealth of knowledge.

 

What is it about country music in particular that appeals to you, and if you weren’t a country musician, which genre would you choose?

Stories and lyrics. The great songs that sound like a conversation. The first time I heard Lucille by Kenny Rogers I was hook, line and sinker. I can’t imagine not being into country, but if I wasn’t I’d probably be an old rock dog.

 

How has the music industry changed over the years?

It has and it hasn’t. The internet has definitely changed the way we do business but at the end of the day the cream still rises.

 

You’ve said that living in Nashville gave you a better appreciation of Australia. How does the US country music industry compare to that of Australia?

It’s definitely similar, it just has a lot more people so there’s a lot more industry. I’m glad I got to experience it but give me Aussie any day.

 

What’s it like performing in front of an international audience versus an Australian one?

I’ve always enjoyed performing in front of international crowds; they’re very welcoming especially American ones. I can’t sing my real Aussie songs though as they can’t understand what I’m bloody talking about.

 

Where do you see Australian country music heading in the future?

I think Australian country music is in a great place. Just keep doing what we’re doing and be supportive of the young ones coming up through the ranks regardless of how they sound.

 

In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception about starting a career in the music industry?    

That you’ll go on a TV talent show and become an overnight success. There are no shortcuts, you need to do the hard yards and learn your craft just like any other specialty trade.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

If it’s what you really want, then stick to your guns and don’t let anyone talk you out of it. It’s a long hard slog but it’s worth every bump in the road.

How important is it to maintain a strong social media presence these days?

Very important. I’m old school and I’ve had to get with program.

 

What music are you listening to at the moment?

The Dingoes, Paul Kelly, John Williamson, Red Gum.

What does the average day look like for you when you’re not working on music?
When I’m not either writing songs or doing music biz (which I usually am), I’m catching up with family and friends, or catching up on housework.

What have you got coming up for the rest of the year (aside from your upcoming tour)?

I’m currently in the recording studio with Shane Nicholson putting the finishing touches on my new album which is due out around September. So, I’ll be working pretty hard on putting all that together and then promoting it. I’ll drop a new single and video just before the album comes out.

 

Catch Matt Scullion live at one of his upcoming gigs:
Saturday 8^th June – Smoke in Broke – McNamara Park – Broke – NSW

Wednesday 3^rd July – The Scullion Sessions – Stag & Hunter Hotel – Newcastle – NSW

Saturday 13^th July – Hats Off To Country Music Festival – Tamworth – NSW

Wednesday 17^th July – Wednesday 31^st July – The Gregory Hotel – Winton – QLD

Wednesday 7^th August – The Scullion Sessions – Stag & Hunter Hotel – Newcastle – NSW

Friday 16^th August – Saturday 17^th August – Better in Blackall Festival – Blackall – QLD