theaussieword.com special interview with Symon With A Y.Give us an introduction. How did it all begin? What had you first interested in music?
When I was very young I lived above a doctors surgery, during out of hours. Service the patients waiting area became a rehearsal space for inspiring bands. I would watch and listen through a hatch window. Luckily for me there was alwaysa guitar floating around the house.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
People and life motivate me, issues and emotions we all face are a great topic to obtain ideas.
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
I love creating without restrictions musically. As long as I can continue to create, I will be more than happy with my lot.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
Well… I’m continuously writing and am looking to put together a new album of original songs, I have a selection of country soul based sounds. My other idea is to record my versions of other artists songs, but reworked in my own way. As for a tour yes… I plan to be busking on the Streets of New York City in the next month or so… A far cry from Bromley town centre!
Tell us a bit about your latest album and how would you best describe your music?
My music is a mixed bag of genres… I base my music around a country sound with elements of soul, blues and funk. I also have songs that just work themselves out but are not at all country sounding.
Success, what is the secret to it?
Success is how you feel about yourself… With sounding cheesy.
What has been your biggest career highlight?
Meeting a man named David Hockman whilst busking. You could say he discovered me. David signed me to his label and allows me to be me, which is quite unusual these days
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
That’s a good question, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, Al Green… Artists that take you on a journey in general.
Any new projects in the pipeline?
I’m currently recording my street busking sets which will be edited in a collection of videos to be seen on YouTube … Coming soon from London to New York.
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
It is huge and has changed massively. It’s a very different place now. I see myself as I see myself now only perhaps more people liking what I do as an artist.
Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists.
I generally like and listen to artists from all over the world, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper to name two. I did really like Michael Hutchence, though he had an amazing voice.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
It’s good and bad, I like this old school to be honest, musicians can easily get lost in a sea of social media where there are a billion other musicians linked in with each other. On the flip side artists can exhibit there songs and music exactly how they intend to without pressure to be something they are not. It’s widely DIY now. Good thing is new discoveries can be made and choice is there in abundance. As I say it’s changed massively and I have been really fortunate to have a small team of people helping me along the way. Getting exposure is so important. If people like or love what I do then I do consider that a real bonus.
Thanks for the interview! What final message do you have for us today?
Thank you for your time also. Appreciate the support so much.
Website: www.symonwithay.com
Facebook: symonwithay
Twitter: @symonwitha_y