THEAUSSIEWORD.COM special interview with Connor Wink.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
It all began when I was little. I’ve always been musical ever since I was a toddler. I started playing piano in pre-school, then when I was 9, I started getting singing lessons. Then from the ages of 12 and 13 I started playing guitar and ukulele. I’ve always wanted to be a part of the music industry so that I can make great music and so people can hear my voice and my story.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
What motivates me in my quest to make great music is to create songs that people can enjoy and that people can relate to or for me to tell my story through music. Also, if one of my own songs gets stuck in my own head or if I have a musical idea that excites me that’s how I know a great song is in the making.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?
Some goals I want to accomplish would include having at least 1 hit single, having another album finished by the same time next year and I would love to meet Barry Gibb one day.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
There will be an album launch at Carrington Bowling club on Friday that 11th of November at 5:30 pm. Touring would be great and maybe it’s something I could look at in 2023.
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
My newest album Fire In My Heart I would describe as an album with mixed emotions. There are some happier sounding songs and there are some more darker sounding songs. A lot of these songs are more for the public rather than personal. They are songs that everyone can relate to in some way. I would describe my music as being pop, but with some country and folk influences. I’m also inspired by the music of the 70s, 80s and 90s. My producer Luke Wheeldon is influenced by rock and country. Our musical influences combined together make for an interesting combination.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
Usually when writing a song, I usually come up with a melody first and then words come after. Sometimes I have writer’s block and I have to force myself to come up with something, but then other times I could have a melody or riff stuck in my brain for months. sometimes it is spontaneous, and I could have come up with something in 5 or 10 minutes
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
Not really, I write songs about my experiences, wishes and dreams for the future and hope others can relate and connect with the music and lyrics. I think that is the role of songwriters to connect and provide the words and expressions that others may not be able to but want to.
Success, what is the secret to it?
The more I like my own songs the more successful I think it’s going to be. I’m not sure if that the secret to my success or I’m just biased. Maybe there is a snippet of truth behind it.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
My biggest career highlight would have to be auditioning for season 11 of the voice Australia. it was quite nerve racking for me and I usually don’t get nervous when performing. The fact that I could not hear the chairs when they turned around made things even more nerve racking. During my blind audition the coaches had his nice things to say about my performance which made everything all worth it. Also, the support from friends, immediate and extended family was amazing.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
some music stars that I find inspiring include Cher, The Bee Gees, Darren Hayes, Alison Moyet and Rick Price. They are are inspiring in their own way, but one thing they all have in common is that they are unique and they don’t try to be like anyone else. They are automatically identifiable when you hear them and they are awesome songwriters who are great with words.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
One of the projects I have started working on recently after the album is my own Christmas song. I’ve always wanted to write a Christmas song. I tried writing 1 in high school, that never went anywhere. Since this year’s Christmas is predicted to be rainy, I thought I write about that and to make it a little bit funny.
The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself a few years?
In 5 years’, time I see myself being a music producer recording other people’s music. In the future I also see myself studying music therapy. I might end up being a singing teacher too. There are so many things that I could do if I put my mind to it.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
Some positive aspects of being a muso would include making friends, collaborating with other people and being creative. Music is also a great way to express myself. some of the negative part of being a muso is when I don’t have gigs for week at a time. Sometimes people don’t take me seriously.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
Some of my favourite Australian artists include Darren Hayes, Rick Price, Marcia Hines and Guy Sebastian. I’ve also started listening to Jamie Redfern.
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?
The modern music industry is very focused on social media and digital downloads. In some ways it’s good because you can sell your music without the use of a record label. Especially now that there are a lot of independent musicians selling their own music. However, musicians make next to no money on Spotify and people are not baying CDs as much as they used to. But you can make more money celling CDs. Although, I have heard recently that vinyl records are making a comeback which I think is cool.
How will you continue appealing to the international market?
I think just be real and let me voice and guitar speak to those who want to listen.
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
I mainly collaborate with others when writing song because it’s more fun to write with other people. I’m currently working with Shawn O’Friel, Luke Wheeldon and Sarah Evans. All 3 of these people have different ways of going about songwriting. They are also stylistically very different.
What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?
To anyone who wants to be a musician I would say go ahead and do it. Do what you want to do. The only person is stopping you from doing it is yourself. I would also say you can start at any age. It doesn’t really matter what successes you have, as long as you’re having fun and expressing yourself that’s the main thing.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans? Any last words?
To all of my fans I say thank you for all of your support and I hope you stick with me for a long time. You can follow me on Facebook. My page is Connor Wink Musician. I am on sportify, YouTube, twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget fire In My Heart is out on all digital download platforms on the 11th of November. I will also be selling CDs at the album launch. I might even sign one for you.
Website: www.connorwink.com.au
Facebook: Connor Wink
Twitter: https://twitter.com/connorwink
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connorwink/