It’s THEAUSSIEWORD.COM’s first interview of 2022, Australian singer/songwriter Dan Lynch.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
In my teenage years I learnt the chords of my favourite songs and overtime developed an understanding of chord structures. I then attempted writing my own lyrics and songs and formed bands with mates. Being in a band exposed me more to the music industry and it’s something I really enjoyed being a part of.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
I enjoy songwriting and have mostly been drawn to storytelling songwriters and lyricists. My interest in this area has influenced me in my own songwriting and direction.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?
I wish to continue writing songs and aim to have regular releases.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
I will be releasing an acoustic version of “Big Wide Sky” on January 14 and have plans for more new songs thoughout the year.
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
“Big Wide Sky” is my latest release and the theme of the song is a yearning for the natural beauty of a big wide sky which can feel quite liberating in comparison to city living which can at times become quite suffocating and automatic. I would describe my songs as edgy Americana Rock.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
My songwriting is spontaneous in that I can get lyrics or ideas for songs at anytime. I try and capture these ideas when they occur by recording them so I can them come back to them at a later point. From there, I build on the ideas until I’m happy with the song. I work full-time as a principal of a special needs school in inner Sydney so this is how I manage my interest in songwriting.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
I don’t have hidden meanings but I do have a natural tendency to write songs that are searching in nature.
Success, what is the secret to it?
From my own life experience of witnessing success at any level I would say it is a result of talent, effort, commitment and forces of nature.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
My song “One Day at a Time’ received plays on a popular radio station in Nashville and this song is also receiving regular daily plays for a drug and rehabilitation radio program in the USA. This was a nice surprise as it was a semi professional recording and I was an unknown Aussie.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
I am drawn to storytelling songwriters or good lyricists so have been inspired mostly by Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Paul Kelly, Bono, Noel Gallagher, Courtney Barnett, Slim Dusty and Tom Petty.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
I will be releasing new singles throughout 2022.
The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself a few years?
In a few years time I would like to look back and see that I have continued wth regular song releases and my songwriting and delivery has improved.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
My favourite part is the enjoyment of music. As I work full-time in a demanding day job my songwriting is something that can give me solace. I also enjoy meeting creative, talented and interesting people in the music industry. I dont really have a least favourite part although I do wish I could spend more time on my songwriting.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
Aussie artists I often listen to are: Paul Kelly, Slim Dusty, Courtney Barnett, Vance Joy, Andrew Farriss and INXS, Bernard Fanning, Kim Churchill, Birds of Tokyo, Don Walker and Jimmy Barnes.
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?
I have discovered that social media goes hand in hand with the music industry and it greatly helps those artists who are established. For those artists who are not established it can be a bit of a hinderance as a lack of social media presence results in releases not being heard. As someone who likes to write songs its something I’ve had to get my head around and accept that its required.
How will you continue appealing to the international market?
As my style is Americana and my song “One Day at a Time” had some traction in the US it would be good to build on this.
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
Yes I really enjoy working with Dario Bortolin in Sydney and he has co-produced my recent releases.
What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Just keep songwriting and improving as you go. Listen to feedback and practise on your weaknesses.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans?
If you haven’t heard of me check out some of my songs and if you like them keep an eye out on my upcoming releases.
Any last words?
Lets stay positive and hope that 2022 is a better year for the world.
Website: https://www.danlynchsongs.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danlynchsongs/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/danlynchsongs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danlynchsongs/