THEAUSSIEWORD.COM // Special Interview with Jayden McGrath.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
I started to really become interested in playing and writing music when I moved back to Alice Springs from the USA. Being the son of an avid blues fan/guitarist, and having not much to do in a small town, I became obsessed with every aspect! Learning guitar from my dad at first gave me the courage to develop my own style and eventually venture out into playing with bands and recording on a four-track tape recorder in my garage! I guess since then its come a long way.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
Music to me is therapy and in most ways I consider it to be my vary identity. When I am not playing and writing I can honesty say I do not feel like I am myself.
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
My goal is to continue being an artist for as long as possible! As far as accomplishments go, I already feel accomplished knowing that the people around me respond positively to what I am doing currently as an artist. I look forward to any opportunities that may arise in the future!
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
We have been working towards having an awesome live show! Over the past two years I have been writing and developing this project and we are finally there. Tour is a definite on the cards and I am excited to get back into it!
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
We decided to choose ‘Conditions’ as the first release for this project. The reason for this is it was one of the first songs written in this new stage of my life and is suited to the mindset that I was experiencing at the start of this journey. Conditions highlights my state of mind in a dark period of my life from my persona, circumstances and my view of the world at the time.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
To be honest, writing varies from song to song. I try not to put myself in any sort of category, but musically and lyrically, however I have found writing on a more personal level allows me to flow fairly consistently and easily. The process can also vary as some songs are written on the guitar first and some songs start in Ableton.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
Sometimes…sure! I like to use metaphors to try not to be too direct in my writing. Most of my meanings reside around energy and world circumstance. Although, the core of my lyrics are surrounding personal circumstance and experience.
Success, what is the secret to it?
I honestly wish I had the answer to that Success to me is being happy with what you are doing. Sure there are things that people would consider being more successful then others and goals that I will strive to achieve, however, if I could simply continue to be creative and love what I do then I feel as though I am successful.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
Honestly, having a catalogue of music that has been formed over the past two years is a massive achievement for me! I am very proud of the picture I have painted so far and I’ve never been so prepared and inspired! I hope to keep releasing what I’ve been working on for years to come.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
I take inspiration from many different artists from different genres. Growing up I was listening to artists like Ben Harper and John Mayer, which really got me started in appreciating great song writing, both lyrically and musically. These days my taste is very eclectic and I am listening more to artists like Frank Ocean, Maggie Rodgers to name a few.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
Not at this point in time. I plan on focusing all of my energy on this project as this is who I am and the most comfortable I’ve ever been!
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
The music industry is definitely an intricate and interesting beast to say the least! To be completely honest I try not to think about it too much. I am lucky to have an amazing team around me that I trust to make the right decisions on my behalf. This allows me to concentrate on writing.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
That’s hard, there are so many! I listen to a lot of Amy Shark, Dean Lewis, Vera Blue and Matt Corby to name a few.. I grew up listening to John Butler and Missy Higgins on repeat.
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?
Once again, I try not to let this overwhelm me and concentrate on doing what I do best. If people are drawn to my music, I’m sure it will get out there.
How do you plan on cracking the international market?
I am interested and intrigued to say the least! I am just going to say we are planning on doing the hard yards and giving it our best shot! Who knows what the future will hold!
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
I haven’t done any collaboration with anyone yet but there are so many amazing artists I would love to work with! Any of the names that I mentioned above would be an honour!
What advice do you give for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Just do what you love to do! Chase your dreams and live in the moment. We are so often controlled by our fears and what other people may think of us that we forget who we are. Be yourself because you are awesome.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your fans?
To anyone that has supported me on this journey so far, thank you! From the bottom of my heart it means the world to me!
Any last words?
I would love to share the love with you guys and girls down at the Evelyn for my debut gig on June 7th! Come and say hello!
Website: jaydenmcgrath.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/jaydenmcgrathofficial
Twitter: @jayden__mcgrath
Instagram: @jayden_mcgrath_official