Lincoln is one of our winners from the Top Song competition! Check out the winners from each state and all the details on the competition page »

Describe your music

Indie rock and roll with an alt-country soul.

How do you go about writing a song? Lyrics or music first?

In short, I write the music first, but really it's more complicated that that. I tend to write lots of words and ideas without a song in mind, and other times I'll write the beginnings of a song idea, and find some words that suit it. After that I'll shape the words into a theme and finish the lyrics, and then finish the music around them. There's a fair bit of to and fro.

Who would you most like to tour with or learn from as a songwriter?

That's real hard. If we're talking hypothetically dead or alive, then maybe Johnny Cash. Otherwise Elvis Costello or Neil Young. If Tim Rogers wants to come along too, that would be ace.

What was the last CD you bought? what made you buy it?

Husker Du - New Day Rising. It was recommended by a friend that runs a record store. We're currently in the middle of debating whether or not it's a better record than Flip Your Wig. I say no.

What do you do when you're not making music?

I teach year eleven and twelve students how to write (as in poetry and prose), how to play rock and roll, and how to be audio engineers. I also produce records for bands in Hobart.

What have you got planned for the future?

I really admire those songwriters that can keep writing relevant and meaningful music throughout their entire careers. I want the next batch of songwriters coming out of Hobart to be confident that they can make a dent in the national market, and so whether I can help that by setting a positive example, or teaching them the right skills to navigate their own way through, I'll be happy.

Australian music is...

Exciting, given the prospects of what might take shape in a post-major label industry..