Brad Butcher, singer/songwriter
Find your obsession, make it your profession and you'll never work a day in your life …
Brad Butcher is living proof that it’s never too late to alter the course of your life and pursue your passion. He always yearned to create, having grown up humming to the sounds of his mother play Bach and Beethoven on the family piano and strumming away on his hand-me-down guitar, but the pressures of earning a buck led him to accept a job as a cabinetmaker and then as a fly-in-fly-out worker in the coalmines. By day he’d work and by night, he’d play guitar and write songs to while away the time until his next visit home. His music was his secret for over a decade, until by chance, or fate, Brad’s path intertwined with someone who saw something in him and persuaded him to share his gift with the world. Brad has just released his first record Jamestown and is set to embark on a tour of the east coast of Australia starting in his hometown of Brisbane before heading to the Currumbin Creek Tavern this Saturday night. Brad spared a few minutes to chat with The Weekend Edition Gold Coast about uncontrollable shakes and impossible dreams.
What inspires you creatively and musically?
I get inspiration lyrically from a range of places. It could be a random line that pops in my head late at night, the people I’ve met on the road, it could be anything really. Musically I take a bit of everything and do my best to use it constructively. I love to listen to the likes of Rodney Crowell, Ray Lamontagne or Bruce Springsteen. I figure if I aim for the quality they produce, and land halfway there, it’s a good place to start.
Congratulations on the release of your sophomore record Jamestown, any favourite memories from the recording process?
Thank you. The whole recording process was a pleasure. From the writing sessions with Marc Swersky, via Skype to New Jersey, to being in the studio with all the guys. There wasn’t a day that I didn’t enjoy and I’m so grateful to all of them for their hard work and talents.
The album centres around the fly-in-fly-out lifestyle, what was it really like for you as a FIFO worker?
That’s definitely are common theme throughout the songs. Being a FIFO worker and then traveling away to play gigs or record is a very draining at times. It’s a real mental battle to stay focused and remain driven towards the goals I’ve set. Anxiety and depression is becoming more and more common place for people living/working away from home for weeks at a time, not only mining related jobs. So to combat this myself and a group of work mates are raising money for beyondblue and will be completing a 1000 km bike ride in August this year from Mackay to the Gympie Music Muster. It’s not an easy thing to do. I average four days a fortnight at home and I’m lucky to have the full support from my wife Erin.
Of course you love them all but is there a song on the album that really resonates with you personally?
I’m proud of all of them but there are definitely a couple which stand out for me. Simple Things and Always You are the kinds of songs I’ve set out to make from day one. A song that can grab you with the story and hold your ear right through. Two Women is probably the most left of centre song I’ve written but it really opened a door for me in my approach in writing. Since this song was written I’ve found another loophole almost and a fresh thought process around how I look for ideas.
You kept your music to yourself for over a decade, what finally made you share it with the world?
I had the songs for a while but I just didn’t know who to turn to to record. I had no experience in a studio or with professional production and it was just pure luck that I found someone who saw something in me and my songs. They instilled some confidence in me that I didn’t have.
Was there ever a point when you thought a career in music was an impossible dream?
I still have my doubts. It’s a long, arduous, uphill battle and you really have to be passionate about it to succeed, but with songs and the right people around you anything is possible.
If you could give a musician or anyone who might be harbouring an impossible dream some advice, what would it be?
In the last couple of years I’ve learned nothing is impossible if you’re willing to sacrifice and earn it. I was handed a phrase years ago that helps me to remain focused on what I’m trying to achieve: find your obsession, make it your profession and you’ll never work a day in your life.
You’ve shared the stage and studio with some pretty big names, who has been the one person that stood out as someone you were thrilled to meet?
I’m most thankful for having firstly met Anthony Lycenko and Ben McCarthy. These two guys were the brains behind my first album and a big reason I’m still active and working hard in the music industry. Anthony jumped on board as my manager for the next few years and he introduced me to Marc Swersky, which opened up the next phase. Marc has been a mentor and dear friend for the best part of four years now and together we have created Jamestown. I have to mention that none of this is possible with out my wife Erin who has been there through it all thick and thin, and mostly thin I might add. I don’t know where I’d be without her.
What do you consider to be your career highlight so far?
Career highlights aren’t really on my radar. I’m currently surrounded with a great bunch of friends in Brisbane and life’s good. My career highlight will be the day I can give away the FIFO job and give my music all of my attention.
Let’s take a few steps back, we’re you always musically inclined?
No way. I spent my first 21-years focused on sport, the guitar was ever only something I’d do to amuse my friends and family. Although for a while my incessant practice drove my brother and sister mental. I didn’t really sink my teeth into music until I was around 26. I’m still learning every day and I’ve just recently started taking guitar lessons to improve.
You grew up listening to your mother play Bach and Beethoven on the family piano, how did you end up playing country roots music?
By accident really. I wrote the songs on my guitar and had put no thought into whether they were country songs or folk songs. It wasn’t until I was handed an album by Ray Lamontagne, that’s still one of my favourite albums, not long before the first album was recorded that I knew the direction I wanted to head. Also under the guidance of Anthony and Ben this is where I’ve landed. I couldn’t be happier.
Can you remember what was running through your mind the first time you performed in public?
Probably don’t stuff up! My left knee used to shake uncontrollably too; it still does from time to time. I’m not sure if it was my first gig but I remember playing a song at a friends wedding and being so nervous I forgot the words and stopped the song with out finishing it. Not my finest hour but I always learn from my mistakes of which there were a few back then.
How did you feel at the end of that performance?
I remember thinking I’m probably barking up the wrong tree here but my close friends and family were always very encouraging and positive. So I didn’t give up.
What are you listening to on your iPod at the moment?
I’ve got a few albums which are played regularly. I think my latest favourite is by Andrew Combs called Worried Man. Great new songwriter from Nashville I think. His song Devil’s Got My Woman had me on the first listen.
How do you keep yourself entertained on the road?
Music, music, beer, music. I find lots of inspiration while I’m traveling and I take a lot of notes for new material. I don’t tend to write while I’m on the road, it generally all happens at home. I try to meet as many people as I can and take in the sites.
If you could start a supergroup with people living or otherwise, who would you choose and why?
I don’t know if I’d call it a supergroup but if I had to put a band together, depending on the gig, I’d probably just grab the E Street Band for a big sound but if it was a more intimate vibe driven set, I’d have Jay Bellerose on drums, Eric Haywood on guitar/pedal steel, Richard Causon on keys and Jennifer Condos on bass. Great feel, great presence and an ear for the song.
What’s your personal definition of ‘success’?
I’ve only ever wanted to someday make music my sole profession. When that day arrives I’ll have achieved my greatest dream.