A few words about yourself

Music is what gets me up in the morning and allows me to sleep at night. I also like to read a lot, mainly non-fiction - History, science, politics, etc . . .

Where were you born & raised?

Born in Melbourne. Raised in about a dozen different places around Victoria and Queensland for a while.

Where do you belong?

I honestly don't know yet. Currently researching that one.

Your favourite piece of music?

At the moment it's the Score from ' The Thin Red Line'.

The biggest hurdle you've overcome and how you did it?

My father died before I was old enough to remember him. That's a bit of a recurring hurdle.

What makes you laugh?

Politicians. Traffic. Advertising. Fashion. And of course a good joke.

Who do you talk to when you've got a problem?

My band members. My sisters. Whoever I happen to be standing nearest to . . .

Your greatest achievement?

Picking up a guitar with nothing and putting it down with a piece of music that makes me feel good. Making music out of thin air.

How do you cope with loneliness?

I'm not sure I know to be perfectly honest. If I can write a sentence or a song that makes me feel validated then that might help. I guess I cope with it by singing about it. Channelling it.

How do you relax?

I walk or listen to music or have a conversation. Reading. Lying on my back looking at the ceiling, strumming something.

What are your fears, and how do you face them?

I fear myself probably more than anything. I fear that my brain will swallow my mind and I will be lost for good. I face them by keeping my mind stimulated.

Your heroes and role models?

Albert Einstein, My mother and sisters, Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Fugazi, REM, Carl Sagan, John Pilgar . . .

How have you coped with death and loss?

I'm not dead. I am alive and I don't believe there is any other place to be. I believe that loss can actually offer you something in return . . . in time of course. I like to feel a breeze or watch a tree. That is life. It just continues of its own accord. Amazing.

Your favourite place in the world?

Underwater.
Dublin.

How have you got through relationship breakups?

By trying to take every lesson I can from them. And just plain old, hard-won acceptance.

Where do you draw strength and inspiration from?

I'm here. I could just as easily not be here - never have been born. But I'm here. Trillions of atoms organised into incredible complexity. Against all probability. That's inspiring. Trees make oxygen for me. I make carbon dioxide for them. Everything works together.

Have you ever seen someone like a counsellor, and did it help?

Yes. Yes.

Your life motto?

Don't waste time.

The best thing about being alive?

You got a better idea? An honest exchange between two people is always inspiring. Being productive and participating and doing something that you are proud of.

Your goals for the next year?

To be creative. Productive. Stimulated. Inspired. To participate. To learn. To communicate with people and enjoy the give and take of it all. To make it a year I will always look back on happily.