In this interview spotlight, I chat with Lonely Exit about the latest music, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I am from Brisbane Australia.

I suppose you would class it on the Indie /Alternative spectrum. I have always liked the idea of upbeat or Pop sounding songs that have dark lyrical content (eg The Cure, Depeche Mode). I also like dark sounding music that has dark lyrical content. Though my influences may be strong in the type of music I make, I certainly don’t want to sound like those bands. There’s already a NIN or Sisters of Mercy so why sound like them.

I am a big believer in the power of melody. Get the melody first then make the words fit. If you can say something meaningful within the melody, then you’ve had a win. But most people will connect with the melody first and foremost. Case in point, Smells like Teen Spirit. A Mulatto, an Albino, a Mosquito, My Libido. Doesn’t make a lot of sense but it’s very catchy.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

This will show my age but I can distinctly remember being fascinated with Alice Coopers Department of Youth at about age 5 or 6. Very quickly it was nothing but KISS. I can remember the moment I wanted to pursue music as a massive thing in my life was the instance I saw Love Removal Machine by The Cult on the telly. That was my The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show moment.

What motivates me to keep going is that I am more relaxed about it now and keep things in perspective. All too often in this world we are judged by what we do for a job or how much money we have. I don’t identify myself with my job. I identify myself with my music.  For most of us, no one will remember what you did for a job five minutes after you stop doing it. But if you manage to pull off the amazing task of writing a song that people connect with, then at least something you created will last forever. Unless you’re some Corporate Psychopath, most human beings are emotional creatures. And music stirs emotion.

How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

Anyone who has ever been in a band knows that it is somewhat of a balancing act. Trying to keep everybody happy, making everyone feel like they have some place within the context of music, seeing that everyone gets their creative itch scratched. And at the end of the day most of us have a different creative vision. On top of all that, everyone has a different set of priorities and available time.

So I wanted to make a solo record whereby I played every instrument, had complete control over the songs, the arrangement, the production and even the name.

And even though there is a range of songs sonically, overall they are still connected. In my opinion anyway.

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this over saturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)

This is a very obvious one.

The Internet has enabled everyone to get their music out into the wider world. The hard part nowadays is getting noticed. I think it’s fantastic that we are no longer force fed what Record companies and Radio Stations arbitrarily decide to promote. However, by the same token, I find on a personal level that it pays to have no expectations about any level of success.

Home recording technology is so affordable and easy to use as well. I use Cakewalk and it really is exactly that to use. A Cakewalk. Highly Recommended.

What was the last song you listened to?

I would like to say something cool but in truth it was Seasons in the Sun by Terri Jacks. It’s such a sad but uplifting song lyrically. I got the idea after I saw the documentary Autoluminescent, on one of my all time favourite artists Rowland S Howard. In it he mentioned a Bryan Ferry cover of You are my Sunshine that was so sad and achingly beautiful that it was one of his favourite songs. So I’ve decided to record an album of covers whilst I’m in the process of writing my next album of originals. If I FEEL I can do them justice or change them in same way as a different interpretation then I will try.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I’m certainly not a cork sniffer but each have their advantages. Vinyl sounds warmer and the experience is more immersive. MP3’s take up a whole lot less space. There’s not much I can say about CD’s except that my Mum still uses them.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I like the autonomy that Bandcamp provides. Spotify and Apple are everywhere so there is an advantage in that. Distrokid is great for getting your music out to as many streaming services as possible. Music Submit is good for reaching the more industry types. I don’t think you can rely on just one. They all seem to tick different boxes.

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

Lonely Exit is on all the usual suspects. Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple, Tik Tok, Youtube, Souncloud and a whole lot more.

Anything else before we sign off?

Walk to the beat of your own Drum. It’s all too easy to become a drone. Society is just built that way.