Gippsland is a place where exceptional creative talent breeds, develops, and then often departs to conquer the world. Made in Gippsland is a celebration of those genius minds – the creative excellence of the past and present Gipplanders.
What's your job title, or a short description about what you do?
I wear a few hats (some might say it's because I have a few heads) guitarist, producer, guitar teacher, Line 6 clinician.
What is your main specialty/expertise/niche?
Freelance and I teach guitar privately at the Peninsula School.
What companies have you worked for?
I've freelanced for Sony and advertising agencies representing Just Jeans, Fine Form, Loveables etc.
What type of clients do you have or do you work for?
I mainly produce my own music these days but I've been getting more into creating music for advertising (as above).
Please give us a more detailed summary about what your job involves.
Music producer: facilitating and creating the overall finished product. Almost like a song interior designer.
What's the funnest thing about your job?
The idea and the finished product – everything in between is torturous.
How did you get into doing what you do?
It started with a double cassette deck and a computer with general midi.
Did you have to do some specialist study?
I have two advanced diplomas (sound production and music performance) and I'm half way through a graduate diploma (equivalent of a bachelor) at the Conservatorium of Music.
Who are Twelve Foot Ninja?
I am founder/guitarist/producer for Twelve Foot Ninja in which I have only used Pod's and Variax guitars since the bands forming in 2008.
What recognition and success has Twelve Foot Ninja had?
"Twelve Foot Ninja are basically one of the best live bands I have ever seen in my life" – Misha Mansoor gutarist/founder/producer from Periphery.
Have you been published in special publications?
Well, I'm the best selling author of Guitar tuition products "Simply Guitar" and "Lead Guitar" selling over 1.3 million units worldwide.
What are some of the most impressive things you have done in your career?
Delta Goodrem's European, Scandinavian and South American promotional tours.
Billy Mann (known for his work with: Jessica Simpson, Pink, Hall & Oates, Michael Bolton, Sting and Art Garfunkel).
Eliot Kennedy & Gary Barlow (known for their work with: Celine Dion, Spice Girls, Brian Adams, Atomic Kitten and Take That).
Paul Wiltshire (known for his work with: Backstreet Boys, Human Nature, Shannon Noel and Vanessa Amorosi).
Both receiving in excess of 90,000 views within their first 3 weeks on YouTube and receiving rotation on MTV, Channel [V] and Rage.
Any things else? remember we want to impress everyone about how fantastic you are doing! don't be humble, let fly with the gold!
I played a gig on an island with Delta Goodrem and we got there on Puff Daddy's yacht. When we were there Richie Beno taught me how to open a crownie with a fork.
I met John Mayer, Beyonce and System of a Down at a Sony Showcase gig in New York.
Where did you grow up in Gippsland?
Lived in Wonthaggi a couple of years.
What are your fondest memories of living here?
Probably having the beach so close (less than 1 minute walk) was a pretty awesome child hood.
What school/s did you go to?
Tell us about when you first left Gippsland and why?
Lack of opportunities and specialists.
What things were missing when you lived here to help support your interests?
More exposure to a range of elements in the industry. More access to mentors.
Do you still have connections with Gippsland?
Do you come back and if so how regularly?
I try and get there once a month to visit my extended family.
Films. Music. Books. People. Video Games. The usual suspects I suppose.
I have plenty of people I look up to, but a few come to mind; Mike Patton, Michael Jordan, Mike Tyson, Tommy Emmanuel.
What advice would you give to someone who might want to get into a career like yours?
Learn how to be almost scientific in your self critisism and reality assessment. Do not assume it will be easy making money doing what you love. Let your love for what you do motivate you.