Making a name for himself as an alternative crooner, Gorman’s sound has hints of Courtney Barnett, Vance Joy and Paul Kelly vibes as his lyrics reveal relatable situations and his melodies encapsulate the easy-going Australian coastal lifestyle.
His self-titled EP was released in 2013 and soon followed by his debut album Slow Glum in 2015, which received rave reviews from music critics. His second album Easy Dazy, released in early 2018, showed a huge level of growth and Gorman is set to make his second Riverboats appearance on the Sunday afternoon.
“I got into music basically from growing up in Geelong,” he said.
“I went to high school at Oberon High and I met a few friends there who played music and we started playing at a pub called the National Hotel in Geelong. It’s no longer there unfortunately but there were lots of cool bands that stemmed from that pub like King Gizzard and the Wizard Lizard.
“Music was something me and my friends did for a hobby and I guess it kind of rolled on from there.
“I never studied it or anything, I actually failed music in year 9, which is kind of funny.”
Moving from life in a band to a solo performer, Gorman found a sense of liberation in his decision-making and his music.
“It’s good because you don’t have to compromise anything for other people,” he said.
“But by the same token you’re often more reliant on yourself, people aren’t always there so you have to do things yourself which is one of the hardest parts.
“But I like it.
“Logistically it’s easier as I do shows with myself and solo shows so it’s easier to travel … and cheaper.”
In a twist, Gorman actually spends his days on a construction site as a carpenter.
“I started working in construction when I was 18 because I wanted to have a job that worked daytime hours Monday – Friday so it didn’t clash with playing music.
“Now, I do it on more of a professional level — I think I like it because it’s so distant from music.
“Obviously I get to listen to music at work, which is really nice, but the actual industry is so far from the music industry it’s a refreshing, alternate world in which I can live.
“It’s also a creative field because you’re making things and it can be cathartic at times as well.”
Juggling two careers could definitely be a tricky feat but Gorman seems he takes it all in his stride. Continually releasing easy-listening and relevant tracks time and time again, if this singer isn’t featured on your playlists, he soon will be.
“Of my two albums that I have out, all of them are my songs.
“I go in and out of creativity, it kind of comes in waves. It’s just a matter of whether I catch it when it comes on.
“It’s a difficult yet rewarding thing. But it’s a thing I always try and do.
“My music is informed by the things happening around me and the artists I love too, I draw inspiration from them.
“I guess it’s what happens to me in life and the way I see the world.
“I’m always working, it’s never-ending. I’m always striving to write better songs or be a better singer or guitarist. It’s a constant mission.
“I play the music I want to play and hopefully it translates to people liking it.”
■Weekend passes to the 2019 Riverboats Music Festival have sold out, with only a few Friday night passes left. You can still grab adult tickets to Fraser A. Gorman‘s show on board a paddle steamer on Saturday February 16 starting at 2.30pm.
For more details and your last chance to purchase tickets head to riverboatsmusic.com.au
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