Tell us about your background, how did you get into music and join Voyager?
I’ve been playing in original bands since I was 13 years old and have loved every minute of it. Both my parents are/were very musical, so I was destined to pursue music in one way or another. I joined Voyager in 2011 after befriending Alex and Simone through playing gigs together in the past in different bands. The Perth metal scene is quite small, so you all get to know each other quite quickly!
When did you first hear about Eurovision and what has your journey been like with the contest? Have you always been a fan or is it a more recent discovery?
I first heard of Eurovision in 2006 when Lordi won. Eurovision wasn’t something that was talked about much in my house, so it’s only really been in my sphere of influence since Australia has been a part of the competition. So, I guess you could call me a newbie!
What are your passions outside of music? Tell us all about them!
I am a massive advocate for Dungeons & Dragons. In other words, I’m an unabashed nerd! I think it’s one of, if not the best game ever made, and is a great outlet for creativity outside of music for me. I’ve been running my own games as the gamesmaster for eight or so years now.
If you could have a jam session with any three artists living or dead who would they be?
I think it would have to be jamming and writing with The Dear Hunter, simply watching Jimi Hendrix write music would be inspiring, let alone being able to collaborate, and I think working with someone like Yoko Kanno on an anime soundtrack would be a lot of fun.
Which Eurovision 2023 entries are some of your favourites?
I love Austria’s song 'Who the Hell is Edgar?'; it’s witty and cynical in the lyrics, and fun yet complex in the music. I love the vocal harmonies in the chorus of Vesna’s 'My Sister’s Crown'. It has a dark tone to it that I really enjoy. I think Alika’s 'Bridges' is a powerful ballad too that I feel is underrated.
Which three songs from Voyager's back catalogue do you think fans should check out?
You can’t really go wrong with 'Ascension'; it’s still one of my favourite songs to play live. 'Close Your Eyes' is a song that the band wrote before I joined, and I think it’s amazing. The chorus has this awesome vocal layering that sent chills down my spine the first time I heard it. 'To The Morning Light' was the first Voyager song I ever heard, and we re-recorded it for our fifth album, V. It’s a Voyager classic, yet still encapsulates what Voyager does even today.
Do you have a top tip for someone visiting Western Australia? Something they must see or a hidden local gem?
You have to get to the beach. We have some of the best coastline on Earth, and if you’re feeling a drink and a meal afterward, Scarborough has you covered. If you’re into surfing or just generally reducing the pace of life for a bit, Margaret River is a beautiful spot three or so hours south of Perth. I’d also recommend Kalbarri, which is where we shot our video for Promise. It’s a beautiful region seven or so hours north of Perth, and there’s so much to see and do up that way to satiate that wanderlust.
Tell us a surprising fact or something we wouldn't know about another band member?
Alex and I aren’t actually the same person, nor are we related.
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