Over a musical career spanning 40 years, singer-songwriter Tim Easton has poked his nose into most corners of the globe.
His love of seeing other places was first kindled when his father’s job transfer resulted in his family relocating from Akron, Ohio in the US to Tokyo.
“Travelling has been part of my life ever since I went to Japan as a kiddo…so I kind of got accustomed to it,” he said.
“And there are challenges with travelling, 100 per cent. But learning about other cultures is a never-ending source of inspiration.
“I’m always eavesdropping on everyday stories, little phrases… like one I wrote down today, a great phrase that Australians say, ‘see you round the traps’.
“That expression is musical on its own. I just like the way people speak everywhere I go, and I write things down.”
Having spent years busking his way around parts of Europe, the UK and former USSR, Easton became an influential figure in the roots and Americana scene after releasing his first self-titled album Special 20 in 1998.
Drawing on a blend of folk, roots, rock, blues and country influences, Easton’s music revolves around storytelling, more often than not reflecting his own life and experiences.
“First of all, it’s cathartic; simply, I’m identifying some things that have happened in my life,” he said.
“I’ve found that when you speak your own truths, you’re often going to connect with people who have gone through a similar thing.
“But I think Joni Mitchell kind of beat most of us to the point. And so really, I’m just one in a long lineage of confessional poets in that regard.”
This month Easton will release his 11th studio album fIREHORSE, with 10 new songs backed by a “crack band” of musicians from Nashville, his home for the past 15 years.
“The evolution of this album is in, I think, the simplicity…I’m writing simpler songs, more campfire kind of songs,” he said.
“I hang my hat for the most part on the troubadour style, so I can tell a story, I can pick a guitar and I can have fun with it.”
Tim Easton is at Beav’s Bar on Friday 16 January. Visit trybooking.com/events/landing/1468429 for tickets.
