Tim Hulsman
Tim Hulsman is a talented Aussie singer songwriter, was happy to interview him for the website. So read on.
1. What does playing live mean to you?
To me playing live means connecting with people. It’s my opportunity to entertain, face to face, tell the stories behind my songs and hopefully give the audience that memorable thrill of being present at a great performance. I like to get amongst the crowd and meet the punters after a show.
2. Do you think it’s all about the songwriting or does timing and the right place at the right time has a key getting your music out there?
The only thing I have control over is my songwriting and the way I conduct business, so that’s all I concern myself with. If luck and good timing happen, that’s great, but I don’t rely on it. I guess you make your own luck by working hard and working smart.
3. How important to you are music blogs in helping get your music out there?
Music blogs are a great help in getting my music out there. I certainly appreciate any new listening or reading audience. It’s a given that people will search online to find out more about an artist these days and blogs are an important resource.
4. What inspired you in the first place to give music a shot?
Music has been in my soul since a very early age. I would probably say that watching film clips in the late 80s and early 90s really made me want to be a performer. Bands and artists like Guns n Roses, David Bowie, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Janes Addiction just made me want to get on stage and sing and entertain.
5. Having tools like Soundcloud does it make your job easier when trying to gain new listeners to your music?
I’m sure it helps…although it seems to me at this point in my career that I mostly get attention from other musicians trying to network through Soundcloud, Reverbnation and MySpace rather than genuine new fans discovering my music. Having said that it is very handy for music industry types to get a quick listen to my latest tracks. In the long run those tools will be an integral part of my interface with fans.
6. Do you think releasing EP’s and singles is a good way of keep momentum going before releasing a full length or spending time out of the spotlight writing songs is better?
I’ve never released a single before, but the experts in the industry who I’m consulting with at the moment say that it is a good way to keep momentum. I’ve only ever really released full albums. (One EP back in 2003) I’m always writing so time out of the spotlight to write is not necessary at this point in time. Maybe if things go extremely well and I find myself constantly touring and gigging I might need to take time out to write.
7. How does a song happen for you?
I think of songs as potential friends who are passing through town (my mind) and we either make a solid connection and develop a relationship or we part ways soon after meeting. All of the songs I still play are like old friends to me. I love them and they have treated me well. It’s funny…sometimes if I let a song idea go, it pops up somewhere else soon after, having obviously found the friend it was looking for in another artist.
8. Are there moments where you’re just not in the mood for writing music and need to do something else before you jump back into songwriting mode?
Songwriting tends to come to me in patches of creativity. I don’t have a routine around it. If I’m too busy or stressed I don’t feel creative (or receptive to those new friends). I find taking a step back from life sometimes produces a period of intense writing which can sometimes result in a good song coming out.
9. Do you think YouTube has help save the music industry?
No. I believe that the live music scene is negatively effected by the over abundance of live music clips available on YouTube etc. I understand it’s a powerful tool as well, but in reality I think a large percentage of people end up staying at home with their computers rather than stepping out to see some live music and getting all the other social benefits that go along with that.
10. Do you think being serious with your music at a young age has helped you?
I was serious about music from a fairly young age. I don’t think I had a choice in that really…it’s just who I am, and what I have always wanted to do. Having said that, I feel like I’m starting all over again at this point in my life (40) but having 23 years of experience behind me helps me to understand what is expected of me in the industry and also what to I should expect of others. Being a musician from the age of 18 has made for an interesting life that’s for sure!
