Singer/songwriter William Crighton, based in the Hunter Valley, is known for his powerful and mesmerising live performances.
Respected Australian music journalist Iain Shedden of The Australian recently described Crighton’s performance as, ‘Once in a lifetime a gig surpasses all expectations, slapping you in the face with its grace, majestic singing, the quality of the material, and, in this instance, the acoustic ambience of the venue… [it] demonstrated music’s power to stir the heart and soul. In my all-time Top 10 that one.’
What’s the essence of a great gig for you, William?
Connection.
How was it collaborating with Matt Sherrod?
Matt is a good mate and I’ve learned a lot from him. He’s always up for a challenge.
I note that you have recorded in Mullumbimby. Can you tell me about the process? It seems you have traversed some locations!
Yes! We recorded some of Hope Recovery at the Music Farm. It was a really nice spot. We definitely were inspired by the energy of the area and I think you can hear that in the music.
What have been the performing highlights for you this year?
This tour has been amazing. Every show has been its own thing and different from the next. The audiences have been very supportive and giving. WOMAD was incredible too!
You have recorded After the Gold Rush, the Neil Young song. Can you tell me about that?
That song has spoken to me since I first heard it and I think about the lyrics a lot. It was a spontaneous thing to record it though – I was playing it to myself and at first didn’t know Matt was recording, as we had been having a break from playing. We listened back and he’d captured a ‘moment’. I tried to play it a few more times, but the first take stuck.
And Talking to God – what is religious accountability, do you think?
That’s a tough one. I don’t know, but I think we are all one here. Whether we like it or not, the sum of our differences would fit on a pinhead when compared to the ways in which we’re the same.
I think we can all agree that religious institutions in the modern context are losing the power they once had. There is so much more information available to us now as well as the freedom to explore more ideas and as a result each individual is able to make more informed choices.
Religious institutions can be a bit like energy companies. They give us some power, some destroy our vital resources in the process, and some are more community minded; none is free.
What can we expect for your upcoming show here in Mullum?
It will be a unique experience for us and you – if you don’t enjoy the show tell me and I’ll give you your money back.
Club Mullum (Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club) Friday, 7.30pm Diggers Tavern, Bellingen Saturday, 7.30pm. Tix & info: www.redsquaremusic.com.au or phone 6684 6195
