Wheatbelt Local had the chance to interview Hayden Sprigg, one of the talented singer-songwriters featuring on the recently released Sounds of the Wheatbelt CD. Hayden talks about everything from being a part of the amazing Sounds of the Wheatbelt program to who will win the AFL season. Thanks Hayden for the interview!
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1. How did you hear about Sounds of the Wheatbelt and what made you want to be a part of it?
I heard about the project through WA Music’s Regional Officer Nigel Bird, who coordinated the project. Nigel is passionate about music in the bush and seems to know everyone in the industry.
I’ve often been asked if I have recorded my music (which I hadn’t), so when the opportunity came up to do some professional recording, I jumped at it.
2. What was it like being involved in Sounds of the Wheatbelt project?
I think all the participants would agree it’s been a fantastic experience. Seeing your song evolve from something you bash out on an acoustic guitar through to a fully produced work of art is very satisfying. On top of that I’ve met some great people, who I’ve learnt a lot from, and have gained a much better understanding of the recording process.
3. Where did your love for singing/songwriting come from and how long have you been singing/songwriting?
I just love music, and when you love something you spend your time getting involved in that thing. I like connecting with people through music and if you can produce something that touches and moves someone for the better, then you’ve had a positive impact on the world in some way. Music can bring us together, from babies through to the elderly, everyone loves it. If I can form part of that glue that holds people together for a time, then I’m happy. I’ve been writing songs for about five years now.
4. Tell us a bit about your song on the CD (The Eastern Line), it’s a song about your grandfather?
The eastern line refers to the eastern and driest part of the wheatbelt. Where the wheatbelt ends and the bush begins. Grandad came out to the eastern line in 1928, when he was 15, when most of it was still bush. He helped clear the land and stayed there until he died, aged 96. The song is basically a short biography of his life and others like him who opened up the land, trusted in God, and left the legacy for those of us who remain there.
5. Did you sing at Dowerin this year as part of the Sounds of the Wheatbelt launch?
I played 4 times at the Dowerin Field Days, on the Wednesday. As part of the project there were about 8 of us who played all over the show grounds, over the two days.
6. What do you do when you’re not singing, songwriting and playing music?
I’m a pretty standard Wheatbelt guy. I work on the family farm, I play footy, go to church.
7. What are your plans for the future, music-wise?
I really enjoyed the recording process and would like to do a five song E.P. one day.
8. Would you recommend others to get involved in the Sounds of the Wheatbelt project if they make a second CD?
Absolutely. You’ll get more out of it than you realise.
9. What advice can you give to other Wheatbelt residents with a passion?
Picture yourself where you want to be, then take one positive step after another to get there. Remember the end goal, but focus on the next step.
10. Who do you think will win the AFL season?
Sydney will be very hard to beat, I think.
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Thanks so much to Hayden for the interview! For more information about the Sounds of the Wheatbelt project, you can email West Australian Music or see their website.
Don’t miss out on your chance to win a copy of the Sounds of the Wheatbelt CD, filled with incredible tunes from Hayden and many other talented Wheatbelt singers and songwriters, ENTER HERE.
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