Some might call it a rite of passage or coming of age. Some, a boys’ own adventure. Whatever it was, it was a musician’s inspirational and personal journey that saw him cross a continent… In February of 2010, singer/songwriter Israel Cannan left his home on the East Coast of New South Wales to travel around Australia, creating, inspiring and promoting as he went.
At the early age of 18 Israel released his first EP and after surviving the ups and downs of the industry including successful tours and radio attention, Cannan wanted to go back to basics. The corporate industry didn’t nourish the soul and he decided to take his next offering to the people organically, showing them his music face to face on the street and learning more about himself in the process. Completing his debut album “Walk” on which he wrote, engineered and played all the instruments on, Israel strapped his guitar to his back and set off in an old van with a friend by his side to film the experience and share his journey with the world. Driving through every state in Australia and visiting some of the most remote places on Earth, Cannan spent months playing for locals and handing out free singles from the album to people on street corners all over the country.
Israel said of his journey: “I have never wanted to wait around for some elusive big break that may or may not come. There is a whole world of people out there that will connect with what I do, I just have to find them…”
What ensued was an amazing journey, both physically and personally for Israel as his album “Walk” was given birth to in the hearts and minds of the people he met. Documenting his journey through a series of 22 video journal entries posted to YouTube, Israel reunited with his family in September, coinciding with the worldwide release of “Walk” through his own Poets Corner Records. The album is available throughout the world, digitally over itunes and physical copies are available via his website www.israelcannanmusic.com
I had the chance to ask Israel questions about things such as his interest in music, his goals he has lined out, and if he’s ever felt like giving up. You can read about that below.
When did you first realize you had an interest in music and what sparked that interest?
It wasn’t really a case of a moment in time or anything like that… My family is pretty musical. Mum being a full time Classical guitar teacher there was always guitars and other instruments lying around our house for me to pick up, and so I did. I also learned to play the drums at an early age which has helped with recording my own songs.
What drives and inspires you to do what you love?
I suppose there’s just a conviction there that I cant fully explain, it just feel’s right for me to write a song and sing it.
How did you get started in the music industry?
I played drums in a punk-rock band throughout my teens, I would also help with writing for the band. From there I started to concentrate more on my acoustic guitar and writing a different style of music to what I had been playing. When I was 18 I took out a lone and made my first recording, from there I approached an indie label and it was released. Things were over fairly quickly and the label ended up imploding. From then on I started releasing my own records.
Do you find it easy to play and to sing? Does it come naturally for you?
I have always been involved in different productions from a young age so it comes naturally, although I feel like there’s still a lot more work as a songwriter to be done.
Besides music, what are some of your favorite things to do?
Surf. Write. Read. I also love films!
If you had the chance to work or record with anyone, who would you choose?
There are far too many talented musicians, songwriters and producer’s to choose from! I would say a songwriter like Lennon and a producer someone along the lines of Brian Eno.
How would you describe the sound of your music?
I would say that’s its a type of indie-folk.
How do you feel that you’re different from other artists in your genre?
Its a hard question to answer I suppose… It’s like asking a Lion why its different from a Tiger. Who knows why… It’s just different. (smiles)
What are some of your long-term and short-term goals you have lined out for yourself?
I have tried to remove myself from “long term goals” as such. All I know is that If I can keep writing songs, and people keep listening then my job
is done.Was there ever a time you felt like giving up on your way to where you are now?
Is that a trick question? Definitely (smiles.)
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