LOCAL song writer and performer Nik Hamby says his music is inspired by his life experiences.
“Good songs don’t need a lifetime to write” says Nik.
He reckons they can be written quickly if you’ve experienced a lot and he’s certainly had an interesting life.
There were several dysfunctional relationships, many addresses, serious financial struggles, and various health challenges including cancer.
Ask about his early employment history and he’ll give you a diverse list which includes detention officer and a funeral director.
Those experiences are all part of who he is and where he is now – happily settled in Ipswich.
Although he played in Sydney covers bands in his 20s, he came to song-writing a lot later in life.
Being locked down throughout 2020 was the catalyst for greater productivity.
Taylor Sappe of US-based Music for World Peace Records connected with “All We Need To Do Is Care”, Nik wrote after the Black Lives Matter protests.
In 2020, two of his songs were shortlisted in the 40th annual Australian Songwriting including “Breathe, Miss Sunshine” which went on to a top-30 list.
Nik plans to release at least another three songs this year, which will increase his catalogue to almost 40.
He’s received local airplay and several independent overseas radio stations have also taken up his tracks.
You might catch Nik at various open mic venues around Brisbane and Ipswich.
He’s keen to continue performing his songs and has an October spot in the Live and Local Sunday series at Banshees.
Students ready to take centre-stage
Three of the region’s high schools will showcase their works at the upcoming art exhibition, titled “Togetherness” by High Schools of the Lockyer Valley.
Featuring a diverse range of artwork, this exhibition invites viewers to perceive the works through the eyes of a teenager growing up in the Lockyer Valley.
Lockyer Valley Cr Michael Hagan said the Lockyer Valley Art Gallery always looked forward to this annual exhibition.
“Navigating one’s teenage years can often be a testing time, and for many, art is a wonderful and therapeutic medium to assist with this change.
“Art stimulates problem-solving and creativity – and is also well-documented to assist in anxiety and depression.
“Similarly, it can be a great way to express happiness, wonder and hope whether that be about nature, family, friends or even the future.
“We’re again eager to present the works of students from Lockyer District High School, Laidley State High School and Faith Lutheran College.
“The works allows viewers to see the world through the lens of local teenagers growing up in our rural community, and I encourage everyone to come along and see for themselves,” he said.
Togetherness by High Schools of the Lockyer Valley is on at the Lockyer Valley Art Gallery until 15 October 15.
