Tim Spriggs is an Australian creative, with a keen interest in songwriting and film. Over the past 10 years he has developed his craft as a hobby, which has culminated in his decision to focus on his music. He has recently finished an EP entitled Something Else (to be released on the 15th of June) and is in the process of writing and recording a full-length album.

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1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?

I gravitated towards making music in the same way that I think a lot of people do, because it’s a great form of expression. I also don’t think there’s any other art form that allows you to move people in the way that music can, film is another great way, although theres many other variables and people that come into play that can sometimes cloud your vision. You also watch a film a couple of times, music to me is more timeless.

2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?

I started off being into heavy metal, basically a lot of music that’s void of melody and progressions. Rather than having a big focus on performing I was more interested in producing and learning how to craft songs. More recently I’ve just been really interested in how you can evoke emotion through chords and melody. I’ve experimented with many different styles of music, kind of trying to find a place where I fit musically. Eventually I just gave up and decided to mix different styles. I think a lot of musicians look for some kind of niche or identity through music, or they’re only proficient in one style. I get bored easily.

3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?

I was quite turbulent when I was younger. I think that the music I was into then was the best avenue for me to express what I was feeling at the time. As you get older you find other ways to deal with things. I feel there’s a lot of resistance on the path to doing anything artistic, I’m still on that path. You want great results, but often the only people capable of helping you get those results are already well established. So the only people you can find to work with, you kind of have to push up the hill with you sometimes.

4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?

I generally have an idea of the type of song I want to write musically, and an idea as to what it’s about. I don’t rely on inspiration. I feel I’ve learned enough to be able to sit down, write and make things work. I write songs in all different ways, it depends on the kind of song I want to write. For the most part I want my songs to be able to work solo, just for my own convenience when it comes to rehearsing and performing. But I have songs that have started with lyrics and I’ve built the melodies and chords around the words. I also have songs that have started with the music, also a few that start with the drums. There’s no right or wrong way, you pick up things as you go that become a part of your tool box, and whatever situation you find yourself in hopefully the more tools you have, the better you can navigate towards the result you want.

5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?

Great songs are what it’s about. A lot of musicians are quite focused on performance, especially with huge shows like American Idol and The Voice. There’s a lot of amazing singers and guitarists out there, but their songs don’t match their musicianship.

6.) Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?

Major labels can be marketing machines capable of getting your name out there in a way that’s really difficult to do independently. I think once you’ve established yourself, it’s easier to work independently and also get paid.

7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves? Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?

Good question, the internet is a great tool. Ultimately it all comes down to effort, there are many roads to success and I think they’re all valid if you’re willing to put in the work. It can be difficult to stand out online, everyone and their cat has a band now. Everyone also has a platform to voice their opinions. What happened to earning one?

8.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?

Some are more into the artistic side, some treat it more like a business. I think we are starting to see more of the latter due to how music is consumed now. If anything it almost seems like the musicians have it worst. They do all the work, the consumers get it cheap and the online providers take a big cut. Like with anything you need to compromise a little sometimes, if you don’t, you’ll be selling yourself to your side job.

9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

I plan to have released a few albums, also pursue a few other creative endeavors. One step at a time.