On Befriending Courtney Barnett, Bob Dylan Comparisons And Touring Europe

Fraser A Gorman

Having recently returned from the warm weather of his first ever European and North American tours, young Victorian singer-songwriter Fraser A Gorman has experienced a complete climate reversal. To cope with Melbourne’s merciless winter, he sports a stylish band tee/denim jacket combo to warm himself. “It was really great. I had a blast,” Gorman says of the tour. “Each country felt very different. I definitely felt in the UK my music was received better than in America or Europe — I think people in the UK better understand the humour and sarcasm in my songs. They’re all really good places though. I want to play in Japan next.”

"The Dylan thing happens a lot, which I’m cool with I guess."

Gorman, who now performs under his own name after stints with various groups, is back to launch his debut solo LP, Slow Gum, ten songs fusing creative non-fiction narratives with relaxed rock’n’roll melodies. The 23-year-old reveals he’s been sitting on the material for longer than the public might realise. “The record was actually finished about a year-and-a-half ago, and a couple of the songs I wrote maybe four years ago. It was a little bit annoying to hang onto them for so long, but I was busy touring — and I also got signed to a record label in the UK [Marathon Artists]. But I still like the songs, so I’m happy to play them.”

With arresting brown curls, impressive instrumental skills and a unique songwriting flair, Gorman shares more than a few characteristics with folk legend Bob Dylan. While he’s not overly affected by such comparisons, Gorman admits he’s a little perplexed. “I don’t really think about things too much,” he laughs. “Being labelled as a country and folk musician, the Dylan thing happens a lot, which I’m cool with I guess. I think my music has a vague vibe of that sort, but to me, it just sounds like rock’n’roll.”

Gorman’s charming lackadaisical playing style isn’t far removed from that of another young Aussie export: tour buddy, labelmate and good friend Courtney Barnett. He recalls first meeting Barnett back in 2011, and explains the impact she’s had helping him break through as a solo artist.

“Courtney was one of the first musical people I remember meeting when I moved to Melbourne. I met her at [Fitzroy venue] The Old Bar, watching [her former band] Immigrant Union. We bonded over similar music and became mates. When I put out an EP around then she asked whether I wanted it to be put out on Milk! [Records, Barnett’s label]. At that stage it didn’t mean much, but then it turned into something big. I was really lucky to get that exposure. Back when I was younger, me and my mates hung out and made bands in Geelong, and when it got a bit small, we all moved up to Melbourne. But after going overseas with Courtney, I realise Melbourne is pretty small too. There’s bigger places to go.”