WAM Festival Artist Profile: Andrew Winton

Short description of your band and music: I play a range of unique lap-slide guitars and acoustic guitar, the music is acoustic, with a wide set of influences (jazz, blues, folk, celtic, gospel, funk).

Best WAM-related story? I have seen a few people do things on a WAM-induced lamington sugar high that probably can't be printed here. They're all grown up and responsible now.

What do you think separates the WA music scene apart from the rest of the country?  When you tour in other states, people always comment on the WA music scene, how healthy it is, the diversity and uniqueness of sounds, and how musicians seem to support each other - there is that real sense of belonging to a WA music tribe.

What WA bands are you vibing on right and why?  One of my favourite local bands still is Karnivool, whenever I get the chance I will go and see them live. I think they are such clever musicians and they have stuck to their guns after all these years. I am also a big fan of both Nathan Gaunt and Dave Mann - both superb musicians, songwriters and singers, and probably underrated in Australia. If I had a magic wand I would wave it and give them mainstream success. They are both top blokes who really deserve to be heard by audiences. I also think Timothy Nelson & The Infidels are an interestingly evolving band, and look forward to hear where they go with their music.

Why should people come and see you from amongst the many cool bands at WAM? They will have NEVER seen an instrument like the one I play, made for me by Don't Fret Instruments in Alabama, USA. It is a double-neck, 13-string lap slide guitar/bass known as The Lucky 13, made out of a cypress tree root from the Sipsey River in Alabama. It's an amazing instrument and I love for people to come and say hi and have a bit of show and tell - see it up close!

What's on the horizon for you? I have a new album, GloryBox Mechanics, due for release on 28 Nov. I am excited about this as it has been four years since the last album was released! Looking forward to touring around Australia to launch the album, and playing lots of festivals, including the National Folk Festival for which I have been booked as one of the headline acts.

WAM Festival performance: Paddington Ale House, Friday 6 November