Interview with: Kim Churchill

We chat to folk singer-songwriter, Kim Churchill about his new project & what he loves the most about touring.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what path led you to music?

My mum was a potter and an artist in London, and after moving to Australia to be with my dad, continued to weave art and creativity through everything she did. She started learning the guitar when I was four or five and immediately began teaching me as well. I went with her to different choirs and would sing along, it all stemmed from that basically. I always figured music was what I was going to do. When I was 17, I bought a camper van and left Merimbula, the small coastal town where I grew up and hit the road playing folk festivals and busking. It’s all been a bit of a whirlwind since then.

For those who haven’t listened to your music before - how would you describe your sound?

It’s folky with a lot of energy. There’s a pop sensibility to the songs and I always try and communicate a lesson or realization I’ve had in my own life and the way it’s made me feel. Your latest project, which includes a collection of four EP’s, saw you collaborate with local artists and producers in Germany, Canada, Australia and the UK. Can you tell us a little about that experience? It’s been a really liberating and truly wild and exciting experience. All up, I think, there will be around 27 songs and it’s been nice to have the opportunity to write so many. Working with all the different producers and artists has kept it really fun and constantly morphing, often journeying into new sounds and styles I couldn’t have found on my own.

The first EP from the collection, ‘I AM’, is due for release next month. Can you tell us about the inspiration or influences behind this EP?

‘I AM’ was recorded in Berlin with a house/hip hop producer named Vincent Kottkamp. The different worlds we both came from collided in this cool way, making the music sound very unique. I was really caught up with the excitement, colours and energy of Berlin. It was the middle of summer last year and the World Cup was on. The streets were full and the forests were green and alive. It was really magical going into the studio each day and letting all of this flow through me into the music!

Would you say travel has had a significant influence on your sound and the way you write songs?

Absolutely! It’s a beautiful, cyclical relationship. I travel to play my music to people and the travel inspires the new music I then go and write. It’s a great opportunity to emotionally stimulate yourself as well and continually have influences to write about. Even the colours and vibe of a place seems to find its way into my melodies and chord patterns. I love watching the songs unfold and seeing elements of the places I’m visiting coming through.

Which part of the music making process do you enjoy the most?

Well, that’s hard to say but these days I really dig being in the studio. For a long time, I found it really difficult and would get anxious. Somehow I feel like I’ve moved past that now and just have a really damn good time making things.

You’re about to embark on a world tour in celebration of your new EP - what do you love the most about touring?

The gigs themselves are the most magical parts. Being surrounded by people who are open to your performance and having the opportunity to give them a wonderful evening. It’s a real joy to play and it’s definitely the highlight of every day. I also love exploring new places and having moments to immerse myself in a totally different culture.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I paint terrible watercolours.

Do you have any advice for emerging songwriters/ musicians that are trying to break into the industry?

Things won’t come easy and beware of situations when they do. The only way to get better is to not stop and not give up. The real growth comes when you fulfil this obligation in spite of challenges. Imitating other artists you love is fine early on but try to only use it as a set of clothes you’re trying on to get to a more honest and integral version of ‘you’. Never stop working towards your own thing.

Find out more about Kim at kimchurchill.com or follow him at @kimchurchill1