Local artist profile: Roy Lever

This week we speak with legendary modern Australian folk musician and co-owner of East Bendigo Brewing Co Roy Lever.

What initially motivated you to become a musician?

I’ve been playing guitar and singing since I was in primary school. Music has always been with me. To take it that step further I suppose I can liken it to why a lot of people start playing sport. They want to play and hang out with their mates. Well, my mates played music, so it just stemmed from there.

How would you describe your unique style and how did you develop it?

I play what you could describe as modern Australian folk. I have always loved music and songs that tell stories. Folk and blues music, which are my loves, do this so well.

For me, loving these styles of music started in Mildura playing with my mate Kit Warhurst doing blues and rock covers in the front bar of a local pub, through to learning Celtic music in Ireland, then playing with my mate Ade Curran, to starting a Celtic band Blackthorn Stick with my mates in Bendigo back in the 90s. I started honing my song writing skills with that band.

What are some fond memories you have from your music career so far?

I always think about how lucky I have been with my music. I have been privileged to have graced the stage with and have played for some of my idols over the years.

Blackthorn played with Weddings Parties Anything at their legendary Christmas shows. Playing some of the country’s best music venues including headlining the Corner Hotel in Richmond and the Espy in St Kilda.

I also remember being at a party in Richmond where I was sitting chatting with some people around a fire in a small suburban courtyard when someone handed me a guitar and said, “This is the guy I was telling you about”.

I looked up and there was my songwriting idol Paul Kelly. I can’t remember what I sang but I remember Paul and the small crowd really liked it, so I handed the guitar back after that song, quitting whilst I was ahead!

How can people check out your music?

I try to put stuff up on my Instagram page @roylevermusic every now and then, and there are some full sets from some recent gigs on there that people can check out.

I’m working on a few things at the moment, looking at booking stuff in for early next year as well as reinvigorating a little love project called Holroy with my mate Greg Holl. The best place to check when I’m playing is on my socials.

What would you say to young regional aspiring musicians who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Do it! Play! Play! Play! Don’t be put off by what people may think, whether that is good or bad. Play for you, music is personal. You will find an audience.

Make mistakes! Learn from them. Learn from your peers, learn from your idols. Be humble and be grateful to those who support you along the way.

Write about things you know. Don’t overthink it.

Whether it’s a good song or a terrible song, still write it, still play it. You need to practice your craft.

Most of all just get out there and do it. The world needs to hear you.