Israel Cannan

From the Central Coast, singer songwriter Israel Cannan

A successful musician is a lot of things. It’s difficult to determine what's at the centerpiece of their jigsaw puzzle of attributes and skills, although I’d have say its conviction. The same quality that first drew me to Israel Cannan’s music.

To my surprise it wasn’t his melodies or lyrics, although exceptional in their own right but the timbre of his voice. That certain conviction behind his words which made me believe in what he was saying.

True to this, Israel has captivated his audiences at home and abroad in a similar way. In 2010 he embarked on a three month tour throughout Australia filming video diaries tell his story along the way. He lived the life of a genuine troubadour and traversed 124 cities and towns, all to play his music and promote his appropriately named LP "Walk". 

It’s been nearly a year since Walk was released and we decided to catch up with Israel, have a chat and see where his feet have taken him this time – London.

 How did you first become involved in music, do you have any early memories?

I think my earliest memories would be pulling all the pots and pans out of the cupboard, lining them up and beating them with a wooden spoon. I received a toy drum kit soon after, I was about two years old. My mother is a guitar teacher and has been as long as I can remember so music's always been a big part of our family. I started taking music seriously (although still just as a hobby) when I was about 10 years old.

What's the best thing about being an independent artist?

Having creative freedom is always a good thing, the right to record and release something as you feelit should be released... Saying that, I think it's just as possible to do this with a major label just depending on who your working with and how well everyone understands each other... 

Last year saw the release of your debut album Walk, tell us a little more about the writing and recording process behind the record...

Well to be fair "Walk" isn't actually my debut LP. A lot of people think it is as it's probably the first thing I have done that hasattracted some attention, even if only a little.... I did a recording back in 2006 called "Poets Corner" which a few people from my home town know me for... It was a long time in between drinks "musically speaking" but after the Walk journey and Album I think a few more people from outside my local area started to take notice.

What do you feel is most important in a song?

Probably the truth.... No matter what the agenda or where its coming from, or even what style of music.Truth can be subjective, but for a songwriter truth is that stuff that's hidden deep down in some dark corner of the soul.

 Apologies if that was a bit deep ; )

In terms of music, do you find living in London Inspiring?

I have only been here a couple of months but the answer so far is yes, yes, yes....Its a bigger and much older pond than the one back home so it has a lot more history in the venue'sand the music scene in general... Saying that I still miss it back home!

What's in store for the rest of 2011?

I'll continue to do my thing here for a little while longer, It's been going better than expected so there's no reasonto rush off anywhere just yet. We are talking with a label in Canada about the possibility of releasing Walk over their later in the year, if that goes ahead I will also do a few shows their... I plan on being back home in Oz for Christmas, summer bbq's and hopefully a few shows also!

Just for fun if you could take the stage with any artists, alive or dead, who would they be?

Tough... I like so many different artists and to be honest don't have any absolute favorites... Maybe me, Bob Dylan & Eddie Vedder can start a trio???

Israel is playing a host of shows over London this Winter so If you're one of our overseas readers or if your going on a trip take a look at our gig guide and you can buy Walk from Itunes.