Tuning in to the song muse

Our workshop with singer/songwriter and musician Ken Sanders proved to be a relaxing end to the year. Ken took us through some of his own songs, such as Harbour Wall, Sad Sweet Sugar Cane, The Clock Song, and Sandfly Creek Blues. He said the words always came before the melody. The inspiration? Something struck a chord in him although he could not explain why.

Ken was born in India while his father, a soldier, was posted there. They went on to live in Scotland before coming to Australia. He almost gave up the 'novelty' of playing a guitar. He would put it under his bed with the intention of not touching it again, but he'd always pick it up the next day. His song My Hometown, which is about the town that won his heart (Mackay), won a competition promoting the tourism potential of the region.