MUSICIAN, FATHER AND AVID OCEAN DWELLER: KYLE LIONHART

Firstly, How are you and how is your family?

We're hanging in there,we bought a kelpie puppy to distract us from the world, haha.

I couldn't think of a better distraction, haha I'm sure you've been asked this a lot, but for our audience, who may not know, when did you first start making music?

I mean, technically, I've been making music since I was about 9 or 10, playing drums in my family band with my Dad & two sisters, but I really started writing things with purpose and heart when I was about 21.

Wow, that's awesome! Definitely pays to come from a musical family, and that's so nice that you could all play music together; it must have been pretty special growing up. 

We've been keeping a close eye on your socials, and we've seen a few last-minute cancellations; the world is looking quite grim at the moment - How are you staying inspired and motivated?

Yes, the music industry is on its knees. It's hard to keep motivated and inspired in times like these as I feel like art is only half-finished until it's shared in real-time, which as everyone's aware; hasn't really been happening in over 19 months, so this is making it hard to move on and keep everything flowing, but I refuse to be defeated. I've been spending a lot of time catching up on all the time missed with the ocean whilst on tour, which has inspired and motivated me to share what I've come to learn ( or maybe unlearn) what I know about myself and the state of the world, a lot of highs and a lot of lows.

Absolutely, love that. Spending time by the ocean and finding that zen time really brings you back into the present after being so go-go-go for the last few years. Especially with touring, recording etc. 

What's been your most memorable moment so far? Where you've truly looked back and been like WOW! I've got this! 

Other than the obvious ones like; people singing my lyrics back at me and selling out my first show, I honestly couldn't tell you my most memorable moment; there's just too many; I still can't believe I'm here. 

I mean, I've worked really fucking hard for it and never giving up even when most people probably would have, but I still feel like every moment on stage is like my first, and I remember them all as fondly.

Well, that's awesome that you still get that feeling and that connection from your crowd, and it's admirable to see someone work so hard for what they want. 

 Ok, Not to spread the cheese, but everyone's got one - What's one quote you absolutely live by? 

"You're Gonna Die" 

I love that. It reminds me of Memento Mori, a word used a lot in literature and a trope for art. "Remember, you must die." The point of this reminder isn't to be morbid or promote fear but to inspire, motivate. 

 So in saying that, what's one bit of advice you would give your kids when it comes to chasing their dreams?

Dreams are never realistic, so be unrealistic. 

Another goodie! Alright, so if the world opened up tomorrow and you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I'd love to go back and tour America; I love that crazy place. 

Interesting! Ok, so you're on the plane to America, and you can choose only one soundtrack to listen to. I'm sure you have plenty of faves, but if you could name one - What is your track of all time?

Grace - Jeff Buckley, For Emma - Bon Iver 

Ahh yessss, both those tunes are heavenly! I feel like Grace gets you amped and ready for the day, and For Emma, is for a laid back Sunday afternoon.  

We've noticed you are an avid cook, also vegan; what's your favourite recipe of all time? 

Vegan Pad Thai

 Excellent choice. Ok, so you wake up, you have the day off, and you've got no worries, no expectations and nothing to do - What's the perfect day look like to you? 

Surf, grommet/family surf, tend to veggies, coffee, play/write some music, bush walk/rainforest swim, arvo beach fire and beers with friends, play a show!

Sounds pretty perfect, haha. 

Well, we thank you for taking the time to chat with us; last one - What's next for you as an artist and a father? 

There's some huge exciting shifts currently happening in my career that I can't quite talk about yet, but I can tell you I have an album finished and ready to go, and as for the father thing; well, I'm just doing my absolute best to not fuck them up haha!

Haha, I'm sure Matt, The Founder of Merchants of The Sun, a new father himself, feels the same way.  

We can't wait to hear the new music!

Kyle is currently repping The Godfather, The Sunwalker  and Poseidon Mistress.