Ernie Ball Winner Lee Coulter Sits Down For A Chat
posted in: OurStage Updates
In June, Ernie Ball offered to pick up the tab for a year’s supply of strings and accessories for one artist from the Singer-Songwriter (Male) Channel. Aussie transplant Lee Coulter knocked the fans and judges off their chairs with his song Photograph, and ultimately claimed the prize. Coulter weaves mellow folk with funk grooves and pop hooks for an irresistible blend of So-Cal gold”perfect for fans of Jack Johnson, John Mayer and Jason Mraz. We recently caught up with Coulter to find out a little more about his music, influences and more. Check it out!
OS: Who would you list as your favorite songwriters and primary influences?
LC: Hands down, Paul Simon is my favorite. He writes everyman songs without being cliché. And I’m still trying to figure out how. Newer influences include fellow Aussie, Butterfly Boucher. Her debut album Flutterby is brilliant. I highly recommend it.
OS: As a guitarist, who has inspired you the most?
LC: I never claim to be a “guitarist” as I play to write and perform relatively simple songs. But I love the rhythms of Paul Simon and Jack Johnson, and I suppose they are who I’ve come to most closely emulate.
OS: You use the term Funkacana to describe your sound. Tell us about how you came to define it.
LC: I’m drawn to intellectually stimulating music, namely folk and some adult contemporary, but when it comes down to it, I also like to move… especially to funk and hip hop. So “Funkacana” is a blend of the acoustic sound that moves my soul and the grooves that move my feet.
OS: It’s been seven years since you’ve moved stateside”what do you think the major differences are between the music scenes in Australia and the US?
LC: I honestly wasn’t much a part of the scene in Australia as I only started playing live when I moved here. But it seems like there are more places to play here and more people to play to. So that’s a good thing.
OS: How does it feel to cross guitar strings off the shopping list for an entire year?
LC: Sweet! Now I can change strings when I should instead of when I must.
OS: If you got stuck in an elevator with the world’s biggest label executive, what would you say?
LC: I’m not sure anymore. I believe I’ve learned that the whole thing is a prime example of a crapshoot. If someone wants to sign me, they’ll make an offer. If they don’t, I’ll continue to figure it out on my own.
OS: What do you think are some of the most important online tools for rising artists to use?
LC: Obviously using iTunes or another site to sell your product. Other than that, I’ve seen it help to have a regular presence online like giving something fans and potential fans to look at (live or behind-the-scenes videos, blogs, free MP3s etc) on a weekly basis or at least a few times a month. Then post them on all the networking sites. I’m still learning as I go.
OS: Any shout-outs you’d like to make or fans to thank?
LC: Just to anyone who has helped me or continues to support what I do. Fellow musicians, family, friends, backing band members and fans. They keep me going when it doesn’t always seem to be the completely logical conclusion. And thanks to OurStage and Ernie Ball for creating an avenue to be heard.