Lap slide guitarist and folksy crooner Pat Tierney will again bring his unique sound to the Sunshine Coast live music scene with a sunset session aboard Spray of the Coral Coast. 
As our featured musician for December, we sat down with Pat to find out what inspires his music, how he creates his inimitable sound, and what playing on the Sunshine Coast means to him. Here’s what he said:

Pat, tell us about your music journey. How did your love of music start, what drew you to music?

My music journey started around the age of 15 but It had always been a big part of my family and family gatherings , there’d always be a jam session happening most holidays or weekends with friends, cousins, uncles & aunties and whoever was around. 

We also had lots of instruments in the house, guitars, mandolin, piano, so I naturally just began to gravitate towards wanting to learn an instrument. 

I was mostly into punk & rock music at that point, and was just starting to learn guitar when I attended a Byron Bay Bluesfest — I had always been surrounded by folk and blues music, but my world kind of flipped after that, seeing it on the big stages and in the flesh as a teenager. 

It just hit me straight in the heart and I went home and decided I wanted to be a musician from that day on, and write songs. 

Tell us about your sound, how would you describe your music?

I’d probably say it’s folk music at its core and then branches into some blues, roots and even soul. 

The slide guitar plays a big role in my sound as well, and is often the driver of my music. 

I’m really open to a lot of genres, and it’s exciting to let all the different musical styles wash over and filter into my own music. 

When you create music, what impact do you hope to have? 

I want to inspire and move people the way I have been through music. 

When people listen to my music I hope they get a sense of belonging and comfort. It’s a very therapeutic and organic process for me, and I’m really grateful to have that expressive outlet. 

What do you enjoy about playing a gig on the Sunshine Coast?

It’s a great community, always very supportive and some really lovely venues and people pushing to highlight local artists. 

I grew up in a little town called Woolgoolga on the mid-north coast of NSW — beautiful and inspiring place, a great place to grow up. I’ve been on the Sunshine Coast now for around 3 years, so it’s definitely starting to feel like home. 

What music or musicians influence you?

Folk, Blues & Reggae are probably my 3 most loved genres. So people like Bob Dylan, Ben Harper, Bob Marley & Harry Manx have definitely shaped who I am as a musician, guitarist & songwriter. 

What do you love about being a musician?

For me, it’s the expressive outlet of writing, performing and releasing music. It connects me to something bigger and allows me to say what my soul is needing to say. 

What does culture mean to you?

Culture is community for me. A coming together of knowledge and sharing the best of ourselves with each other. 

Fast Five: What’s your favourite...

Instrument:  Weissenborn slide guitar 

Drink: Coconut Water 

Food: Pizza 

Song: ‘pleasure & pain’ - Ben Harper 

Place: I’m currently in love with Ireland after a recent trip, and Northern NSW always lights me up. 

Love live music? Join us for a sunset cruise where local and touring artists make for an unforgettable sunset session on the Sunshine Coast.