Fishing for musical authenticity

It’s all about the love of music and channelling experiences into emotive lyrics for Tom Fisher.

The Fremantle musician will embark on a WA tour to promote his latest EP, Spend a Little Time.

Fisher is best known in the Capes as the booking agent for Clancy’s Fish Pub Dunsborough, but the WA music veteran’s band recently won a WAM Award for best blues and roots song — Old Man of the Blues.

A humble yet unapologetically honest singer-songwriter with a classic Australian twang, Fisher said as he matured, he pored over his lyric choices with a fine-toothed comb to create songs about anger, loss and frustration.

“As a songwriter, you have to come from somewhere real; this record is one that comes across as very raw,” Fisher said.

The EP was recorded in the South West by esteemed producer James Newhouse, planting the seeds for a poetic pub-rock record unafraid to make a statement about modern Australian life.

“Our sounds are similar to that vintage American roots, but we’re unashamedly West Aussie,” he said. “I’ll never be a Peter Garrett, as much as I love Midnight Oil, but I did want to write about family and friends and our experiences.”

Son of renowned Australian musician Jim Fisher, Tom has been performing live since he was nine years old but said performing was how he bonded with friends.

“At the end of the day, it’s all about playing live — we’re not young bucks anymore, we just love being around music and we’re all good mates, so I guess other blokes go on surfing trips or play cricket on the weekends, but we go away and play gigs.”

The foot-stomping traditional blues number Old Man of the Blues is augmented with harmonica from Bill Rogers and the soulful blues riffs of guitarist Kilian Albrecht.

“Kilian is one of the best guitarists in WA,” Fisher said.

“He’s the tone master and our rhythm section is super solid.

“It was nice (winning the best blues and roots WAM award).

“You don’t set out for recognition, but it’s good to feel reassured.”

Tom Fisher and the Layabouts will play Settlers Tavern next Friday at 9pm. Entry is Free.