A QUICK CHAT WITH WILL CLIFT

Congrats on your new track ‘How’ featuring Ash Kennedy. What’s the meaning behind the song?

The idea for the song came to me when I was skiing in Australia last winter and its really about the cosy feeling being warm inside with people, you’re close to.

What has been the highlight of your music career so far?

Probably packing out The Penny Black which is just down the road from my house in Brunswick. Playing live gigs is the biggest high and I can’t wait to get back to it once everything opens back up again.

What was it like playing Rugby Union at a professional level?

A lot of work and high-pressure environment but really rewarding and I love training so that helps. I’ve taken the guitar on the tour bus a few times and some of my islander mates definitely give me a run for my money with their voices. I’ve been lucky and had some great coaches and role models through rugby and I owe a lot to Melbourne Rugby in general, it really helped set me up down here. 

How do you think this release has differed to your past releases? Did you enjoy collaborating with Ash on this one?

Hugely different. I’ve spent the year last year and half since my last release really trying to educate myself a bit more on the business side of music and tried to surround myself with the right people to get the right sound and result and I think I’ve found that. Ash is an absolute gem, ridiculously amazing voice and one of my good friends, couldn’t speak highly enough of her. Really looking forward to hearing some more of her original music soon as well!

Do you have any big goals for the next few years? Live performances or touring possibly?

A national tour was definitely on the cards this year before Covid kicked in but I’m sure that’ll come in time. I’d really love to tour internationally; I have family in England that have never seen me play live so that would be pretty special. I’d honestly love to play at any of the big Australian festivals. I think one of the biggest perks of being a musician for me is getting to play festivals and watch all the other artists once your work is done.

Will Clift and his new single ‘How’ out today - click to listen