Ian Lilburne

Western Australian singer-songwriter !an L!lburne has a portfolio of more than seventy original songs stretching back thirty-five years. A passionate singer + guitarist, his debut album, Ghosts, and its companion piece, the EP Against the Odds, were produced by Pete Grandison of Shanghai Twang Studios, Fremantle: a collection of classically crafted songs, haunting yet play-ful, in the key of Cohen tempered by Lou Reed, John Cale, Neil Young + Philip Glass.

Fifty per cent of the proceeds from the sale of Against the Odds are being donated to Médecins Sans Frontières Australia.

MUSICAL BACKGROUND

After a false start on piano, L!lburne soon found his true instrument, the guitar. By his mid-teens he was writing his first songs. Naturally retiring by nature, he did not readily move onto the stage, preferring more private domains to hone his song writing skills while pursuing a successful career in arts management, production + promotion (including an eight year stint as the Executive Officer + inaugural Director of Perth’s Artrage Festival).

In 2010, L!lburne was special guest of Italian singer-songwriter Emile Rivera at a series of concerts in Parma, northern Italy.

In July 2011, he launched his debut album Ghosts at Kulcha to a capacity audience.

Joel Hargreaves writing in Spaceship News said of Ghosts:
'Overall this debut is a pleasing affair, which requires a number of listens to truly appreciate it. Time is what is given to create this album, so time is what you need to invest in it. Lilburne’s lyrics are honest, passionate and often poetic.'

L!lburne himself says of Ghosts 'These songs have been haunting me for long time. Some are fictions, some based on actual events, all of them the wraith like traces of things I once thought and felt.

'The arrangements reflect a classic approach to the craft of music making. Rather than lock into a particular period style, I wanted to create something haunting, subtle and unusual that paid homage to the people who’ve influenced me?Leonard Cohen, John Cale, Brian Eno, Lou Reid. To achieve this, the instruments and musicians were chosen to best suit the mood of each song. The result is an eclectic mix?everything from a full band (electric guitars, drums, bass) to the more Spartan and atmospheric (cello, voices, Spanish guitar).'

For the 2012 FringeWorld Festival L!lburne performed with accordionist extraordinaire, Cathie Travers: Campari Kid + Siren of the Squeezebox. With Phil Bailey (bass), Peter Smith (drums) and Pete Grandiosn (frets), they presented an evening at the Bakery of classically crafted yet playful music in the key of Cohen infused with Gypsy melodies, Gallic charm + a dash of the blues.
Bernadette Neeling, writing in perth Now, said of this show:

'Siren of the Squeezebox Cathie Travers virtuosically weaves through Campari Kid !an L!lburne's poetic examinations of the human condition. She sighs and sings with her accordion while he sings poetry with his Spanish guitar. [...] thoughtful as well as musical. The collaboration embraced the talents of two writer composers who are unafraid of experimentation and honest expression.'

L!lburne is currently writing and recording material for his follow-up album.