LJ BULLOCK
Moonah, Tasmania, Australia | SELF
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Discography
The plan is to record and release in 2012.
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Bio
My name is Lee. I was surrounded by artists and musicians my entire childhood; my own creativity was bound to come out somehow and at some point. Somehow is the operative word here because since the age of five (when hit by a car) I have been a quadriplegic; paralysed from the neck down.
Being a kid confined to a wheelchair and requiring constant care for everything, and not being able to do anything on my own, movies became my babysitter; and of course I fell in love with my babysitter and grew up with stars in my eyes.
I am severely physically disabled. I am in my 30s and because of my disability I can't play an instrument and I can't sing either. One thing that I can do is write. I have a wealth of experiences to lyrically draw from. Sadness, tragedy, inspiration and strength usually emanate from within a body that lives in a full body straight jacket. Writing is my escape.
Unable to be the singer/songwriter I desire, my musical ambitions began in 2005 when I was put in contact with a local guitarist and vocalist named Peter Hasenkam. I handed over a file of some 30 lyrics named THE BLUEPRINT FILE and within a few weeks he had returned with four demos on a CD.
For over three years we collaborated on 17 songs. All of them bar one are my lyrics set to Peter's music. Although very satisfying I found it to be a long process, where I am only the lyricist. Making music with Peter was extremely fulfilling and exciting but I am an impatient Aries and I want to do the whole lot myself and do it in quick time!
This is where a computer comes in handy. Give me some time, some loops, and together with my one knuckle I am allowed free rein into the music world. It is here where I can fully express what I physically cannot. Whether it be creating music, writing lyrics, or writing screenplays, my desire to create must be fulfilled.
In December 2008 I began creating my own compositions to go along with my lyrics. Of course there has to be at least one stumbling block, this time it was my vocal ability. I can sing but it really is not something that should be heard too often. I have a very small lung capacity so I cannot sustain any sound at all, besides I am always out of tune. Losing my breath can be frequent.
In 2009 I met a new acoustic guitarist, Carl Rush. Carl is an amazingly talented guitarist with the vocal ability to match. I feel very fortunate to have collaborated on one song with him.
At the end of 2009 I was introduced to a new carer; a young nursing student who just happens to be a great singer. We quickly became friends and we collaborated on seven compositions, my music and my lyrics, Maddy's voice. This is the way of my future; attracting singers to bring my compositions to life!
Come September 2011 I am yet again introduced to a new carer who is a true singer songwriter. Matt and I collaborate once every two weeks and it really is a highlight. Matt has a wonderful talent and I feel privileged to be working with him so regularly.
I do venture into rock on occasions but mostly I feel my niche is acoustic-based. If I could play an instrument I have no doubt it would be acoustic guitar. I also like creating the odd instrumental or blues tune.
My life was pretty gloomy around 97/98 and it was at that time that I found the inspirational music of Elliott Smith. He is my biggest influence and I aspire to be in the mould of Elliott Smith, Ryan Adams, Iron and Wine, Bruce Springsteen, the acoustic music of Diesel, and the beauty of Angus and Julia Stone.
I like sadness and tragedy. There has been a lot of that in my life and I have basically spent my physical life in a kind of jail. But this is my life, and with a mix of Buddhism and Spirituality, I believe people must live life to the fullest and accept and deal with whatever comes our way. And do it with grace.
I hope that my music and lyrical content is something that touches your heart.
Peace and love, Lee.
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