Lawrence Arabia stumbles onto songs
James Milne finds inspiration for his music in all facets of life.
The Taite Prize and Apra Scroll-winning artist likes to look for poetry in everyday things.
Better known as Lawrence Arabia he says it’s the most mundane things that inspire him most.
‘‘It’s pretty hard to describe, it’s just my whole life,’’ the Eden Terrace resident says. ‘‘At any moment inspiration could strike.’’
‘‘Sometimes I get on a roll, but it’s one of those things that is so mysterious, it’s mysterious even to myself.
‘‘It feels like an accident every time.’’
Milne has released three albums under the name Lawrence Arabia and will be performing each one over two nights at the Kings Arms Tavern in Newton.
The first night will see him play the self titled Lawrence Arabia and the Taite Music Prize-winning Chant Darling.
On the second night he will play his 2012 album The Sparrow from start to finish accompanied by a string quartet.
Life has changed for Milne in recent times with the birth of his first child.
When he is not playing music he is focusing on his daughter.
‘‘When I’m not organising shows or doing boring admin around my music I’m taking my daughter for walks, or going to the playground,’’ he says.
‘‘It’s just settling into a rhythm really, it’s a lot less about outlandish dreams now and being a family man.’’