Some artists spend decades chasing the perfect debut. For Sydney singer-songwriter Bill Walsh, the journey arrived later than expected, but with all the perspective that comes from a life fully lived. Describing himself as a “late bloomer”, Walsh only began writing seriously a couple of years ago, yet his thoughtful songwriting and timeless musicianship suggest an artist who has been quietly collecting stories for much longer.
His new album ‘Old and New’ reflects exactly that. Bringing together songs written across different chapters of his life, the seven-track collection bridges the years before fatherhood and travel with more recent reflections on personal growth and the world around him. Blending warm guitar melodies, understated arrangements and heartfelt lyricism, the record showcases a songwriter finding beauty in both memory and the present moment.
We caught up with Bill to talk about the making of ‘Old and New’, why it was never too late to embrace songwriting, the lessons behind the album’s contrasting themes, and how community has helped shape this exciting new chapter in his musical journey.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
I grew up in Sydney Australia and had two passions growing up- music and sport.
I had a few illnesses growing up- a lot of respiratory issues- and spent a fair bit of time in bed listening to the radio. I can still remember hearing “Tears of a Clown” and being incredibly excited. It’s still one of my favourite songs and I then started playing acoustic guitar when I was very young.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
Everything! I went through a real Allman Brothers phase in my teens (I think I may still be in that phase) and loved the big sound of jazz/rock fusion with two drummers. I also fell for folk music and would harmonise with my neighbours (and younger sister). Stave Stills is probably my favourite guitarist, and I try to fingerstyle with his rhythmic style.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
I lived in London for 9 years and returned to Sydney in late 2007 with Cathy, my wife pregnant. My son Harry was born in 2008 and now that he has finished school I thought I would try to seriously pursue being a songwriter. The first song I had written in 20 years- “Walk with Me” won the Australian Songwriters Association for Songwriting Excellence (the Rudy Brandsma Award) and that prompted me to try to pursue songwriting seriously.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
Yes- I find inspiration in mundane things. For example, “Walk with Me” was written in a nondescript shopping centre in North Sydney when I was working in a mundane job. I had the subject matter in my mind- someone looking for a romantic interest- and I remember one Friday the fingerstyle pattern (apologies to Doc Watson!) and lyrics came together and I remember thinking- this is good!
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
Everyday things- that’s where the good stuff is. I remember reading how Steve Earle wrote “Someday”, namely a station attendant filled up his car outside of Nashville and he placed himself in that person’s shoes to imagine his frustrations. I love comedians who write about everyday life- I think that’s why “Curb Your Enthusiasm” has been so successful.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
Hopefully my music can have a positive effect on anyone. One of the great things in being a songwriter is that you can make an impact on people. Last year we had an unexpected death in my wife’s family, and I wrote “Song for Jon” in response to that and sang at the funeral. I’ve had two people congratulate me on that song and how it’s moved them. I’m very proud of that.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
Basically getting my music heard and establishing some type of a presence. I’ve just put out an album- “Old & New” and I’ve got no idea how to market it or get it heard. The world of social media and digital marketing I’m afraid I’m not very good at.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
Winning the Rudy Brandsma Award at the Australian Songwriting Awards in 2025 was a big highlight. I then had to perform my song and was then fortunate to win the best live performance. I had forgotten how much fun live performances are. The most rewarding aspect is realising my songs are OK, my fingerstyle has improved and I’m very proud of my CD “Old & New”.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
I am lucky in that I am not financially dependent on music so I don’t have the same commercial pressures to compromise my beliefs which I’m sure younger artists have. I love playing and listening to music so anything in addition to that I’m happy with.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
I’ll continue to write and hopefully record another album before the end of the year.
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
I have always had one goal when I started this journey approximately 12 months ago and that was to have at least one of my songs recorded by an artist reasonably well-known artist and if that can happen in the next five years, I’ll be happy.
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Listen to Bill Walsh’s new album ‘Old and New’ below.
