Vorn Doolette

What did you want to be when you grew up?
A writer. That didn't go down so well with some people. I think they were expecting Fireman or something...

What did you become?
A musician...but that's a type of writer. Also I want to write books at some point.

What's your official title?
?

What's your background - how did you end up here?
I grew up in Darwin with hippies. My life has been very strange...that's how I came to be this way I think.

How would you describe your work to a complete stranger?
Due to my vocabulary being far more limited while talking normally as opposed to when writing a song, I tend to say things like; "Yeah it's kind of acousticy folky...a bit alternative...hopefully...and sometimes a bit funny occasionally and randomly".

I will try and do a better job in this article. It's chock full of tragedy and comedy. Heavy with metaphor. Stories which take you away. Sex, religion, romance, death, humour. These are all things you will find in a song from me.

What's the first thing career related you usually do each day?
This morning I played music for a while. Then emails or phone I guess. Organising musicians and flights what not.

Can you describe an "average" working day for you?
As with many people I think work is now less constrained to 9 to 5. This is especially true in the music industry. I work weird hours. The computer and the internet is the main operations point for me. I'm a bit of a geek so that suits me fine. Lately we've been trying to get the "business" going so I have been putting in lots of hours on management stuff. I do all our online stuff like web site, myspace. As a muso you have to be very versatile. Some of the things I might do on a normal day include : Web Design, Accounting, IT Management, Business Management, Audio Production, People Management, Hostage Negotiation, Massage...the list goes on but I know this way of life is true for many people in the world...

Who or what in the arts world most inspires you?
All forms of creativity inspire me. I love movies, books, TV. I particularly like American Dad. I think the writing is edgy and and exciting...something I would like to be.

What's the toughest challenge you've dealt with on the job?
Keeping relationships working with the people you work with is hard. People are so complex and sensitive. If only I had an army of robots.

What's the best piece of advice you were ever given for your career?
To take the nervousness you might feel sometimes before a performance and use it to your advantage. Don't look at it as a bad thing. Just enjoy the rush.

What are the top three skills you need in your particular role?
Song writing skills
Ability to live with parents

What's the best thing about your job?
Women seem to like you more.

And the worst?
No money :(

And if you had to sum your working life in a word or phrase, what would it be?
Very strange indeed. But good...!

WOMADelaide 2010
5- 8 March, 2010 Botanic Park