John Newsome

My name is John and I write songs.

Specifically words and melodies with acoustic guitar.

Normally bios are written in classy 3rd person yet I would rather tell my honest story this way. I believe that each of our stories are powerful when told authentically.

I have always been drawn to creative expression in music. There is a photo that sits on my piano at home of a three year old me playing, cheekily, with a 2 track reel to reel player. A series of sparks could be blamed for my musical obsession. Playing on a little organ, a first guitar, hearing John Farnham sing Amazing Grace in 1988 with Venetta Fields. Being the lead singer of a school rock band, playing Beatles and Eagles covers. It's always been a part of me.

Yet, it was song writer's who really compelled me. I studied music theory in school, keen to understand the building blocks of composition. Then I studied song writers. Like the way Iva Davies from Icehouse weaved chords around melody or how Neil Finn created poetic lyrics and set them to subliminal acoustic music. Lennon and McCartney, Sting..so many song writers who inspired the writer I am today.

In my early years, I wrote songs and produced cassette tapes. I gave them cool names and produced art work with oil pastels. I gave them to my wife during our dating years, who is still able to sing those songs. I fiddled with 2 track reel to reel and sang in the bathroom to make use of the natural reverb. Then I bought a Yamaha 4 track recorder in '94 which set my imagination on fire. All the time, honing and waiting for the right time to show the world my music.

In 2000, I had my first real recording project, singing and co-writing songs with children at Gosford Christian School. I was so excited and so alive at the process of writing and recording. We made 2 CDs called Take a Squiz and Hot cakes. My desire to create reflective music that helped people touch heaven was born.

In 2007 I decided it was to time to realise my musical dream and create a CD. I called it Mesmerising. I wanted it to speak of the Music/God journey that I had learnt prior to that and hint at the wide tapestry that was a life of faith, hope and love. Another long waiting season followed, with the birth of our three children bringing such joy. Yet I still hungered for more. Falling Awake was the antithesis of that waiting season again, where I poured out song after song.

With Falling Awake, we set out on a big adventure to travel Australia in a caravan with 3 kids under 5. Around the country I played the songs- busking, performing and making radio station connections. I won a busking competition. I was interviewed on radio stations and featured on Praise Oz programme for Sonshine FM Perth. I am grateful for the continued support of radio stations around Australia including Rhema Newcastle, Rhema Sunshine coast, Cooloola Christian radio

In 2013 I appeared on Channel 9s Wesley Impact as a guest artist I was finally achieving what I had dreamed of 20 years before.

After exploring rock and acoustic, I decided to study who I want to be as an artist from now. I love acoustic music and I desired to return to the place where I started. In going back I am coloured by my experiences for the better. Returning to the place we started has a glorious road to take. I am looking forward to sharing these songs and seeing them used as the sound track to trust and faith in a God who never leaves us. To breathe life into potential dreams and encourage the traveller see the beauty of their beginnings.

Welcome to the place where you and I started.