In this TBI Q&A, Don McGlashan tells us about his inspiration, his recent album Lucky Stars and upcoming projects.

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During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?

When I'm able to, I try to start early in the morning, because at that time I haven't quite woken up yet, and there may be some fragments of dreams still hanging around.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?

A good friend might say: “Don writes songs about his surroundings, his family and his friends. He’s also welcome to stay in my spare room and use my car when he comes to my town”

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?

The moment when I’m working on a new song, and I can almost see the whole thing finished; I suddenly know what it’s going to be like, but it’s like seeing someone’s outline through a frosted glass door. At times like that, I know there’s a long way still to go, but I can trust that it’s going to be worth it.

How does your environment affect your work?

For a while I had a window that looked out on a busy road, and then over the years, trees grew up and filled the frame with foliage. I have a feeling that, as a result, traffic imagery incrementally gave way to natural imagery in my songs.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?

Songs are quite small things, so even when you’re looking at the big picture, you don’t have to stand back very far.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?

The music business tends to push you towards competitiveness, narcissism, and entitlement.

You don’t need to buy into any of that.

Do what you have to do to get your stuff out there, but mainly focus on your own practice, and give other artists all the support that you can.

The world needs more of what we do - so we should get on with it.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?

Making and touring this latest album Lucky Stars has been right up there with my best ever creative experiences.

Who or what has inspired you recently?

Listening to and watching Delaney Davidson’s videos for Little Heart and Homeward Bound. Scary, dark storytelling. Ronald Hugh Morrieson with a distortion pedal.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I’ve lived in Auckland most of my life except for a year in New York in my early 20s, and 4 years in London when the Mutton Birds signed to Virgin UK.

Tell us about your latest album Lucky Stars.

It was written over the last 6 years, but recorded last year quite quickly in various studios, living rooms and a bach. I set out to make a solitary, inward-looking record, but it turned out more optimistic and sociable than that.

What was the idea behind There Goes the Neighbourhood tour to the suburbs?

Auckland is a great town, but it sprawls for miles, and everyone seems to spend hours in their car getting anywhere.

Thankfully, there's a growing mood to change all that; one day we'll have a pedestrian-friendly city where people whizz around on clean, efficient public transport. In the meantime, though, I reckon people like me can do our bit by touring to where Aucklanders actually live.

What are some of your other upcoming projects?

I’ve stopped doing film and TV music, so the next project will be working towards my next album. Having said that, Shayne Carter and I are working on a duo show for the Auckland Festival next March.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?

I envy builders sometimes. Working outside; stopping when it gets dark; seeing tangible evidence of your usefulness…

What place is always with you, wherever you go?

Kawakawa Bay, looking north up the Tamaki Strait.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?

Driving, I think, especially long distances with friends in the car. Everybody sharing new favourites and talking about them.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?

A little outrigger canoe with a sail. Made heaps of them when I was a kid.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?

“Here, drink this. It’s an 18 year old MacAllan”

What’s great about today?

It’s only a few days away from my There Goes The Neighbourhood Tour Of Auckland.

What’s your big idea for 2016?

To have a year full of music, life and adventure.

Don McGlashan and The Secret Compartments - There Goes the Neighbourhood Tour is on 25 - 29 November.