A Conversation with John Fairhurst | The Echo Town Podcast | Episode 5 We had our mate John Fairhurst round to the gaff for a long overdue catch-up,. We haven't seen this fella in 6 years and after having a great previous day fishing and BBQing the vibe was right to hit record on the cameras and mics and have a chat. We have always loved what this guy does, who he is and how he operates.
We talk about music, getting sober, burning out, rising from the ashes, the strange world of playing gigs when you no longer drink, and why live music still feels like one of the most important things humans do together.
John also shows us the beautiful handmade guitar he’s built from scratch using scrap pieces of timber from skips, bone found in fields, and an old accountant's sign. He talks about stepping back into music after years away, and we get into AI (as it's such a hot topic these days), social media, band life, recovery, creativity, and the general madness of trying to make a living as an independent musician. Just a great all round honest conversation.
Swearing, laughing, and honesty from the outset.
Go check out John's music @JohnFairhurst and subscribe.
www.johnfairhurst.com
Follow him on all the usual social media channels @johnfairhurstmusic
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www.echotown.co.uk
00:00 Intro and fair warning
01:29 Catching up with John
05:32 Sobriety and coming back changed
09:50 Old songs, drinking and writing from pain
13:13 Music as medicine
19:17 Watching someone rebuild
25:05 Breakdown or breakthrough
31:42 Playing gigs sober
34:13 John’s handmade guitar
41:00 Foot drums and learning again
49:36 Social media and the independent musician grind
51:48 AI, live music and the future
1:02:49 Hacked socials and modern content
1:28:58 Festivals, fans and keeping music alive
1:32:45 Wrapping up, the Legendary Stonehenge Story