From just a boy from Geelong with an old guitar to NINE Golden Guitars, the team over at Thomas Cook sat down with Adam Harvey to get to know the man behind the legend.

So tell us, how did it all begin for Adam Harvey, the musician? Tell us the story?

I had an aunty who moved into a unit and found an old guitar left behind by the last tenants. She asked if I wanted the guitar and I said that I would love to have it. I went and put some strings on it and brought one of those guitar chord books. Then I started playing along to my Dads Johnny Cash records. (and scratched the hell out of most of them, which he wasn't too happy about) 

I started singing around my home town of Geelong and then entered in lots of talent quests... but I couldn't win a chook raffle let alone a talent quest. 

Mum and dad eventually drove me up to the Tamworth country music festival where I busked in the main street. We started going back to Tamworth every year and I started playing in some of the pub and clubs. 

I got a lucky break when another artist asked me to record a duet with her. That song won a golden guitar at the country music awards and I was offered a record deal on the same night. 

That was where it all really started for me. 

Creative process… talk us through it! 

I really struggled to write songs (some people might say I still can't write them!!!) so I did a lot of co-writing. I got to write with some of the best songwriters in Australia and Nashville, and I really took everything in and learnt as much as I could from them. 

These days for me, a song starts with an idea and that idea will dictate how the music will go. for example... if the idea is about having a party or a good time, then the music will be fast, fun and up-tempo. If the idea is very sentimental, then the music will be slower and more serious.

John Williamson taught me to never be frightened to write songs about very personal things or family members in your life. John said we all go through the same highs and lows in life, and writing from that personal perspective creates a connection with the listener. 

There is no better compliment you can get as a writer when someone comes up to you and says "That song you wrote about your dad is exactly how I feel about my dad"... or... "We played your song at our wedding because it means so much"... or.. "we played your song at mum's funeral because it meant so much to her"  It's that personal connection that makes music so great!!!  

How would you describe your sound?

My sound is definitely more of a traditional country sound. I have always loved the sound from artists like Alan Jackson and George Strait, so I try to use their music as a guide for my own.

Who/what has been the biggest influence on your music?

My dad. He used to brainwash me with all of the classic country artists when I was a kid. Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, etc.  

What have you learnt in the world of making music? Do you have any motto you live by?

Hahahaha... I have learnt to trust your instinct and don't let people change who you are. There are a lot of critics/experts in the music business who will try and change your music and who you are in general. Always listen to advice but at the end of the day... be true to yourself and trust your gut!!!   

Do you feel that your taste in music heavily influences your fashion sense?

Hahaha what fashion sense... I have NO fashion sense.  I'm just so lucky that you guys provide me with all of the great clothes to wear!  

Most memorable live show moment?

I've been lucky enough to have some great moments. From people proposing on stage during the middle of a show, to performing at the most famous country music venue in America the "Grand Ole Opry" in Nashville.

Two of my favourite moments were singing Waltzing Matilda at the Rugby Wold Cup and also singing the National anthem at the MCG on Anzac day to 100,000 people.  

If you could go on a road trip with any artist, dead or living, who would it be?

There was a group years ago called the Highwaymen. The group consisted of Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. I reckon that would have been one hell of a tour!  

If you could travel to one place in the world right now, where would that be?

To be honest I'm not ready to fly overseas again just yet. I love travelling around Australia, and now that our kids don't like us anymore (they are 19 and 20 yrs old) my wife Kathy gets to travel with me. I can show her all of the wonderful places I used to come home and tell her about when she was raising our babies!

What is your favourite item from Thomas Cook?
I just LOVE the boots. They are so comfortable and last forever.  I'm pretty fond of the stubby coolers too... I put them to good use!!! hahahaha

Find out more about Adam Harvey here.