Richard Dawson's evocative songwriting, and remembering Vic Simms

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are advised that this program contains the name and voice of someone who has died. 

Written from the small shed on his allotment in Northern England, the lyrics on Richard Dawson’s new album End of the Middle are filled with small observations and rich characters. He's a prolific and verbose songwriter, likening his habit of jamming too many syllables into the end of lines with "putting too many clothes in a suitcase". Rich's record is replete with his unusual guitar tunings and arresting singing voice. 

Bidjigal Elder and musician Vic Simms had a six-decade career, starting as an 11 year old touring with Col Joye and The Joy Boys. In an interview with Andrew Ford from 2016, Vic recounts the incredible story of writing and recording his debut album The Loner from Bathurst prison, and the concerts he got special leave to play - including at Sydney Opera House and shopping malls. When he decided he didn't want to play these concerts anymore, he was put in solitary confinement and the album was all but forgotten. The album has since been remastered, recreated and is widely celebrated, including by Luke Daniel Peacock who also joins this interview. Vic Simms died last week at the age of 78.