Fletcher Pilon - One of Those Artists That Truly Wears His Heart on His Sleeve (Winner of Australia's Got Talent - Season 8)

Since winning Australia’s Got Talent, Fletch has taken his time to focus on writing music that is as poetically strong as it is musically. Ranging from folk ballads to rock numbers, Pilon draws influence from his personal experiences and emotions. 

1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I started busking, playing guitar and writing songs when I was about 12. My family travelled Australia for 6 months in a caravan and I would busk in each town we went to, collecting stickers of the towns to put on my guitar case.

My dad taught me my first few chords on guitar and my brother, sister and parents have always been a big part of my journey, coming to my gigs and helping me set up like roadies.

In 2015, I lost my little brother Banjo in an accident, leading me to play a song I wrote in his honor on Australia’s Got Talent called 'Infinite Child'. I was lucky enough to win that show and have been touring, writing and recording since then. 

2. When did you first decide you wanted to pursue music and how did you start?

I first performed when I was 8 in a Michael Jackson tribute show at my school singing ABC. I remember getting off stage buzzing and feeling like “I just want to do that forever”. I had singing lessons from that point and started to write songs and perform as I learnt guitar around 12.

The years between then and Australia’s Got Talent involved playing gigs everywhere I could pretty well each weekend. I always loved to write stories and poems so to creating music and lyrics excites me.

3. Who is your favorite artist and why?

I have many favorites, but in choosing one I’d say Bob Dylan. He captures very real parts of the human experience and connects in a way that feels honest, profound and simple.

That’s one of the most captivating things in music to me: portraying complex and intricate feelings or issues so simply they hit you in the chest, make you think about life a little differently.

I saw him live a few years ago and I’ll always remember it: I’ve only got one poster on my wall and it’s Bob. 

4. How did you feel about being in and winning Australia's Got Talent?

I will always treasure the experience of Australia’s Got Talent. From the crew to the judges, contestants and hosts, everyone was so accommodating, fun and positive which made for a really enjoyable time. I am so grateful to have been able to honor my brother’s spirit and everything beyond that was a complete bonus to me.

The feeling of winning was a really overwhelming one. Obviously elation and thankfulness, but also bittersweet in that I’d gone on the show in tribute to Banjo and that I couldn’t share it with him psychically. I am a spiritual person and still feel his presence, and certainly did in that moment. To have my family and friends there to share it with me made it very special.

5. Which according to you is some of your best work yet?

I’m really proud of everything I’ve released and reflect on older songs and newer songs in different ways. With time my perception of them shifts and comes back around sometimes. There’s a song on my Thoughts EP called Paperback that is about wanting to make a difference and have my voice heard that I’m proud of. 

6. What piece of advice would you like to give to future and aspiring artists?

Work really hard. At writing, at performing, at everything. I think at the end of the day music is like anything: the people that really want it will find a way.

I want to say stay true to yourself, but as people we’re constantly learning and growing and changing our opinions on things- so stay true to yourself today, and make music that is honest and makes you proud. 

7. Which is your favorite book and why?

My favorite book is called Rich Dad Poor Dad. It actually isn’t related to music and is about growing your wealth and building assets. I want to be playing music for a long time and being smart with money will ultimately help me do that. 

8. What are your favorite plans?

My favorite plans are big ones. Lifelong dreams. I’d love to play arenas one day, have thousands of people sing my songs back to me. Make enough time to still surf often, and mostly I plan to always make myself and the people around me happy to the best of my ability. 

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Website: www.fletcherpilon.com

Instagram: @fletcherpilon

Twitter: @FletcherPilon