In the course of writing for Klementine I was lucky enough to be directed to the videos of a young YouTube talent by the name of Lachie Ranford.
Click here for Lachie's YouTube Channel
I found myself wondering where I knew that name from before I realised I had gone to school with Lachie a few years his senior. Naturally, I became intrigued by this home-grown sensation and ended up watching his cover of the Hall of Fame by The Script.
I have been a huge fan of acoustic covers for some time now and I was blown away by this young man’s voice. I got in touch with Lachie over Facebook and he was kind enough to answer a few questions for Klementine, so that all of our readers could find out a little more about this handsome, guitar-playing triple threat!
By Sarah Clark
Featured Artist: Lachie Ranford
Image Supplied
Why did you become interested in singing?
I first became interested in singing when I was asked to play a gig when I was around 12 years old. I'd been playing guitar for a few years already, but had never even thought about singing. About a week or two before the gig I still hadn't found anyone to sing for me and so I had to just do it myself, which I found really fun and have been doing so ever since!
When did you realise you had a talent for it?
I don’t think that’s something you ever really notice in yourself. For me it was more of a realisation of something that I really enjoyed and was able to express myself through.
How far do you want to take your performance?
At this stage, I don't really have a definitive destination that I'm aiming for. I’m constantly searching for new performance opportunities and am playing at a range of different events that all open up doors to more opportunities. So I'm kind of just seeing where it takes me at the moment.
What motivates you to keep going?
I think the thing that motivates me the most is watching other musicians perform and constantly learning new things that I can then incorporate into my own music. When there’s something you enjoy doing, it doesn't take much to find the motivation to do it.
Who do you credit with keeping you inspired?
My inspirations tend to constantly change, but I am definitely encouraged by the music of Bon Iver, Chet Faker, Matt Corby to John Mayer and Adam Brand.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
That’s a tough one, but ultimately I'd love to be able to call what I do 'work'. To have a full-time position in the music industry is definitely what I'd like to aim for.
Have you tried your hand at writing lyrics?
Yeah. I went through a stage of playing purely covers and struggled to produce original music, but have recently started getting back into writing my own music and can't wait to put some to tape!
If not singing, what else would you be passionate about?
I also have a strong interest in the production and engineering of recording. I've spent a bit of time in various studios around Melbourne, and the whole recording process fascinates me!
Tell me something about yourself that our readers might be interested in.
Hmmm, a couple of months ago I somehow ended up playing bass guitar for a Melbourne band, after hardly touching a bass before. I've been spending a lot of time lately playing a few shows with them around Melbourne and Sydney, and will be heading off to the Philippines in May to play a music festival.
Lachie’s Hall of Fame cover has over 65,000 views and the comments are overwhelmingly positive. Any comparison to Justin Bieber (who got his break via YouTube) is quickly put to rest with appreciation of the depth and control of his voice. One thing is for sure: young Mr. Ranford has an incredible talent and a bright future ahead of him. Get watching now and you’ll be able to say you were the first to know!
Are there any local talents in your area that you think we should know about? Name drop away in the comments!
You may also like...
Cover: The Script - Hall of Fame
Cover: Ed Sheeran - Don't
Cover: Passenger - Let Her Go