On the Couch with John Fleming

Arts Review On the Couch John FlemingWho is John Fleming?
John is a musician and creative artist best known as the taller half of the Scared Weird Little Guys. The Scaredies finished up some years back and there has been may varied projects including writing this JT show, directing a music festival, playing in bands and mentoring in songwriting and singing.

What would you do differently to what you do now? 
I really enjoy everything that is going on in my life right now… I just wish it was a little more spread out! It is VERY busy… December is free though!

Who inspires you and why?  
I’m inspired by all I’ve learned about James Taylor. In the midst of all his darkness he kept producing great songs. He’s unstoppably creative.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
You can’t teach anyone anything really (ironically my kids have taught me that). So I’d like to be the most authentic, honest and bold version of myself I can be… maybe that will encourage others to do that too.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
Recently I was in Japan with my son – that was really fun, but right now anywhere without my phone would be great.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
I love Lygon Street, Brunswick for the Gelobar; The Arts Centre precinct for the lighting; DeGraves Street for a snippet of Europe; and home for a cup of tea.

What are you currently reading?
How Paris became Paris
. It’s a very interesting, if somewhat technical, account of the history of the city from a tourists point of view. Can’t wait to get back there once I’ve finished it.

What are you currently listening to?
All the James Taylor material… over and over and over! But in quiet moments I love to stick on some Gillian Welch, it’s like a palette-cleansing sorbet!

Happiness is?
I think it’s in the striving that I find fulfilment rather than any actual achievement. Having said that I’m happy when I’m busy and very happy when the fruit of my busyness is something I like.

What does the future hold for you?
So much. I’ve had a renaissance in the past few years and I feel that pretty much anything is possible. Producing a show, running a music festival, these things seemed impossible a while ago. I’m ready for anything.

John Fleming has amassed a huge wealth of experience born from literally thousands of hours on stage. For 21 years he was one-half of the internationally acclaimed and award-winning comedy duo Scared Weird Little Guys with Rusty Berther.

Since performing their final show in 2011, Fleming has pursued a broad range of activities including teaching, working in community arts, youth justice as well as directing a music festival. His broad range of experiences during this time has made him a seasoned performer whose empathy for characters and stories gives him a compelling presence.

John will premiere his latest show, James Taylor: Bittersweet and Low at Chapel off Chapel: 12 – 14 November 2015. For more information, visit: www.chapeloffchapel.com.au for details.

Image: John Fleming