Danny Phegan says he’s watched friends and family die – that’s why he really tries to live.
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Producing an album had long been on the bucket-list for the muso who is a much-loved fixture on the country music scene together with his mates in The Longreach Band.
The premise of trying to live life the best he can has been transformed into the heart-felt lyrics of his first single released on September 25.
From Where I Stand also forms the title track of the dream debut album, to be launched at Phegan’s favourite stomping ground The Kinross Hotel on November 4.
The song depicts life's journey, the importance of love along the way and trying to do the best you can from where you stand, according to Phegan.
And the film clip is a “cracker”, he says proudly, featuring local faces, a cameo by his family and shot in the township of Walla.
The fact the single had 1500 views in the first 24 hours “meant a lot”, Phegan said.
“I’m thrilled with the traction it’s getting not only because of the amazing support I’ve had from friends and family but because this is what the Country Music Channel looks at in terms of wider exposure.
“At 41 I’m not getting any prettier and it’s something I’ve thought about doing for a long time.”
Phegan is hoping the album will give both himself and the band “more street cred” to secure bigger gigs across the country.
Closer to home, though, he wants to show his musically-minded children to follow their dreams.
“If they ever want to go through this process, then their dad will have a bit of inside knowledge into how it all works,” Phegan said.
“I want to make my friends and family proud and if they weren’t liking, sharing and commenting then there wouldn’t have been the catalyst for what I’m doing."
Music has been a constant companion in the life of the well-known Walla farmer who played his first gig at 16 and has performed somewhere around the traps every week since.
He’s always been very realistic about his singing abilities but this is a man who believes in “having a crack” in life.
Phegan is the first to admit he has a filthy temper, works hard, plays hard “and at times I drink too much”.
“A sick child or a great song make me cry,” he confessed during an emotion-charged post on his Facebook page ahead of the single release.
“My family has seen me at my best, and loved me at my worst.
“I'm just trying to live this life the best I can … From Where I Stand.”
The album will be available for pre-order purchase on iTunes in the coming week.
