Aussie Singer Dan Sultan on Why He Loves Instagram

Although it took this Aussie singer-songwriter a while to embrace social media, he’s since become fascinated by what causes people to hit "like". Interview by Kate Barracosa.

Do you remember the first piece of equipment you bought?

I was in a video clip for Melbourne band The Pony when I was five – running around, being a kid for a song called The Big Picture. They paid me 80 bucks and I bought a Casio keyboard. I just mucked around on it but that’s how it all started. That’s still what I do, essentially.

What music-related technology do you like?

I have Monster headphones, which are great, particularly on long flights. I recently bought an octave pedal that lets you play a note one octave higher or lower. 

What social media platforms do you use?

Instagram. It took me a long time to get into it but now I’m well and truly sucked in. It’s interesting to see what people double-tap on.

Do you upgrade your devices often? 

I go through quite a few phones, dropping them or leaving them somewhere. I only got an email address six years ago and that was because I wanted a Fender Stratocaster on eBay.

What do you think of people who record gigs on phones?

I understand people want to document the moment but it’s good to put the phone away – they could miss something.

What are your thoughts on the way people use technology?

I’m not going to say people use it too much or not enough. Every generation is going to think the next generation isn’t doing things right. It’s about balance and not taking it too seriously. 

Main image: Luke Henery

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